AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Moving is tough. Broken dishes, fussy kids, and so (so) many boxes. We’ve been there—from moving ourselves across town STARR HILL BREWERY to helping thousands of clients move on to their next adventures.
Relocating adds another layer of complexity.
Not only do you have to tackle the typical moving logistics, but you also have to get to know an entirely new city. Where’s the closest pharmacy? Are there bike lanes downtown? Who’s the best pediatrician? Where can I get decent takeout? Many parts of your current life have to be recreated.
We’re here to help. BODO’S BAGELS As you get to know Charlottesville, we hope you’ll use this guide to discover some new favorite spaces, places, and faces. Not only do we have our own tips on where to visit, eat, and relax, but we’ve polled some of the most connected C’villians on what tops their own lists.
After all, you’re a C’villian now! And, don’t forget to reach out for more recommendations. We think this town is a great place to call home, and hope you will too! GREENWOOD GOURMET GROCERY LIVE WHERE YOU LOVE.
DeborahAnn Roth Rutter Associate Broker
[email protected]@nestrealty.com 434.996.2142828.575.3136
COVER PHOTO: HIGHLANDS
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA LIVE ARTS Table of contents PAGE 2 Charlottesville by the Numbers Facts and figures about the area.
LAMPO RESTAURANT PAGE 4 Learn the Lingo Talk like a local in no time.
Page 5-25 An Insider’s Charlottesville Ideas for a quick visit... Shop ...... 6 Relax ...... 9 Move...... 10 Kiddos and Family Fun ...... 13 Learn ...... 14
BRIDGE PROGRESSIVE ARTS INITIATIVE Culture ...... 16 Hope You’re Hungry ...... 20 Fitness ...... 27 Page 18 Charlottesville Area Map A bird’s-eye view of the town. Page 28 Four Seasons Something’s always happening in C’ville.
BRAZOS TACOS Page 30 What’s Nearby? Start planning your day trips now! Page 33 Plan Your Visit Tips on where to stay and how to get around.
But don’t take our word for it. On pages 7, 11, 12, 15, 17, 21, and 26 we feature some of our favorite Charlottesville Insiders!
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA UVA CORNER DISTRICT 230,000+ 48,000 Population Population (greater Charlottesville area) (within the city)
2 61,500 3,000+ Fan capacity of Citizens naturalized UVA football’s Scott Stadium at Monticello since 1962
2,000+ Employees of the University of Virginia Health System (the largest employer in the area)
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA 1,179 300 The number of students enrolled in Restaurants Charlottesville High School
3 45 36 Horses that run at the Miles of paved and annual Foxfield Races unpaved trails in the city
3 1 Bodo’s locations Former WWE Superstars with vacation homes
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Learn the Lingo You’ll be sounding like a local in no time.
THE UNIVERSITY THE GROUNDS WAHOO No need to add “of Virginia” A surefire way to sound like Though the to the end of that phrase. a newbie is to say you’re official UVA visiting the UVA “campus.” mascot is the Cavalier, BBQ everyone here It’s pulled pork down south, STAUNTON calls them the not grilled burgers, Head west over the Wahoos (Hoos chicken, or brats. mountain to the quaint town for short). “Stan-tuhn.” Go, Hoos, go! RIO ROAD Don’t ask us why, but it’s MR. JEFFERSON Y’ALL pronounced “rye-oh.” Yep. People here say You’ll hear a Mr. Jefferson. few “you alls” DMB but definitely When a local band like the CROSE ROSE no “yous Dave Matthews Band makes The “Crow-zay” “Rose-ay” guys” here in good, you can abbreviate is a favorite wine from King Charlottesville. their name without Family Vineyards named You’ll hear 4 sounding cheesy. after the town in which the a southern vines grow, Crozet. accent and, MAIN STREET of course, the pervasive use Main St., University Ave., and MARTHA JEFF Ivy Rd. are all the same road. of the term Martha Jefferson Hospital “y’all.” Who really knows where it all is one of the two biggest begins or ends. hospitals in the area, but who has time to say TOWNIE THE MALL the full name? The undergrad It isn’t a shopping center term for us folks who live with a pretzel shop and a JPJ here but don’t national shoe chain. Instead That’s the nickname for the go to school. the Historic Downtown Mall is John Paul Jones Arena that For example, a collection of more than 100 not only hosts the Hoos, “Look at that local shops, venues, but also world-renowned townie on the and restaurants. acts like Elton John and bar stool. They Cirque de Soleil. are so old.” THE BYPASS Technically this is Route 250 East/West, but we call it by DID YOU The nickname “Wahoo” was what it allows us to do— KNOW: zip around town quickly given to UVA Sports teams and easily. and their fans in the 1840’s? (It’s a fish, by the way.)
