Tollie & Matt
Local Adventures
Vineyards
Charlottesville has tons of wineries and vineyards. A few of our favorites are Pippin Hill, Veritas and King Family Vineyards. We highly recommend making a reservation for lunch and wine on the covered veranda at Pippin Hill if you'll be around on Saturday. If you would like to really explore the Monticello wine trail, the Cville Hop on Tour is a great option for Friday or Sunday!
Breweries
Great breweries in the surrounding area include Blue Mountain Brewery, Bold Rock Hard Cider, Devils Backbone Brewing Company, Starr Hill Brewery and Wild Wolf Brewing Company. There are also a few breweries within walking distance to the hotel, include Three Notch'd Brewery, Champion Brewing Company, Wild Wold Brewing Company, and South Street Brewery.
Monticello
Tour the grounds and home of Thomas Jefferson—author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, third president of the United States and founder of the University of Virginia.
Hiking
Charlottesville’s location at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains makes for some fabulous hiking trails within close distance. Our favorite hike is on Humpback Mountain. Its a 3 mile up-and-back hike with awesome views at the top. Another favorite is Old Rag, a 5.5-mile loop complete with a rock scramble finalé and an excellent payoff.
Historic Downtown Mall
A visit to Charlottesville isn't complete without a stop at the Downtown Mall. It is one of the most beautiful and successful pedestrian malls in the nation, and is located in historic downtown Charlottesville. A wonderful mix of restored and renovated buildings that can be seen by visitors as they enjoy shopping, dining and visiting along the brick-paved pedestrian area.
The University of Virginia
The heart of Grounds (we don't call it a campus) is The Lawn, which is the center of the Academic Village designed by Thomas Jefferson. (And yes, "streaking the lawn" is a very real thing here). At the end of The Lawn is the Rotunda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Surrounding the lawn are 54 lawn rooms, serpentine gardens, and 27 range rooms. Matt was selected by fellow 'Hoos to live on The Lawn (25 W. Lawn) his 4th year and the bride's father, Rock, lived in 47 West Range (the founding location of the Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity) when he attended UVA. Other Range residents include Edgar Allan Poe (13 W. Range) and Woodrow Wilson (31 W. Range). The UVA Corner (a vibrant intersection of student life and locals) is conveniently across the street from the Rotunda and includes eateries, shops, and college bars (including Trinity, where the bride and groom had their first dance)! Bodos Bagels, Boylan Burger Bar, and Take It Away are a few of our favorite lunch spots!
Dinner Recs
If you get in town early, we recommend checking out one of these dinner spots Friday before the welcome party! Public Fish & Oyster House - great oysters and seafood on the patio Bebedero - modern Mexican with a good cocktail menu C&O - Country french fare and deep wine list The Alley Light - small plates and shareable dishes with a good cocktail list Ten Sushi - suck and sake in a contemporary setting Brasserie Saison - Modern European Fare and house-brewed beer Little Star - small international plates and fun cocktail on the patio Oakhart Social - Pizzas and cocktails on an outdoor patio Mas Tapas - A mile from the downtown mall, our favorite tapas spot!
Coffee & Brunch
A few breakfast spot ideas before you head out of town! Grit coffee Farm Bell Kitchen Mudhouse Coffee Citizen Bowl - quick lunch spot Tavern & Grocery - brunch Bodos - local bagel shop