We hope you’ve packed your appetite. We’re finishing our Hit the Road series with a foodie foray to 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 lobster gnocchi 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, plus our insider recommendations.
- Drive time: ~1 hour from downtown Richmond
- Est. population: ~45,000
- Avg. high in January: 47°
Book a bus with up to 32 friends. | Photo by @hoponcville
Photo by @hoponcville
🎟️ Things to do
Cville Hop On Tours
Claim your bus seat online and 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 fill.
Charlottesville City Market
, 100 Water St.
Cville’s oldest outdoor market is open on Saturday mornings from April until November and stocked with local vendors, artisans, fresh produce and homemade baked goods.
Botanical Garden of the Piedmont
, 950 Melbourne Rd
Enjoy this 14+ acre garden that features a wildflower meadow, a Children’s Garden, a trail system, and more.
🍲 Memorable eats
Visitors to Tilman’s can purchase grab-and-go cheeses and wines. | Photo by @tilmanscheeseandwine
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.
Bodo’s Bagels
, multiple locations
Bodo’s is a breakfast favorite among locals and students alike. All three of its locations make bagels from scratch with dozens of toppings to build your own sandwich.
Tilman’s Wine Bar and Cafe
, 406 E. Main St.
Pick up lunch, nibble a charcuterie board, or enjoy a wine tasting at this casual spot on the Downtown Mall.
🍷 Accommodations with award-winning cuisine
Oakhurst Inn
, 122 Oakhurst Cir.
This boutique hotel is just steps from UVA 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 and Carter Mountain Orchard, but it also 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 good after a pool day or a pickleball date.
Looking for more travel ideas? Catch up on our other Hit the Road features: An outdoor adventure in Shenandoah National Park and a 30-mile getaway to Petersburg .