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA An Insider’s Charlottesville
Whirlwind visit to C’ville* in your future? Use this guide to help whittle down all the options and ensure you make the most of your quick trip.
SHOP RELAX MOVE KIDDOS AND PAGE 6 PAGE 9 PAGE 10 FAMILY FUN PAGE 13 5
LEARN CULTURE HOPE YOU’RE FITNESS PAGE 14 PAGE 16 HUNGRY PAGE 27 PAGE 20
* A common abbreviation for Charlottesville. You’ll also see lots of CVL stickers on cars.
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA SHOP For those who like to give their credit card a workout, you’re in luck.
Roxie Daisy | For shoppers who love The Ruckersville Gallery | More than 85 to browse through beautifully curated dealers call this antique mall home. As linens, jewelry, glassware, and more. you head north of town, look for signs roxiedaisy.com for the airport to your left to get a sense for how close it is to town. Scarpa | Oh, the shoes. All the pretty, ruckersvillegallery.com pretty shoes. thinkscarpa.com
Mincers | The unofficial official shop for all of your Wahoo gear. (Skip the actual UVA bookstore. This is easier to get to… and a lot more fun.) mincers.com
The Virginia Shop | Need to bring home a souvenir? Try some Virginia peanuts or Mad Hatter hot sauce! 6 thevashop.net The City Market | If you’re visiting on a Saturday morning, drive downtown and check out the local produce and crafts. charlottesvillecitymarket.com
ROXIE DAISY
THE CITY MARKET
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA 7
ROCK PAPER SCISSORS Dani Antol & Heather Haynie
“We feel so fortunate to live in a town that really understands the value in shopping local, and we cherish the meaningful relationships we’ve created with many of our ‘regulars.’ Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall is a gold mine of unique and locally-owned stores—many of whom we’ve come to consider dear friends. We know and trust that they are committed to bringing great quality products, whether it be food, clothes, gifts, etc. You can really feel good supporting these shops, knowing your dollars stay in our community.” thinkrpscville.com MCCORMICK OBSERVATORY
KING FAMILY VINEYARDS RELAX Easier said than done when relocating, right? Here are your best shots at unwinding during this difficult time.
Outdoor Yoga | Several of our local McCormick Observatory | The studios offer outdoor drop-in classes stars have truly aligned if you visit when the weather is nice. Common Charlottesville during one of the Grounds Healing Arts offers classes University of Virginia Astronomy in both eclectic urban spaces and Department’s public evenings. (Note, local wineries! Daylight Savings Time changes the commongroundcville.org observatory’s viewing hours.) astronomy.as.virginia.edu Spa Day | All this moving stress affecting your mind and body? Head Rooftop Cocktails | Nestle into one to Oasis Day Spa & Body Shop on The of the large, overstuffed chairs on Downtown Mall for a massage or other Commonwealth’s Skybar and enjoy a spa treatment. Bonus: Afterwards, you cocktail, some truffle fries, and some can walk two blocks out of the door excellent people watching. for a smoothie or coffee on The commonwealthskybar.com Downtown Mall. oasisspacville.com
A Winery Picnic | Pack a picnic filled 9 with local goodies and head to one of more than 25 wineries in the area. Don’t have a lot of time? Jefferson Vineyards is only 5 miles from downtown Charlottesville. jeffersonvineyards.com
The Gardens | Ten pavilion gardens are tucked behind the Lawn of the University of Virginia, and date back to 1824. Serpentine walls, historic boxwood, secluded benches, and a wide variety of local varietals welcome you year-round. UVA Alums can reserve gardens for private parties free of charge. virginia.edu/uvatours/gardens
OASIS DAY SPA
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA MOVE Regardless of your passion or skill level, there’s guaranteed to be an activity here in Charlottesville to get you moving.
