Last month I had the pleasure of traveling to beautiful Charlottesville, Virginia for an ultimate girls getaway with good friends Shelby and Zelle. We had all three visited the city a little less than one year ago for Shelby’s bachelorette weekend and were excited to have the opportunity to experience even more of what Cville had to offer! As one would expect, our time in Charlottesville was chalked full of the most beautiful colonial-style buildings, rich history, sprawling vineyards, downtown dinning and a relaxing visit to the local spa!

OAKHURST INN

Located in the heart of downtown Charlottesville, on the University of Virginia campus, is the charming boutique hotel, Oakhurst Inn.  Once part of the campus itself, the cottage-style inn offers guests a true local experience!

We drove in early Monday morning from Raleigh, where we began the four hour road trip to Virginia. As soon as we arrived we knew we were in for a real treat! Tucked among large oaks on a circle drive sets the cottage-style inn. It is quintessential Charlottesville! There the girls and I were fortunate to have the entire second story of the main building to ourselves. Though we each had our own room, we shared a common area with the coziest fireplace. We spent our evenings laying by the fire, hanging out and catching up on emails. I actually slept in Zelle’s room the entire trip {hand over eye emoji}. It was like college all over again! 🙂 Each morning we would head down the inn’s cafe and expresso bar to fuel up for a long day. The breakfast sandwich, avocado salad and fresh carrot juice are a must!

 • 100 Oakhurst Circle, Charlottesville VA 22903 | (434) 872-0100 | info@oakhurstinn.com  •

NEROLI SPA

Whether in town visiting friends, celebrating an anniversary or just in need of some rest and relaxation, Neroli Spa is my top recommendation for a serene escape! Of the variety of services offered, Shelby and I enjoyed Neroli’s signature massage while Zelle opted for a custom peel. The atmosphere is all part of the experience and off of the entrance are 20ft + ceilings, all-white decor, white exposed brick and oversized pedicure chairs. They also offer some of the industries leading products: Coola, RMS beauty and Barefoot Dreams. 

 • 507 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22903 | (434) 984-3450 | info@neroli-spa.com | M-Sat, 9AM-6PM; Sun, 10am-5pm (apt only) •

BRASSERIE SAISON

On our first evening in Charlottesville we dinned at Brasserie Saison. Located in the downtown mall, this intimate gem is a MUST when visiting Charlottesville. The atmosphere is charming, the decor imaginative and the food delicious. So good, that I happily broke my 40+ day Whole30 streak! The eclectic menu offers something for everyone, pairing the most unlikely ingredients to create the most delicious dishes! Our experience was top notch; we felt a bit spoiled to be honest. Our waiter kept brining out dishes for us to try, and while they were all amazing I highly recommend you try the: marinated beets, brussel sprouts, farro “risotto” and ginger-carrot ice cream (before you knock it, try it).

 • 111 East Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902 | (434) 200-7027 | brasseriesaison@gmail.com | M-Sun, 11AM-10PM  •

KEEVIL & KEEVIL GROCERY & KITCHEN 

Do not leave town without grabbing a sandwich from Keevil & Keevil! If I were local to Charlottesville, I would visit this husband and wife owned establishment daily! We popped in to order sandwiches to later enjoy at one of the vineyards. The “Veggie Sandwich” is a must!

 • 703 Hinton Ave, Charlottesville, VA | (434) 989-7648 | @kandkgroceryandkitchen | M-F, 8AM-7PM; Sat, 8AM-5PM  •

MONTICELLO WINE TOUR

We’re especially grateful for Monticello Wine Tour, who saw that we made it to each vineyard safely on our wine tour! The experience was first class, and we were especially grateful for Anna, who has a well-known page focused on things to do in and around Charlottesville, The Hometown Tourist of Charlottesville. The company does private and public tours, and often works with corporate groups and bachelorette parties!

 • 400 E Water St. Suite B, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | (434) 260-7143 | info@monticellowinetour.com | Public Tours | Private Tours • 

BLENHEIM VINEYARDS

Who knew that Dave Matthews owned a vineyard? Blenheim Vineyard was the first winery we toured offering a selection of (what I found to be fruity) vignettes.

 • 31 Blenheim Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | (434) 293-5366 | info@blenheimvineyards.com | $8 Tastings| M-Sun, 11AM-5:30PM  •

KING FAMILY VINEYARDS

When in Charlottesville you must visit King Family Vineyards! One of my favorite, most memorable experiences from Charlottesville was our tasting at this family owned and operated vineyard! Being there felt like meeting up with an old friend! We enjoyed the “Classic Tasting” sampling a variety of reds and whites. In addition to classic and private tastings, the vineyard is also an event venue and a farm that hosts polo matches, open to the public every Sunday from Memorial Day to mid-October! Justin and I will be in Charlottesville again in late-Spring, and are hoping to make it out to a Sunday match! Our wine tasting was hosted by James King, who let us preview the new rosé (or shall I say, Crosé) that was released on Valentine’s Day. I purchased a bottle of the Crosé and Petite Verdot, and am waiting for the right occasion to open the bottles. 🙂

 • 6550 Roseland Farm Lane, Crozet, VA 22932 | (434) 823-7800 | info@kingfamilyvineyards.com | $10 Tasting | M-Sun 10AM-5:30PM (Wed hours extend untill 8:30PM) •

RED PUMP KITCHEN

Red Pump Kitchen is another highly recommended place to dine in Charlottesville. Also located in the Downtown Mall, it’s a great option for a romantic, candlelit evening. The back wall of the restaurant is littered with a beautiful display of floating candles. Having dinned here with the same two ladies for Shelby’s bachelorette party, I was excited to be back! Any of the salads are amazing, the gnocci is a must, and the gelato is a chef speciality.

 • 401 E. Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902 | (434) 202-6040 | Sun-Thurs, 5PM-10PM; F-Sat, 5PM-11PM  •

MONTICELLO

Charlottesville is best known for its most famous sons, former U.S. presidents James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson. As someone who has an penchant for history and vintage things, I found Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, to be so fascinating. My husband is also quit the history buff, and prior to our trip I was telling him how I would love to return in the spring to tour it once again and see all the beautiful flowers and trees in bloom!

Fun fact: While visiting, I noticed the landscapers had loosely covered the newly emerging bulbs with chicken wire. Trying my hand at cut flower farming, after researching this I too went home to cover my flowers with chicken wire. This keeps rodents, deer and squirrels from eating the newly emerging bulbs. So, thank you Monticello for that tip of advice! 🙂 

 • 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902 (Directions) | (434) 984-9800 | Event Calendar |   •

Add this historical jewel to the top of you bucket list! I hope you find this guide helpful and let me know if you make your way to CVille in the near future!

xx,

Taylor-Rae