12

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia is one of those small town secrets that you never want to share with others for fear that it will become overly saturated with developments and tourists. Much of CHARLOTTESVILLE was the vision of Thomas Jefferson and it’s home to many of his greatest ideas from viticulture to the University of Virginia. So, this southern charmer in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains is a special place and over time has achieved a balance of culture and lifestyle that makes it one of the best places to live in America. It’s proven to be a welcomed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of Washington, DC for me and my family, and here’s what we love most about Jefferson’s hometown.

For fashionistas, there’s shopping at Blue Mercury, Eloise, Scarpa and Verdigris. Design fans will love And George, Caspari, C & A Camp, Curious Orange, Folly, Kenny Ball, Roxie Daisy, Second Yard, and The Barn Swallow.

MUSEUMS + ATTRACTIONS
The Charlottesville area is an outdoor lovers paradise with hiking and nature trails, white water rafting, hunting, fishing, skiing and wineries galore. Wineries worth a visit are Barboursville, Blenheim, King Family and Pippin Hill. Breweries worth a drive are Blue Mountain and Devils Backbone.

Ash Lawn-Highland
2050 James Monroe Parkway
www.ashlawnhighland.org

Historic home of our 5th President James Monroe.

Jefferson Theater
110 E Main Street
www.jeffersontheater.com

Cville’s most unique combination cinema + concert venue.

Kluge Ruhe Aborginal Art Collection
400 Worrell Drive
www.kluge-ruhe.org

The only museum in the U.S. dedicated to the study of Australian Aboriginal art.

McGuffey Art Center
201 2nd Street NW
www.mcguffeyartcenter.com

Three art galleries and artists’ studios open to the public.

Monticello
931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
www.monticello.org

Historic home and plantation of our 3rd President Thomas Jefferson.

Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive
www.nps.gov/shen

100-mile scenic drive in the Blue Ridge Mountains. There’s also hiking trails, but beware of bears!

Paramount Theater
215 E Main Street
www.theparamount.net

Offering top-flight shows from Broadway to comedy to musicals.

The Pavilion
Downtown Mall
www.thenteloswirelesspavilion.com

Outdoor venue with a line up that amazes from Beck to Al Green.

University of Virginia
1001 N Emmet Street
www.library.virginia.edu/collections

From the rotunda to the special collection of historic documents, Thomas Jefferson’s academical village is worth an afternoon tour.

Virginia Film Festival
www.virginiafilmfestival.org

Every November the University of Virginia hosts this 4-day celebration of cinema.

RESTAURANTS
The Charlottesville food scene is one of THE hottest in the country with young chefs opening truly promising restaurants.

The Alley Light
108 2nd Street SW
www.alleylight.com

A James Beard semi-finalist for best new restaurant offering French-inspired shared plates and craft cocktails.

Bodo’s Bagels
505 Preston Avenue
www.bodosbagels.com/home.html

The only place to eat a bagel in Cville. Great salads too.

Citizen Burger
212 E Main Street
www.citizenburgerbar.com

Inventive burgers done right in a fun atmosphere.

C & O
515 E Water Street
www.candorestaurant.com

Thirty-year old Cville legend. Best bet for a rendezvous in the cozy downstairs bar.

Commonwealth Skybar
422 E Main Street
www.commonwealthskybar.com

Hip + energetic atmosphere with regional menu and see + be seen upstairs Skybar.

Fleurie
108 3rd Street NE
www.fleurierestaurant.com

Modern french fine dining popular for special occasions.

Ivy Provisions
2206 Ivy Road
www.ivyprovisions.com

Want a great sandwich? Head here for inventive breakfast and lunch offerings.

Mas
501 Monticello Road
www.mastapas.com

A Cville favorite for tasty Spanish tapas.

Maya
633 W Main Street
www.maya-restaurant.com

Southern-French fusion made from local ingredients.

Mudhouse
213 W Main Street
www.mudhouse.com

THE coffee spot.

Oakhart Social
511 W Main Street
www.oakhartsocial.com

New to the scene, but racking up cool points with its seasonal wood-fired food.

Petit Pois
201 E Main Street
www.petitpoisrestaurant.com

Classic French bistro perfect for Sunday brunch.

Public Fish + Oyster
513 W Main Street
www.publicfo.com

Go for happy hour and the lobster roll.

Rocksalt
2075 Bond Street, #180
www.rocksaltrestaurants.com

New spot for fresh seafood and Virginia craft beers on tap.

Taste of China
612 Albemarle Square
www.tasteofchinacharlottesville.com

Everyone sings the praises of Peter Chang China Grill — I just don’t get it.  For authentic Szechaun, I head to Taste.

Tavola
826 Hinton Avenue
www.tavolavino.com

Cville’s best for rustic Italian fare.

TEN Sushi
120 E Main Street
www.ten-sushi.com

Sushi is about quality fish, not creative maki rolls. Ten is Cville’s BEST sushi.

The Ivy Inn
2244 Old Ivy Road
www.ivyinnrestaurant.com

Angelo Vangelopoulos is considered Cville’s best chef. Ivy Inn offers a classic dining experience.

Threepenny Cafe
420 W Main Street
www.threepennycafe.com

New to the scene, but gaining in popularity for its globally-inspired menu.

Whiskey Jar
227 W Main Street
www.thewhiskeyjarcville.com

Go for the Southern comfort food, stay for the cocktails and live music.

HOTELS

Boar’s Head Inn
200 Ednam Drive
www.boarsheadinn.com

Southern heritage resort near UVA known for its hospitality, spa and golf.

Clifton Inn
1296 Clifton Inn Drive
www.clifton-inn.com

This Relais and Chateaux property offers comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Hyatt Place
2100 Broad Street
www.charlottesville.place.hyatt.com

Cville’s newest hotel near Stonefield with modern comforts and exceptional service.

Keswick Hall at Monticello
701 Club Drive
www.keswick.com

One of Virginia’s best hotels with the fantastic Fossett’s restaurant.

South Street Inn
200 W South Street
www.southstreetinn.com

Bed + breakfast near the Downtown Mall with lots of southern charm.