Blue Ridge Ballooning | Forget a map, you can only bike on the paved roads you can get the lay of the land from within the park. above as you float across Charlottesville, nps.gov Virginia, in a hot air balloon. Your hour- Swimming at Chris Greene Lake | Relax long sunrise ride will take you 3,000 feet on the beach, swim in the lake, walk the above C’ville with breathtaking views of trails…you can even bring your four- the city and the Blue Ridge Mountains legged family member to a section of beyond. (Launch sites are determined by the beach and lake! weather patterns.) albemarle.org blueridgeballoon.com Golfing | Golf Digest rated Spring Horseback Riding | Ashton and his Creek’s golf course #55 on its list of team at Indian Summer Guide Service America’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses. will tailor a custom ride for you and Check in at the gatehouse and follow your group. the signs to the clubhouse. indiansummerguideservice.com springcreekgolfclub.com Tubing the “Rivah” | Take a relaxing 10 cruise down the James River. You’ll put in just outside of Scottsville, Virginia, and float three miles. The journey will take you about two to four hours. Be sure to make reservations! jamesriver.com
Bike Skyline Drive | Advanced cyclists will enjoy the climbs and scenic overlooks within this National Park. Note, BLUE RIDGE BALLOONING
SPRING CREEK GOLF CLUB
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA PARKS AND RECREATION Chris Gensic
“Charlottesville values its natural surroundings as part of our culture and lifestyle. The Parks Department is working with many partner organizations to protect, enhance, and expand the open space, waterways, and forests that provide access to outdoor recreation for our residents and guests. We are busy developing a system of trails throughout the city, and there is a major effort underway to purchase more undeveloped lands to balance growth with preservation of our cherished community landscapes.” charlottesville.org
11 SOCA (SOCCER ORGANIZATION CHARLOTTESVILLE AREA) David Breen & Stephen Jackson
“We’ve loved participating in SOCA as players growing up and now as volunteer coaches. Team sports are a great way for kids to connect with the Charlottesville community while learning technical skills and sportsmanship.” socaspot.org
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INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA KIDDOS AND FAMILY FUN Change is hard for little ones, but it can be exciting, too. Here’s just a small sampling of some family- friendly activities in Charlottesville.
UVA Athletics | Regardless of the Sweethaus | Vintage candies, coffee, season, there’s a good chance you’ll be and more cupcake flavors than you in town when one of the University’s could ever dream up on your own. teams is competing. Don’t overlook Cupcake decorating parties also make baseball, soccer, or lacrosse, as those for great birthday parties. fields have lots of room for the little sweethaus.com ones to roam. Jump | Long car ride into virginiasports.com Charlottesville? Get the yaya’s out on Onesty Family Aquatic Center | this trampoline field. Kids, please remind It can get very hot and humid in your parents they aren’t as young as Charlottesville, so cool off at this fun they used to be and to take it easy! city pool. Lazy rivers, water slides, an jumpcville.com obstacle course, and the snack bar will Hike Sugar Hollow | Watering holes be a hit with kids of all ages. and waterfalls pepper this scenic hike. charlottesville.org Be sure to check the level of difficulty Discovery Museum | Who knew learning against your little hikers’ ability before could be so much fun? Day passes and heading out. 13 yearly memberships are available. healthyincville.wordpress.com vadm.org
SWEETHAUS DISCOVERY MUSEUM
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA LEARN History buffs can pack a three-day visit full and still have museums, historic sites, and tours on their bucket lists.
Monticello | You can’t walk around number 13 and get a glimpse of how Charlottesville without bumping into a famous UVA student Edgar Allen Poe Thomas Jefferson influence or reference. would have lived? A must-visit. news.virginia.edu monticello.org Barboursville Ruins | Constructed by Ghost & Mystery Tour | For those who Thomas Jefferson and destroyed by a appreciate a more eclectic experience, Christmas Day fire, the ruins are all that this is a walking tour of “Charlottesville’s remains of James Barbour’s mansion. Mysterious Past.” The estate sits on what is now the tellmeaboutittours.com award-winning Barboursville Vineyards. bbvwine.com Highland | Thomas Jefferson isn’t the only President who called Central The Paramount Theater | Meticulously Virginia home. The long, tree-lined drive preserved to its 1930’s glory, this onto the estate of James Monroe alone beloved community theater even raised is worth the visit. an exact replica of its original “blade” highland.org sign. Musicians, operas, and stand up 14 comedy are just a few of the features The Raven Room | Odds are, you’ll be within The Paramount’s annual lineup. visiting The University’s Grounds on your theparamount.net visit. Why not stop by West Range room
THE PARAMOUNT THEATER UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA JEFFERSON MADISON REGIONAL LIBRARY John Halliday
“Central Virginia values life-long learning. In addition to great schools and one of the world’s finest universities, almost every day offers dozens of community workshops, lectures, films, and other educational programs for all ages. Central Virginia is a community of learners.” jmrl.org
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INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CULTURE In addition to small, medium, and large music venues, there’s always a busy arts and culture scene in Charlottesville.
