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Charlottesville, Virginia, Known for beautiful architectural and historic masterpieces and breathtaking vineyards, was our vacation destination last holidays. Our family was waiting for a long time to discover the diverse food courts and remarkable art and cultural scenes in Charlottesville. Little did we know about this place, we researched top-notch places to visit in Charlottesville, Virginia and started our journey. Here, I will narrate the memorable and fun-filled trip to this captivating city with my family.
Arrival and First exposure
Arriving in Charlottesville on mid-morning, we all were very excited to start exploring the city. After checking and settling in a beautiful bed and breakfast, we decided to start the trip adventure right away.
One of the huge and lengthiest pedestrian walks in Virginia, Downtown Mall was the first place to strolled around. Moreover, it has approximately 120 shops and 30 eateries along the main street. We were delighted watching the vibrant street performers and lively atmosphere. Our hearts full with joy, we decided to enjoy a savory lunch at Bizou, a famous restaurant for southern food. Their fried chicken and sandwiches were a perfect start of our dining experience in Charlottesville, Virginia.
After enjoying this delicious lunch, we went to the Virginia Discovery Museum to relish the cultural beauty and history of the city. Kids were enthralled participating in the interactive activities and watching the stunning exhibits and sculptures. I found myself totally immersed in science and history displayed there. Winding up the day in the evening, we decided to go back to our rental home and refuel ourselves for the next day’s adventure.
You can also read about our exploratory stay in Frederick, Maryland.
Exploring Historical sites and Wine Country
Enjoying the fresh and healthy breakfast at our B&B, a perfect start of day two, our first destination was Monticello. Once the living place of Thomas Jefferson, Monticello offers a striking view of historic houses and scenic gardens. Strolling down the house, I experienced a strong connection with the heritage of the country. Emily and Jack were amazed watching the mysterious alcoves while Max and I explored every corner of this historic place.
Next, we visited the most famous vineyards in Virginia, getting an insight of the rich wine production and history. Walking around the vineyards, we stopped at King Family Vineyards. Kids were all indulged playing around the vast fields, while Max and I relished some wine tasting. After spending a few hours there, we enjoyed a family picnic on beautiful green grass, featuring all snacks and fresh juices we brought with us.
Heading back to Charlottesville, we had our dinner at The Local, the most demanding farm-to-table restaurant. Their commitment with fresh and locally sourced ingredients made our dining experience more delightful. After spending a good family time at dinner, all of us were tired and we decided to return to our bed and breakfast, AirBnB, to prepare ourselves for the next day. We were excited to explore other best places to visit in Charlottesville, Virginia on our third day.
Downtown Visit and Natural Beauty of Charlottesville
The third day started with exploring the historic downtown area of Charlottesville. My husband took a guide with us to explain the historic tales and every detail of the historic neighborhood. Emily and Jack were fascinated listening to the engaging stories of colonial past while navigating around the Rotunda at the University of Virginia.
We enjoyed a delectable meal at Miller’s Downtown and loved their chicken sandwiches and desserts. Next, we planned to explore the natural beauty of the city and visited Shenandoah National Park. Furthermore, the adventure of Skyline Drive was the highlight of the visit, presenting the most gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Besides, Emily and Jack insisted on trying the Hawksbill Mountain trail for hiking, and we cherished the experience after witnessing the picturesque scenery.
For dinner, we enjoyed the best burgers and sandwiches in the town at Boylan Heights. Their diverse burger menu and great ambiance made our dining experience at Boylan Heights unforgettable. Emily and Jack wanted to eat ice cream after the dinner, so we stopped at Chaps, the most historic and famous ice cream parlor, to enjoy their mouth watering cones and lava cake.
Art, Culture, and Farewell
The last day in Charlottesville was dedicated to exploring the art and cultural scenes in Charlottesville, Virginia. Firstly, we explored the Fralin Museum of Art, exhibiting the marvelous and high-end artwork. Next, we planned to visit IX Art Park, an extensive showcase of art and local artists talent, and we joined some painting sessions there.
We enjoyed the last afternoon meal at Bodo’s Bagels, tasting the best bangles and toppings in the town. The welcoming atmosphere and kind staff added more excitement and enjoyment to our culinary experience there. Furthermore, we decided to visit Michie Tavern, and kids were delighted trying the specially-designed costumes and getting a detailed insight into the rich history.
Our last visit of this trip was at Carter Mountain Orchard, picking the fresh fruits and cherishing the majestic view of surroundings. With this beautiful site, our tour to Charlottesville came to an end. The exploration to this stunning city was full of sweet memories and a lot of learning about the history. The lovely and welcoming atmosphere and adventure will always stay with us until we plan a trip to the other best places to visit in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Check out our stay in Baltimore, Maryland.
