SPONSORED BY VISIT CHARLOTTESVILLE & ALBEMARLE COUNTY

After the vacations, you deserve a bit of rest and leisure—and we’ve got just the place! Whenever you visit Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia within the off season, you’ll discover a comfy experience with crackling fireplaces, scenic mountain views, and so far more.

Situated in Central Virginia, on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this unique and exquisite area is a brief drive from the state capital of Richmond, and just just a few hours southwest of Washington, D.C./Baltimore. They’ve Amtrak connectivity and a regional airport with connections to 4 major hubs—making it easy to get there.

And when you arrive, you’ll discover 40+ wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail, an incredible (and delish) culinary scene, outdoor recreation experiences, the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, and so far more! But before you go, you could have got to examine out the Discover Black Cville Digital Passport. From recent culinary creations, one-of-a-kind gifts, and art creations by talented local creators and artisans, it celebrates Black culture, Black stories and Black joy. And get this, whenever you check in at five of the Black-owned and -operated locations on the passport, you may redeem a special prize—a Discover Black Cville hat!

So, start planning now with our picks for where to remain, eat, and play!

Where to Stay
Start planning your winter stay straight away—throughout the winter season you’ll enjoy lower rates at winery B&Bs, luxurious resorts, cabins, inns, vacation rentals, or familiar chain hotels. Take a look at our picks:

The Draftsman. Just steps away from the University of Virginia, this pet-friendly boutique hotel is an Autograph Collection property known for its luxe, yet contemporary vibe—and rooftop fitness center. It’s also where you’ll find fab dining at The Ridley restaurant, but more on that later!

Quirk Hotel. Downtown energy meets creative charm at this art-forward boutique hotel that celebrates the region’s culture and history. Savor a sip or two on the amazing rooftop bar, find great eats on the café or the Pink Grouse restaurant on site, discover local artists on the art gallery, or try the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall—it’s just steps away.

Boar’s Head Resort. The realm’s only AAA 4 Diamond resort, this location boasts a spa, golf course, a state-of-the-art racquet and fitness club, and fantastic dining, all on site.

Local wineries. Lots of the wineries found here have lodging options on site and make for some incredible wine-centric, sip-and-stay vacation options.

Where to Eat
Whilst you’re here, you’ve just got to examine out a number of the amazing Black-owned restaurants. Listed here are some appetizing options—and so they are included within the passport!

MarieBette Café & Bakery. Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, coffee, and yummy baked goods, you may take it to go or sit and calm down of their sweet café on Rose Hill Drive or of their second location, called Petite MarieBette near the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall. And when you’re there, you should definitely sample their claim to fame—the brioche feuilletée. Is it a brioche? A croissant? A donut? You choose!

The Ridley. A part of the The Draftsman hotel noted above, it pays homage to Dr. Walter N. Ridley, the primary Black student to graduate from The University of Virginia and receive a graduate degree from any major historically white public university within the South. It’s the destination for upscale-casual dining and fresh seafood offerings in Charlottesville, so it’s a must!

Ralph Sampson’s American Taproom. In the event you love the sports bar scene, then that is the spot for you. Owned by Ralph Sampson, a UVA basketball legend from the Nineteen Eighties, you’ll find local eats and brews from local breweries which are made for pre-game snacks, premium steaks, plus a special brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

Pearl Island. Situated on the Jefferson School City Center, this family-run restaurant is making the varied flavors of the Caribbean more accessible with a implausible menu featuring pikliz (a Haitian-style coleslaw), plantains, and even stewed oxtail.

Things to Do
There may be a lot to do here and also you’ll find something for everybody—but it surely needs to be noted that while it is a historically significant area, the history is complicated.

Historical. The region is home to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland, and the University of Virginia—all of those destinations are addressing their difficult and complex histories with enslaved populations, which make them significant places to go to. It’s here that you simply’ll also find the Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center. Its mission is to honor and preserve the wealthy heritage and legacy of the African-American community of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia and to advertise a greater appreciation for, and understanding of, the contributions of African Americans and peoples of the Diaspora locally, nationally and globally. The Heritage Center includes a everlasting historical exhibit, a rotating contemporary art gallery, and a strong calendar of events, all of which mix to focus on the Charlottesville area’s African American history and culture of the African Diaspora.

Outdoor. Natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities abound in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. With easy accessibility to the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park (each of which will be accessed in lower than half-hour from downtown!), there are a selection of climbing trails situated throughout the region. In the event you’re planning a visit in the hotter months, there are two rivers (the James and the Rivanna), featuring fun watersports like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, which you could enjoy.

Monticello Wine Trail. Winter is an awesome time to explore the Charlottesville area’s wineries. It’s a bit quieter with fewer crowds, crackling fireplaces and fire pits. This cozy experience gets even higher since it’s a part of the Monticello Wine Trail Digital Passport. Use it as you explore the 40 wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail—a special wine glass shall be waiting for you on the tenth participating winery you visit!

Shopping. Use the Discover Black Cville Digital Passport to get great deals! Take a look at Kank’s Store Organic and Handmade Cosmetics—whenever you check in on the Integral Yoga Natural Foods or on the year-round farmer’s market at Ix Art Park, you may get a 15% discount on their amazing, natural products. Shop Renee’s Boutique LLC and luxuriate in a secure place to buy the newest looks for ladies—you’ll receive 10% off your first purchase. Then get 50% off at Dop3Fashion, the stylish boutique for ladies, men, teens, and youngsters! There may be a lot to explore—and save—when shopping in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Now that you simply’ve seen our picks, it’s time so that you can plan your visit. Click here to start out planning your winter getaway today!