Festivals | From music (The Festy and The Batesville Market | Just outside of LOCKN’) and the arts (Festival of the town, the Batesville Market serves up Book and LOOK) to innovation (Tom food, music, and southern hospitality Tom Founders Festival) and the eclectic on Saturday nights. Come hungry and (The Virginia Wine & Garlic Festival), ready to kick up your heels. there’s bound to be a festival when facebook.com/batesvillemarket you’re in town. Fridays After Five | From April to visitcharlottesville.org September, head to the Pavilion on The First Fridays | The first Friday of every Downtown Mall and unwind with the month welcomes the opening of new locals as the sun sets. Bands, food carts, installations by local and regional artists. and plenty of hills for the kids to roll Most of the galleries are on, or within a down while you boogie. quick walk of, The Downtown Mall. sprintpavilion.com secondstreetgallery.org UVA Department of Drama | The Bridge Progressive Arts Undergraduate, graduate, and visiting Initiative | The “Bridge’s” mission is to professionals perform all year long. A 16 engage artists within the community to separate parking garage ensures you better Charlottesville civically. Potter’s aren’t circling Grounds for parking as the Craft Cider hosts tastings on the patio lights dim and the curtain raises. on the weekends! drama.virginia.edu thebridgepai.org
THE FESTY
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA 17
LIVE ARTS Darryl Smith
“I’m extremely proud of and amazed by the talented group of local artists and Broadway-quality theater in this community. In just one weekend in Charlottesville, you could see a national recording artist at the Pavilion and be seated next to an Oscar-winning actor at your favorite restaurant on The Downtown Mall during the Virginia Film Festival.” livearts.org charlottesville area map Madison County
Albemarle County Greene County
RUCKERSVILLE Orange County 29
Augusta County 81 GORDONSVILLE
CROZET
WAYNESBORO 250 CHARLOTTESVILLE 64 250 Louisa County 18 64 Fluvanna County
29 Nelson County EARLYSVILLE 29 29 IVY NORTH CROZET RIO BARRACKS 250 RIO CHARLOTTESVILLE KESWICK 64 250
Buckingham County SOUTHSIDE
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Madison County
Albemarle County Greene County
RUCKERSVILLE Orange County 29
Augusta County 81 GORDONSVILLE
CROZET
WAYNESBORO 250 CHARLOTTESVILLE 64 250 Louisa County 19 64 Fluvanna County
29 Nelson County EARLYSVILLE 29 29 IVY NORTH CROZET RIO BARRACKS 250 RIO CHARLOTTESVILLE KESWICK 64 250
Buckingham County SOUTHSIDE
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA HOPE YOU’RE HUNGRY For foodies of all ages, life in Charlottesville is pretty darn great. Odds are, you could throw a rock in C’ville and hit one of our hundreds of restaurants, food carts, and pop-up parties.
