KESWICK HALL
701 CLUB DRIVE
KESWICK, VA 22947
This hotel is gorgeous!!! I booked this place online after seeing the pictures because they were so stunning. I kept it a secret from my husband and when we arrived, he was pretty much floored. On that day, he officially handed over the task of future hotel bookings to me. Oh my – it was so perfect and we both needed a relaxing, weekend retreat. I remember we would venture out and tour different sites but we both couldn’t wait to get back to this place to lay by the pool. Keswick Hall is a small hotel and it feels like you’re in a big mansion — complete with an infinity-edge pool overlooking their awesome golf course, workout facility, and spacious rooms. I also remember we were upgraded from the Superior to the Deluxe Room and we had an amazingly large private porch. Book a stay here if you want hospitality, relaxation, and don’t mind driving a bit outside of Charlottesville for a fab hotel. It’s worth it.
BLUE MOON DINER
512 W MAIN ST
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
Small. Dive. Great brunch. Get there early. Get the breakfast burrito.
UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
My husband and I like to think of ourselves as history buffs. So naturally, we were thrilled to have the chance to see the University of Virginia. The university was established in 1819 and was designed by Thomas Jefferson (he referred to himself as the Father of the University of Virginia and even had it etched in his tombstone). History states Jefferson remained highly involved in the school until his death, hosting dinners at Monticello for the faculty and students. During the Civil War, UVA remained open. You’ll see in my pictures Edgar Allen Poe attended for a short time and his dorm is recognized with a plaque (Katie Couric and Tina Fey also graduated from UVA.) Public ivy. Extensive history. Tons of tradition. Secret Societies. The Honor System. The Rotunda. The Grounds. Enjoy the walk.
MONTICELLO
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Thomas Jefferson’s pride and joy. Beautiful plantation. American history. Sometimes, less is more.
JEFFERSON VINEYARDS
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA
Just a couple of miles from Monticello, resides Jefferson Vineyards. You would probably assume Th. Jefferson himself operated these vineyards… but we learned that he attempted many times and was unsuccessful mainly because a little event called the American Revolution got in the way. It was after Thomas Jefferson’s death that his dreams became reality. My husband and I both had a $10 delicious tasting but passed on the complimentary tour of the vineyards because we were tired from our busy day at Monticello (plus, we had to get back to the Keswick Hall pool). I suggest stopping here before going to Monticello. Locally grown and made. Sit on the patio. Oh and if you plan on having more than a tasting, please have a Designated Driver. This place is not easy to get to.
DOWNTOWN GRILLE
201 W MAIN ST
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
Cool steakhouse in the downtown pedestrian mall. Delicious meal. People watching on the patio. Including a few walking opera singers. We also had a couple lovebirds (pictured below) dine with us. Memorable.
THE VIRGINIAN
1521 UNIVERSITY AVE
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA
Al fresco Sunday brunch before hitting the road back to Ohio. Opened in 1923. Charlottesville’s oldest restaurant. Cool atmosphere. Famous mac n’ cheese. Too bad it was brunch or else I would have tried the mac n’ cheese.
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