The Charlottesville area is a beautiful place to visit, with many vineyards, historic homes, nature trails, and other activities. We encourage you to spend a long weekend here. You might enjoy these sights and activities:
- Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive – many scenic overlooks and trailheads for hiking trails of varying levels of difficulty
- Monticello – we recommend reserving a tour time in advance
- Route 151 in Nelson County – a popular destination for multiple wineries and breweries plus a cidery, distillery, meadery, and several restaurants (desginate a driver or take a limo!)
- Monticello Wine Trail – you can do tastings at two or three wineries in an afternoon or buy a glass of wine and chill out on the patio at many of these wineries (again, please designate a driver!)
- Humpback Rocks – a short, very popular hike to a rock outcrop with outstanding views of the Blue Ridge and the Shenandoah Valley; accessed via the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Crabtree Falls – a moderate, popular hike alongside a series of waterfalls
- Old Rag – a long, strenuous but also very popular hike with great views and a few geological curiosities
- Starr Hill Brewery in Crozet – follow up a hike or a brewery tour with lunch at Crozet Pizza
The Charlottesville-Albemarle tourism website has lots more suggestions for you!
Restaurants
Charlottesville is known for its great restaurant scene! Here are a few of our favorites.
Near the Cavalier Inn, up Emmet Street and accessible by car (plenty of parking) or on foot:
- Royal Indian – our favorite of the many Indian options in Charlottesville (21 minute walk or short car ride, $)
- Sedona Taphouse – casual restaurant with a huge beer list (16 minute walk, $)
- Peter Chang’s China Grill – a restaurant started by cult-favorite chef Peter Chang (don’t miss the scallion pancakes!) (20 minute walk or short car ride, $)
- Zinburger – gourmet burgers (14 minute walk, $)
Near the Cavalier Inn, on University Avenue near the UVA grounds in a district known locally as “the Corner”; foot traffic is heavy and parking is very scarce, so plan on walking to these places:
- Boylan Heights – more gourmet burgers (13 minute walk, $)
- Roots Natural Kitchen – huge rice bowls and salads made to order in front of you, good for a carry-out lunch; the upstairs seating at this massively popular eatery may fill up around mealtimes (15 minute walk, $)
Near the Omni Charlottesville:
- Lampo – gourmet pizza from a wood fired oven (14 minute walk, $$)
- The Alley Light – outstanding French-influenced cuisine and creative cocktails; reservations strongly recommended; ask the hotel staff how to find this hidden restaurant (practically on your doorstep, $$$)
- Mas – Spanish tapas with patio seating (16 minute walk, $$)*
- Oakhart Social – food served “tapas-style” with many local ingredients (6 minute walk, $$)
- Brookville – a white-tablecloth restaurant specializing in locally-sourced foods; don’t be surprised if the chef comes out to chat (practically on your doorstep, $$$)
- Citizen Burger – yet more gourmet burgers, with a few patio tables good for people-watching on Charlottesville’s pedestrianized main street, the Downtown Mall (5 minute walk, $)
For the best Sunday brunches in Charlottesville, go early or be prepared to wait in line at Bluegrass Grill & Bakery (near the Omni, $); Blue Moon Diner (near the Omni, $); or Beer Run (driving distance from both hotels, $)
For all restaurants near the Omni except Oakhart Social and Blue Moon Diner, walk out the rear/mall-side door from the lobby.