BREAKFAST SANDWICHES
Ace’s Biscuit & BBQ | Regardless of your Revolutionary Soup | Several locations order, get a side of pimento cheese. serve up freshly prepared sammies, acebiscuitandbarbecue.com wraps, salads, and soups. Local ingredients take center stage. Get the Bluegrass Grill & Bakery | Homemade “pick two” of a sandwich and soup—the bread, biscuits, and sweets. From- turkey bacon club and spicy peanut tofu scratch breakfast all day. Come hungry, soup are our favorites. but be prepared to wait for a table. revolutionarysoup.com CASH ONLY. bluegrasscville.com Greenwood Gourmet Grocery | A charming gourmet market in Crozet. Bodo’s Bagels | A local treasure, great Pick up a boxed lunch with a sandwich, for a quick meal with the kids. Heads pasta salad, and a cookie, then head out up, Northerners, they don’t toast on your C’ville adventure. 20 their bagels. greenwoodva.com bodosbagels.com The Markets | You can get great food at Tip Top | One of the biggest menus you local C’ville gas stations. No, we’re not will ever see. Breakfast is served all day. kidding. Several locations around town, tiptoprestaurant.com all with sandwiches named after local spots and people. tigerfuelmarkets.com
Ivy Provisions | One of the newer sandwich kids on the block, and already there are lines out the door for lunch. Banh Mi? Yes, please. ivyprovisions.com
BLUEGRASS GRILL & BAKERY THE BEBEDERO Will Richey
“Dining is not a business, it’s something one does for the love of service, hospitality, the art of food and libation, and the joy in creating a memory for people to enjoy. I am grateful to carve a living out of this joy in the Charlottesville community.” thebebedero.com
21 BURGERS AND BBQ
Citizen Burger Bar | A menu designed Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie | There is nothing around locally-sourced ingredients. humble about this pizza. Homemade Great tap list, too. It’s your unalienable dough, locally-sourced ingredients. It’s right to eat a good burger. definitely worth the drive. Oddly enough, citizenburgerbar.com the nachos are pretty awesome, too. drhoshumblepie.com Riverside Lunch | A classic diner. Hungry? Get a double and a basket of onion rings. Don’t forget the sweet CASUAL DINNER tea, hon. facebook.com/Riverside- Fardowners | A local favorite in Lunch-127204539912 Downtown Crozet. Rotating specials, live music, and, as you settle in to life BBQ Exchange | The short drive out in C’ville, probably some familiar faces of town is worth it. If you’re visiting in regardless of the day of the week February, check out their annual event… you’re there. Porkapalooza. fardowners.com bbqex.com Blue Mountain Brewery | Blue Ridge Smoked BBQ Co. | What started as a views, local brews, and pub fare. When food truck and catering outfit, is now a the weather is nice, eat outside and full-fledged bricks and mortar restaurant maybe play some cornhole before you in Downtown Crozet. head home. smokedbbqco.com 22 bluemountainbrewery.com Pad Thai | Who doesn’t crave Thai from PIZZA time to time? This is where local chefs go to get their fix…so you know it has Lampo | They had to remove the roof to be legit. of this tiny restaurant to bring in an padthaicville.com authentic Italian pizza oven. Need we say more? Go early or expect to wait. Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar | We’ve never (It’s worth it.) had a bad meal here. Its steady focus on lampopizza.com Mediterranean cuisine and amazing wine pairings makes this the most upscale Christian’s Pizza | Huge slices. Crispy casual dinner you’ll find in town. crusts. Kids will love it because they can orzokitchen.com pick out their slice from behind the glass and then watch it go into a massive oven to warm up. visitcharlottesville.org
Crozet Pizza | In business for more than 30 years in Crozet, you used to have to call ahead (sometimes days ahead) for a pie. Thankfully, they’ve expanded so you don’t have to wait that long anymore. crozetpizza.com LAMPO
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA OAKHART SOCIAL BBQ EXCHANGE
DATE NIGHT COFFEE
C&O | A Charlottesville tradition for Mudhouse | In all locations around town, 40 years. Heading out for a bite after a you’ll find thoughtfully-sourced and 23 movie or show? Check out the great late carefully-roasted coffees. night menu, too. mudhouse.com candorestaurant.com Grit | Warm gathering places where you Duners | Another long-time can enjoy, coffee, food, beer, wine, and Charlottesville restaurant nestled into good company. the bucolic Ivy area. Big portions. No gritcoffee.com reservations. C’ville Coffee | A family-friendly shop dunersrestaurant.com that often holds meetings for club and The Ivy Inn | Classic date night, minus community groups as well as live music. any pretension. Impeccable service and Check out the indoor kids area. the chef/owner is continually nominated cvillecoffee.com for the James Beard Awards. Millie Joe’s | One of the most well- ivyinnrestaurant.com crafted cups you’ll find in town. Oakhart Social | Another new kid on The place to grab an espresso. the block featuring shared plates and 434.270.9706 wood-fired pizzas. You’ll think you’ve ordered too much, then you’ll go back for even more. oakhartsocial.com
