Virginia’s Best Kept Secret: Charlottesville
I had never been or even really thought about Charlottesville, VA until I started a new job that would have me travelling to Chartlottesville about a year and half ago. Initially, I was bummed to have Charlottesville as a location I would be travelling to 7-10 per year. It is definitely not as glamorous as going to New York City or something!
Over the past year or so and over 15 trips to Charlottesville under my belt, I can honestly say it is such a special and beautiful place. Believe it or not, Charlottesville has some pretty awesome food spots. The city itself is nestled in the hills of Virginia’s very own wine country and has countless wineries and breweries. While Charlottesville may seem like your “typical” college town (hey, UVA), it has much more to offer.
Where to eat:
Tavola: Who would have thought you would find such delicious pasta in the middle of Virginia? Not me! Tavola is my favorite spot in Charlottesville and I try to go every time I am in town. The ingredients are fresh and local and their carbonara is not to be missed. I am normally not a carbonara girl (I find it too heavy for more than two bites) but theirs is light and has a delicious miz of pancetta and house made sausage.
The Local: The Local is the neighborhood spot every town wished they had. Housed in a historical building, The Local has great food that uses local ingredients, an awesome staff, live music at night and doubles as a great event space. Don’t miss the meatloaf, mac & cheese and some of their awesome, local, VA wines!
C&O Restaurant: C&O Is one of the fancier dinner options on this list and is perfect for special occasions and just a great way to end the day. Within the century old building, you can find some of the most decedent and delicious French food and an amazing wine list. Don’t miss the New York Strip Steak!
Basil Mediterranean: Basil is one of my favorite spots for lunch in Charlottesville. They have incredible/ filling salads and sandwiches that are just delicious. I love the Tel Aviv salad- it is packed with all my favorite things and I have definitely tried to recreate it at home many times.
Roots Natural Kitchen: Roots is perfect for a fast-casual lunch. They specialize in lunch bowls and this spot is the place to be for UVA students during lunch time. I would definitely recommend downloading the app and skipping the line. Roots is healthy, delicious, and quick- what more could you want!? I would definitely suggest “The Southern” bowl, it is my favorite!
Bodo’s Bagels: I feel like you can’t go to Charlottesville and not get Bodo’s, or perhaps it is more than UVA people don’t stop talking about Bodo’s. Local to Charlottesville, Bodo’s is a bagel shop that sells delicious bagels and bagel sandwiches. It is cheap, delicious and the perfect hangover cure!
Where to drink:
Shenandoah Joe’s: Shenandoah Joe’s is a great neighborhood coffee spot and a great place to bring your laptop and work from. There are load of seating options ranging from actual tables and worktops to cozy chairs and coaches. I prefer their location on Preston, but the coffee is good either way.
Mudhouse Coffee: I love Mudhouse, especially the one on 10th street! If you are looking for a more modern coffee house, with bright white walls and a clean sleek look (vs. your more rustic Shenandoah Joe’s) this is the place for you! The coffee is great, the quiche is delicious and the atmosphere is very calm.
Pippin Hill Winery: Nestled in the hills of Charlottesville, closer to Thomas Jefferson’s house, Monticello, Pippin Hill Winery has stunning views of the valleys below. Not only is Pippin just a gorgeous venue (I can’t even imagine a wedding there) but the wine is also delicious! Head up there for a nice mid-morning wine tasting. Make sure to try the port, cab sav and viognier (native to the VA wine scene.)
Champion Brewery: From the outside, Champion Brewery doesn’t look like much, but their beer is incredible (don’t miss the Earl Grey IPA, if they have it) and it is a great place to sit outside with a group of people and enjoy the sunshine!
Three Notch’d Brewery: Three Notch’d is a lot of fun! They have a great indoor space that is in the same warehouse building as their brewery and the staff is very nice! It is a great place to hang out and get a snack and, of course, a beer!