IT used up all its vacation days for "spring break," but that can't stop us from traveling. Our solution? Weekend getaways. And, thanks to a current U.Va. student (and writer) Sara Tisdale, we already have our first one-and-a-half day trip planned:
We Charlottesville residents love to brag about our recently dubbed status as "America's No. 1 Place to Live." While there's enough to do and eat here to keep you busy and full during your four-year degree, for visitors, it's the perfect town for a weekend getaway. Consider this itinerary:
Start off early, just as Thomas Jefferson would advise. Begin with a morning tour of his Monticello, perched on a mountaintop just outside the city. Then head back to U.Va.'s Central Grounds to grab a quick lunch at The Virginian or Michael's Bistro, which both offer outdoor seating and attractive people-watching.
Cross the street to the grounds (a UNESCO World Heritage site) where you'll see the rotunda, the heart of the University of Virginia. There, meet a student guide for a historical tour of the Lawn, an expanse of manicured turf and historical academic buildings that make up what Jefferson called the "Academical Village." When you're done, explore the gardens behind each Pavilion—you'll know what these are after your tour. Pick your favorite garden (ten in all) and sit and rest a while.
When you're ready to leave campus, walk back through the Corner (the brick-lined street of shops and restaurants that lines the main campus) and up Main Street, over the train tracks and towards downtown. This is the city's central thoroughfare, and it's here that you'll encounter the countless restaurants that make Charlottesville's dining one of its main attractions. If only for looking, drop into the Main Street Market. A complex of old-world–style shops—a fishmonger, a bakery, a handmade chocolate shop, and a café and catering company aptly named 'Feast!'—the market is perfect for grazing all the culinary delights local producers have to offer. If you need an afternoon pick-me-up, stop into Milano for some espresso, or (my favorite) gelato and a waffle.
Continue down Main Street, past the Lewis and Clark statue to the Downtown Mall: Charlottesville's Europe-inspired pedestrian mall. Take your time browsing the 120 shops, galleries, bookstores, boutiques, cafés, and outdoor vendors that make the mall the bustling center of the city, especially in the summer, when outdoor seating, flowers, and a summer concert series make the Downtown Mall the place to see and be seen among Charlottesville's residents. When you're tired of walking, indulge in Charlottesville's regional gourmet dining at any one of these restaurants on or surrounding the Mall: C&O, Cassis, OXO, Himalayan Fusion, Petit Pois, Fleurie, Zocalo, and Bang all get rave reviews. If you're up for it, end the evening with a show at LiveArts or The Paramount. Before calling it a night, linger in some of the local bars, which often feature live music: The Dave Matthews Band has been known to play at Miller's. When it's time to tuck yourself in, choose one of these choice Charlottesville hotels: Keswick Hall, The Boar's Head Inn, The Dinsmore House Inn, or the Omni Charlottesville.
The next day, take things easy. Sleep in and plan for breakfast or brunch at Mono Loco, the aptly named Fuel Co., Mudhouse Coffeehouse, or Café Cubano—all downtown. Spend the morning strolling the Downtown Mall's boutique shopping—my personal favorite (forgive me, gentlemen) is Eloise, a women's clothing store that features beautiful, handmade clothing, perfumes, and lingerie. On your way out of town, stop by a local takeout/grocery place like Foods of All Nations or Hotcakes to pick up a tasty, nourishing snack for the trip home.
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