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA THE ALLEY LIGHT KARDINAL HALL
BRAZOS TACOS FEAST! STAYING HEALTHY GRABBING A DRINK
Sticks | Not your typical “fast food” The Whiskey Jar | Even the most joint. Healthy Mediterranean platters, distinguished connoisseur can find a sandwiches, and salads. drink, with more than 125 varieties of stickskebobshop.com rye, bourbon, Scotch, and whiskey on the menu. Plus, from-scratch, locally- Hamiltons’ at First & Main | sourced fried chicken. Yum. Vegetarian? Try their locally-sourced thewhiskeyjarcville.com “Blue Plate Special.” hamiltonsrestaurant.com Beer Run | More than 800 grab-and-go beers in stock, but stop to have a pint Feast! | Perfect for a grab-and-go and some nachos from the full-service healthy picnic before hitting up a winery restaurant while you’re there. or two. Visit the cheese counter before beerrun.com you go—ok, we know that isn’t healthy— but it is just so good! Kardinal Hall | A modern spin on the feastvirginia.com classic beer hall and garden. Bocce, brats, and beer. You can catch the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar | Vegetarian, game here, too. vegan, and gluten-free offerings, all in a kardinalhall.com cozy, eclectic atmosphere. Come for the food, stay for the hookah and live music. The Alley Light | This tucked away teabazaar.com restaurant features cocktails that are works of art. SWEET TREATS alleylight.com Gearharts Fine Chocolates | Artisan 25 chocolates that will make you want to HIDDEN GEMS come back the next day for more. Brazos Tacos | Austin, Texas-style tacos gearhartschocolates.com with a personality. A cornerstone of the IX Art Park complex - explore the MarieBette Café & Bakery | This isn’t installations tacos in-hand. your typical bakery. Yes, the pastries and brazostacos.com baked goods are amazing, but so are their breakfast, lunch, and brunch menus Al Carbon | A South American rotisserie (and BRONUTS). and grill on Route 29 North. Order mariebette.com the Pollo Al Carbon. You won’t be disappointed. Paradox Pastry | You can’t help smiling alcarbonchicken.com when you walk into this Downtown Mall shop, the good spirits of the Cordon South Fork Food Truck | Southern Bleu-trained owner are infectious. food…on the move! Check their site to paradoxpastrycafe.com find out where and when they’ll be next. southforkfoodtruck.com Crozet Creamery | Mainstay menu flavors like Birthday Cake are Aromas Café | If you’re out shopping complemented by rotating specials, like at Barracks Road, duck into this locally- Heath Cone Crunch. Try the 22932 if owned, Mediterranean bistro for a glass you’re feeling really hungry! of wine and a Mezza Trio. crozetcreamery.com aromascafecville.com
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA MADABOLIC, INC. Dar Malecki
“Fitness in Charlottesville is competitive to any larger market, and paired with our organic farm to table food scene, is the perfect combination for your healthy lifestyle preferences. With a diverse number of boutique studios offering a wide array of classes, including some of the industry’s most in-demand methods, Charlottesville provides the best of fitness in the marketplace with the same local community vibe that makes Cville one of the best places to live.”
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INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA FITNESS Feeling your waistline expand from exploring all of the local restaurants our town has to offer? Fear not, there’s a workout routine in Charlottesville to meet your fitness goals!
acac | The Atlantic Coast Athletic Club MADabolic, Inc. | MADabolic Inc. is an is a traditional gym, with three locations innovative, interval driven strength and in C’ville. The club also owns an endurance program. Interval training “Adventure Central” playground with a more your style? Sweat it out in one waterpark. The Downtown location has of this studio’s small, focused classes. a rooftop pool! Voted Best Niche Gym since opening, acac.com 4 years in a row. madabolic.com Zoom Indoor Cycling | An immersive, indoor cycling experience. The lights and M3 Core Training | A New approach music are unlike any other workout in to boutique fitness. The only studio town. offering expert programming in Indoor zoomcville.com Rowing, The Megaformer (The Lagree Method), Boxing and Barre. It’s the next Piedmont Family YMCA | The newest generation for the Niche Gym! gym to call Charlottesville home. M3coretraining.com Basketball courts, a swimming pool, 15 and three kids zones are some of the Opal Yoga | Peace. Love. Yoga. Rock. 27 features this gym offers. If their mantra doesn’t hook you, one of piedmontymca.org their classes surely will. opalyoga.com Tread Happy | Virginia’s first run-specific studio. Every interval is timed to music! treadhappy.com
ZOOM INDOOR CYCLING
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Four Seasons
We are very lucky to have four distinct seasons here in Charlottesville. From fall-foliage drives to early summer berry picking, there are always opportunities to enjoy the best of what’s around.
