Charlottesville

Travelers' Takes

Rates and Deals

Charlottesville - Tachi's Top 10

A travel journal to Charlottesville by tachi

Here are my favorite things to do and visit in and around Charlottesville, Virginia.

  • 7 reviews
  • 1 story/tip

Twisted Branch Tea BazaarBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant

A little tricky to find, this hideaway is located on the second floor of a building in the downtown mall. Once you make it up the stairs, you realize you are somewhere special. The comfy couches, hookahs, bells, and buddhas welcome you. This hippie joint is a hangout for a diverse group of people. A large tea selection, a fun menu, and great decor make this one of my favorite spots. They often have live entertainment. I have laughed and cried to a poetry slam and jived to electrifying jazz. What a cool spot!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by tachi on January 31, 2005

Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar
414 East Main Street Charlottesville, Virginia
(434) 962-4161

Michie Tavern General StoreBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Are you looking for a nice gift for someone you are visiting? I go to the Michie Tavern General Store. Yes, I know it sounds hokey, but this place has a great variety of Virginia things, from food and wine to children's gifts and historically accurate memorabilia. Try some fudge!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by tachi on January 31, 2005

Michie Tavern General Store
683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
(434) 977-1235

Barboursville VineyardsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Virginia is the fifth highest wine-producing state in the country, and of all the vineyards there are to visit, Barboursville should be on the top of your list, with award-winning wines (my favorite is Phileo), a great tasting room ($3), and beautiful grounds.

Palladio, their restaurant, has delicious food! I recommend lunch for the value. As they have an open-bottle license, this is another picnic favorite. I like to sit at the ruins and look out over the vines. Rarely will you have fellow picnickers, so the place is yours.

When you go, ask for Luca, the winemaker. His passion for wines will ignite yours.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by tachi on January 31, 2005

Barboursville Vineyards
17655 Winery Road Charlottesville, Virginia
(540) 832-3824

Blenheim VineyardsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This winery is hidden by farms and the Kluge Estate. Brad McCarthy is the winemaker and will accept visitors by appointment only. He can be reached at 434/293-5366, or brad@blenheimvineyards.com. Check out the website at blenheimbvineyards.com.

The farmhouse, which boasts a gorgeous view and tasting bar area and stores the goods, is located next door to Dave Matthews’ grandmother's home and is managed by his umbrella corporation.

I fell in love with the farm blends, which are economical and delicious. Brad will not sell a wine he doesn't believe in and takes pride in his work. He handles the tastings directly with you with a laid-back attitude. I don't recommend going on a hot day, as the building is not air-conditioned well. Once you call, he will give you directions, so I won't add them here. This is a hidden jewel.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by tachi on January 31, 2005

Blenheim Vineyards
31 Blenheim Farm Charlottesville, Virginia
(434) 293-5366

Horseback RidingBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

http://www.oaklandheights.ova.net/
540/832-3350

David and Sally have over 200 horses and ponies on their property. They have lived in this area all their lives and like to tell you all about it. Going riding here is like jumping into the past for 1 hour. The area is rich with history and beauty. He rides twice a day (10am and 1pm). It is $30 cash per person for the 1-hour ride. Wear long pants and sneakers or boots (no shorts and flip-flops). His trail ride takes you up a steep mountain and back down on the other side. It is very safe and fun.

  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by tachi on January 31, 2005

Horseback Riding
17110 James Madison Higway Charlottesville, Virginia 22942
(540) 832 -3350

The Blessing of the HoundsBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This event takes place on Thanksgiving morning, with bagpipers starting at 9:30am and the Blessing at 10am. People start assembling as early as 8:30am. Parking is difficult, so come early or plan to do a little walking. This event is to bless the hounds prior to the Thanksgiving Day hunt. The ceremony is rich in history and tradition and is taken quite seriously. Pets are not welcome. I have never seen anything quite like this, and if you are in the area for Thanksgiving, this is a must-do.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by tachi on January 31, 2005

The Blessing of the Hounds
Grace Episcopal Church Charlottesville, Virginia
(434) 293-3549

ACAC GymBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

This is a great gym. For $15 a day (nonmember rate), you can take your own personal spa day getaway. You can find every piece of equipment you could ask for: a pool, a sauna, steam showers, a snack bar, free Internet use, a gift shop, a full spa, and free classes every hour. I love being a member here, and I know that if there is an IHRSA club at my travel destination, I will visit it. I recommend it highly to lonely travellers who want to refresh before hitting the road, and it's more fun to catch up on email here than Starbucks (especially since they are charging for Internet in many locations - and they serve Starbucks coffee here, too). I recommend you try a NIA class and the berry smoothie. Bring your headphones.
  • Member Rating 5 out of 5 by tachi on January 31, 2005

ACAC Gym
500 Albemarle Square Charlottesville, Virginia 22901
(434) 978-7529

Carter MountainBest of IgoUgo

Story/Tip

On a beautiful day off when you don't want spend time in a car, stop by Carter Mountain. I love getting the chicken-and-grape-salad sandwich from Brix and stopping by Jefferson Vineyards for a bottle of wine, then up the mountain I go. Find a quiet spot on either balcony or in the orchard itself, (discreetly) pour some wine, and take in the view. Depending on the time of year, there are juicy peaches, a great variety of apples, and in the fall, don't miss the pumpkin patch and apple cider doughnuts.

About the Writer

tachi
tachi
Charlottesville, Virginia

Get the Word Out

Share this travel journal beyond IgoUgo with your favorite sharing tools.