We hope you’ve packed your appetite. This month, we’re finishing our Hit the Road series with a foodie foray into Charlottesville, VA.
Whether you’re interested in taking a tour of the Downtown Mall, putting your cooking skills to the test at a Happy Cook class, or trying the award-winning Sweet Corn and Pancetta at Orzo Kitchen and Wine Bar, this driving-distance destination is every foodie’s dream.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
- Drive time: ~1 hour from downtown
- Est. population: ~47,000
- Avg. high in August: 85°
🎟️ Things to do
Cville Hop On Tours | 520 2nd St.
Claim your bus seat online + explore one of 10 customizable tours of local cideries, breweries, distilleries, or wineries. Book a private tour if you’ve got a whole Saturday to plan.
Charlottesville City Market | 100 Water St. | Saturdays, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Cville’s oldest open air market is open on Saturday mornings from April-November, stocked with local vendors, artisans, fresh produce + homemade baked goods.
Gazpacho in the Garden | Morven Kitchen Garden, 600 Morven Dr. | Fri., Sept. 16 | 5-7 p.m.
Live like a local + join in celebrating the community garden with food, live music + lawn games.
🍲 Memorable eats
Ivy Inn Restaurant | 2244 Old Ivy Rd.
This award-winning family-owned restaurant has a seasonal American menu sourced from local farmers. Make a dinner reservation for indoor or outdoor patio seating, just a mile from UVA Grounds.
Bodo’s Bagels | 1609 University Ave., 505 Preston Ave., 1418 Emmet St.
Bodo’s is a breakfast favorite amongst locals and students alike. All three of its locations make a variety of bagels from scratch, and they go fast.
Tilman’s Wine Bar and Cafe | 406 E. Main St.
Stop by this casual spot while shopping the Downtown Mall to pick up lunch, nibble a charcuterie board, or try a wine tasting on its covered patio.
🍷 Accommodations with award-winning cuisine
Oakhurst Inn | 122 Oakhurst Cir.
This boutique hotel is just steps from the university and features its namesake cafe of breakfast classics and small plates. Espresso and wine are served in the lobby bar.
Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast | 1495 Milton Rd.
Plan an overnight stay in Virginia’s wine country, complete with a country breakfast to start your day. It’s driving distance from Monticello, Carter Mountain Orchard + has its own operating vineyard on property.
Boar’s Head Resort | 200 Ednam Dr.
With four eateries packed into this luxury resort, you’re sure to find something to fill you up after a pool day or a pickleball date.
Bonus: Catch up on the last two Hit the Road features: An outdoor adventure in Shenandoah National Park and a 30-mile getaway to Petersburg.