SPRING SUMMER Charlottesville 10 Miler Polo at King Family Vineyards
Each year, thousands of runners brave Never seen polo before? This is the a chilly spring morning to run ten miles perfect venue to do so. Get to the and support a rotating local charity. The event early, so you can set up a tent event proudly promotes that it is “the right along the sideline and maximize area’s oldest footrace!” Wear layers, your Blue Ridge views. Stay until the though, as you will probably see the very end, and you can pet and take temperature rise throughout the race. pictures with the incredible horses that 28 cvilletenmiler.com participate in the match. kingfamilyvineyards.com
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Love to ski in the winter? Check out the local mountain, Wintergreen. wintergreenresort.com
FALL WINTER Apple Picking at Carter Mountain UVA Basketball
What more do you need than hot Games at UVA’s JPJ Arena have become apple cider and freshly-baked apple pretty darn exciting during Tony cinnamon donuts? How about pick-your- Bennett’s tenure as head coach. Tickets own apples, hayrides, pumpkins, and are hard to come by these days, so mountain views? Be warned, traffic lines plan ahead to see the Hoos. (And don’t get VERY long, so be sure to go as early forget to check out the women’s team as you can in the morning. when they are in town, too!) chilesfamilyorchards.com virginiasports.com 29
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA What’s Nearby?
Seven Day Trips From Charlottesville
1. The Start of Skyline Drive, Shenandoah National Park | 1 hour 45 Minutes Meander the 105 miles of this National Park, stopping to take in some of the amazing vista views. nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm
2. The Lincoln Memorial | 2 hours and 30 minutes (The Vienna metro stop is less than 2 hours!) Nestled in the heart of our nation’s capital, this monument is dedicated to one of the United States of skyline drive entrance Lincoln memorial America’s most interesting commander-in-chiefs. front royal, VA washington, DC nps.gov/featurecontent/ncr/linc
3. Kings Dominion | 1 hour and 20 minutes This amusement park features tons of rides for adrenaline junkies and plenty charlottesville airport (CHO) 30 of activities for those who like to take things a little bit slower. kingsdominion.com the homestead Charlottesville kings dominion hot springs, VA doswell, VA 4. Colonial Williamsburg | 1 hour and 45 minutes Guests of all ages can experience our nation’s history and live like they would in revolutionary times. amazement Square colonial williamsburg colonialwilliamsburg.com lynchburg, VA williamsburg, VA
5. V irginia Beach Oceanfront | 2 hours and 45 minutes Sand, surf, and sun—plus a boardwalk, aquarium, shopping and more! Virginia beach oceanfront Virginia beach, VA visitvirginiabeach.com
6. Amazement Square | 1 hour 20 minutes This children’s museum features four floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits designed to make learning fun. amazementsquare.org
7. T he Homestead | 2 hours Experience the Southern hospitality and elegant charm that have made The Homestead Resort a premier destination for 23 U.S. presidents dating back to the 18th century. omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia
(Commute times skyrocket on Friday afternoons. Plan accordingly.)
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Think Charlottesville’s in the middle of nowhere? THINK AGAIN!
Direct Flights from Charlottesville Albemarle Regional Airport New York | Philadelphia | Charlotte | Atlanta | Chicago
1 2 skyline drive entrance Lincoln memorial front royal, VA washington, DC
charlottesville airport (CHO) 7 3 31 the homestead Charlottesville kings dominion hot springs, VA doswell, VA 6 4 amazement Square colonial williamsburg lynchburg, VA williamsburg, VA 5 Virginia beach oceanfront Virginia beach, VA
DID YOU Within a 30-mile radius of Charlottesville’s KNOW: city center you can taste more than 400 local wines, beers, and spirits! Want a behind the scenes tour? cvilletours.com
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Do you root for the home or away team? Here are some pro-sports franchises within driving distance of Charlottesville.
Philadelphia, PA Home of the Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers. Only 250 miles away.
Pittsburgh, PA Home of the Steelers, Pirates, and Penguins. Only 315 miles away.
PITTSBURGH philadelphia
Baltimore, MD baltimore Home of the Orioles and washington, DC 32 Ravens. Only 155 miles away. Washington, DC charlottesville Home of the Wizards, Redskins, Nationals, and Capitals. Only bristol 120 miles away.
charlotte
Bristol, VA Like NASCAR? Bristol Motor Speedway is only 4 hours away…minding Charlotte, NC speed limits of course. Home of the Panthers and Hornets. Only 275 miles away.
