ISO: Charlottesville, VA area B&B, Inns, restaurants

[Susan]

Hello Fellow CLers~

Does anyone know of any *romantic* http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif places to stay in the Charlottesville, VA area? Any restaurant suggestions or must-do's for the C'Ville area? I am trying to plan a trip for dh & myself for July. Thanks in advance!

~~Susan~~

[greta]

susan,
i lived in c'ville for 8 years and still love to visit. i would highly recommend the silver thatch inn as a place to stay. here's a link to their website: www.silverthatch.com (http://www.silverthatch.com)
as far as things to do (places to visit), monticello (the home of thomas jefferson) is a nice place. there are some GREAT places to hike within the surrounding area--i can give you more details if you're interested.
c'ville also has lots of good restaurants. the metropolitan is one of the more pricey, but better restaurants in town. the ivy inn and duner's are also great. there's a bunch more depending on what you're looking for...if you give me an idea of what kind of restaurants you like, i will narrow it down for you.
you'll love it!
--greta

[Gail]

Hi Susan,

Less than two months ago, we stayed at the Silver Thatch Inn in the outskirts of Charlottesville and thought the place was lovely. Located in an 18th Century structure (they've since added on two wings which are completely in keeping with the feel of the original building) each of the rooms offers a unique décor and charming, comfortable furnishings. (Caution though; some of the bathrooms are a bit cramped.) The place is run by a couple of friendly transplants from California, with the husband doubling as chef to their highly rated restaurant on the premises. Although we didn't take advantage of the dining while there, the menu certainly looked interesting.

Check out www.silverthatch.com (http://www.silverthatch.com) to have a virtual look at the place.

Although the number one tourist spots in the area are obviously Monticello and Michie Tavern, another kind of fun thing to do is to visit at least one of the wineries up Highway 29. Since we'd had an amazing Merlot from Barboursville, that was our choice (lovely winery; some good wines, some mediocre) but there are quite a few to choose from. Pick up a map while you're in town and check 'em out.

[Gail]

Greta,

Tee hee! Great to know I picked a winner from a local!

[Susan]

Oh, thank you Greta and Gail for the recommendation! I just looked briefly at the
Silver Thatch Inn web site, and it sounds delightful! I am anxious to tell my dh about it when he gets home from work tonight! The winery you mentioned also sounds like something we would enjoy doing, Gail - thank you!

~~Susan~~

[KathrynY]

Hi Susan - Don't forget to visit the University of Virginia's historic lawn area. Lots of beautiful Jeffersonian architecture, serpentine walls etc. (I'm a UVA alum http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif)

As far as restaurants, I also recommend Duner's (it's a short distance outside of Charlottesville in Ivy, off route 250 I believe). I had a delicious meal during a recent visit at a Brazilian restaurant called "Copacabana" (located in the shopping plaza across Rt. 29 from Fashion Square Mall).

If you're driving up Route 29 North in search of wineries, there are also a lot of antique stores in that area. A fun way to spend an afternoon.

If you're interested in heading west a bit, the Blue Ridge Parkway has an entrance at the top of Afton Mountain between Charlottesville and Waynesboro off I-64. Lovely views of the Shenandoah Valley and a very peaceful drive.

[greta]

kathryn,
i too am a uva alum. what year did you graduate?

[KathrynY]

Hi Greta,

I graduated in '89 (egads that seems a long time ago!). Being so far away, it's funny the number of people that I've run into here in the north with some sort of UVA affiliation. I even had someone pull up beside me at a stop light, noticing the "UVA Alumni" license plate holder on my car, and yell out his window to ask me what year I graduated! How about you?

[Susan]

Thank you for all your suggestions, ladies! Unfortunately, we've had to postpone our trip until the fall. I'm a bit depressed right now but know the C'ville area is beautiful in the fall.

Greta ~ We are interested in moderately priced restaurants that can comfortably accomodate my 6' 3" hubby http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif. We enjoy all types of cuisine. Thanks!

~~Susan~~

[greta]

kathryn,
i graduated in '92. it's fun to run into va people here in ny--probably b/c it doesn't happen nearly as frequently as it would if we were in dc or southern cities.

susan,
it's MUCH nicer in c'ville in the fall--so, don't be depressed.
i can empathize with your husband--i am 6'0" tall. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif
remind me as it gets closer and i'll put a list together for you.

[KathrynY]

Susan, if you're planning your trip for the fall be sure to check the UVA football schedule and try to avoid a home game weekend if you can: http://virginiasports.fansonly.com/sports/m-footbl/sched/va-m-footbl-sched.html. The city will be mobbed on home game days, and you will have a difficult time getting into a restaurant (unless of course you're a football fan, in which case enjoy the game! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif). Also avoid Parents' Weekend (Oct 26-28, 2001) for the same reasons.

You will love C'ville in the fall. Have fun and let us know how your trip turns out!

[This message has been edited by KathrynY (edited 06-13-2001).]

[ebf9q]

Recommendations for anyone planning a trip to Charlottesville, VA:

To stay in the country:
Clifton Inn (Keswick, VA)
Prospect Hill (Trevillians, VA)

To stay in town:
1817 Inn (West Main Street)
Inn at Court Square (Downtown)
Colonnade Club (if you know someone at UVa to sponsor you)

To eat:
C&O Restaurant (my absolute favorite)
Metropolitan
Bizou
Continental Divide
and just about anywhere else on the Downtown Mall