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA Plan Your Visit
Is Charlottesville on your short list? Are you interviewing at a local company and hoping to get a lay of the land? It can be hard to get a feel for the city when you are in town for a short period of time. Here are some logistics resources to help you plan an efficient scouting trip.
FOUR MUST-VISIT AREAS:
The Downtown Mall | You have to Route 29 North | Take the time to cruise eat, so why not schedule a meal in up and down this main thoroughfare. a local restaurant situated on one of You’ll see more of the big box shops, the nation’s oldest pedestrian malls? grocery stores, and restaurants our town You’ll get a snapshot of some of the boasts. (Don’t worry, we have a Trader best food, entertainment Joe’s.) If you’re cruising at 8:30 venues, and local shops a.m. or 5:30 p.m., you’ll also Charlottesville has get to experience how to offer. our rush hour traffic stacks up to your current town’s 33 route 29 north busiest times of crozet 29 day. 240
250 the corner 64 250 Downtown The “Corner” | 64 Crozet | If Charlottesville’s you’ve got the 29 downtown mall truly a college time, hop on town at heart. If Route 250 and you’re visiting when head west out of an academic session town. Within five minutes is in full swing, driving you’ll start to see the Blue through the center of student Ridge Mountains—and within 15 you’ll life will give you a sense of the scale of see a few of the outlying planned the University. If you’re feeling brave, communities in our area. You’ll end up pop into local greasy spoon, The White in Downtown Crozet, where you can Spot, and try a “Gus Burger.” It’s a rite of pull up a bar stool at a local restaurant passage for students, and a favorite late- and ask the locals what they love about night stop for those who’ve been out living “outside of town.” and about.
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA ROUTE 29 UVA GROUNDS
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE,UVA VIRGINIA MEDICAL CENTER THE DOWNTOWN MALL WHERE TO STAY B&B | There are many welcoming B&B’s in the surrounding Charlottesville/ The Downtown Mall | The Omni is Albemarle area. A good option in town located on The Downtown Mall. It’s is the Oakhurst Inn. within walking or driving distance to any oakhurstinn.com interview downtown. omnihotels.com Classic Charlottesville | Looking for accommodations that are both luxurious UVA Grounds | The Graduate hotel will and comfortable? The Boar’s Head Inn make for a quick walk to any interviews or The Clifton Inn are excellent choices and meetings on Grounds or within the for service and southern style. UVA Health System. boarsheadinn.com, clifton-inn.com graduatecharlottesville.com Stay Charlottesville | Vacation rentals Pantops | Want easy access to Interstate more your style? Stay Charlottesville 64? Interviewing at Martha Jefferson? gives you a variety of options, from State Farm? The Hilton Garden Inn a renovated historic apartment on would be convenient. The Downtown Mall to a cottage hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com on a beautiful mountain vineyard. Route 29 | Need to be close to town? staycharlottesville.com You’ll want to stay at The Hyatt Place. Interviewing at NGIC? Need to head up to Northern Virginia early the next day? charlottesville.place.hyatt.com 35
STAY CHARLOTTESVILLE PROPERTY
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA WHAT TO READ Rental Cars | Picking up a car at the Charlottesville airport? You’ve got Still like to pick up a paper? five of the big names to choose from. The C-VILLE Weekly is an alt-weekly, and Enterprise is a good option for picking your best bet for local news and events. up/dropping off a car around town. c-ville.com gocho.com
Uber | Yep, Uber has made it GETTING AROUND to Charlottesville. uber.com How do you plan on navigating Charlottesville? Bikes | Charlottesville continues to add to its official bike lanes, but we’re still Public Transit | You can “Catch the Cat” working our way up to the level of, say, (Charlottesville Area Transit) within a Portland, OR. Be aware that not all the city center and out to a few of car commuters understand the ins and the main big box shopping centers in outs of sharing the road. There are many town. Unfortunately, buses do not visit great rides as you head out of the city outlying counties. Be sure to check out in all directions. Looking for rides? The the free trolley routes that run from Crozet Cycling Club can point you in the downtown to the University. right direction. charlottesville.org ubike.virginia.edu 36
INSIDER’S GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIAPUBLIC TRANSIT BIKES