Here are fifteen romantic issues to do in Charlottesville on a day or weekend go to!
If you might be searching for a fast romantic getaway location to assist hold that spark alive, Charlottesville, Virginia, is the vacation spot for you. Perfect for households and pals, it’s also a implausible spot for love. No matter your love language, there’s something for each couple, whether or not your pursuits lie in meals, historical past or one thing in between.
Located within the Blue Ridge Mountains in Albemarle County, Charlottesville’s gentle local weather and delightful surroundings makes it an amazing spot for nature, with tons of trails within the neighborhood. If your associate is much less into mountaineering and extra into imbibing, Cville is an ideal spot for the beer and wine fanatic. A historical past buff will love the websites you may discover and any foodie will probably be content material.
From eating places to historic areas, I’m sharing all of my favourite spots for love in Charlottesville! After all, Virginia is for Lovers!
Fifteen Romantic Things To Do in Charlottesville
Wine Tasting in Charlottesville (Various Locations)
What pairs higher with romance than wine? Luckily for these visiting the Charlottesville space, Northern and Central Virginia is among the finest spots within the United States for wine. In reality, it’s thought-about the placement of the place American wine was born! As a consequence, there may be an abundance of wineries the place you may plan a romantic date, however under are among the finest choices.
Veritas Vineyard and Winery
Located within the Blue Ridge Mountains about half-hour outdoors of Charlottesville correct, Veritas affords a number of romantic date choices.
If you might be searching for simply a day of having fun with wine, their tasting room is open day by day. If you intend on doing a non-public tasting, you may make a reservation for a payment. The fire is extremely beautiful within the chilly winter months, and their cheese and charcuterie boards are nice.
Prefer to not make a reservation and wish to deliver your personal picnic as an alternative? There are a number of outdoors spots the place you gained’t want a reservation, like The Lawn, The Bricks and the Grove. With the attractive views, it makes for an amazing spot to get pleasure from nice wine. Summers may be each sizzling and busy (count on plenty of bachelorettes) however should you go to within the fall you’ll see beautiful foliage and may keep heat by cozying up on a blanket.
If you want to make your vineyard go to further particular, think about reserving a room and dinner on the Veritas Farmhouse. Built in 1836, The Bed & Breakfast is quintessential outdated Virginia. Located on the vineyard and, along with the beautiful rooms, affords 4 course superb eating paired with their scrumptious wine. You can e-book your keep right here.
Jefferson Vineyards
If you might be searching for a vineyard with a bit extra Charlottesville historical past, you’ll wish to take a look at Jefferson Vineyards. Located lower than 2 miles from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, this vineyard was the location of Virginia’s very first wine firm courting again virtually 250 years. You are actually getting a bit of historical past if you go to this property; don’t neglect to attempt the Viognier, as that’s the Virginia State Grape.
With indoor and outside seating out there, it is a great place to pack a picnic lunch. Sit again and revel in a flight of wine whereas taking within the beautiful views.
Blenheim Vineyards
- Get Directions
- Visit Here
- Open Thursday, Friday, Sunday & Monday 11:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
- Open Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
If you’re searching for a vineyard with just a little extra fashionable taste, Blenheim Vineyards is one other nice romantic possibility. Opened by Dave Matthews in 1999, this vineyard is positioned on an historic Virginia farm and affords up a gorgeous setting.
Guided wine tastings can be found by reservation within the tasting room and the house itself manages to really feel each intimate and open. It’s an amazing selection for a vineyard date that feels just a little extra laidback.
Spa Date @ Neroli Spa Followed by Rooftop Drinks
What may very well be extra romantic than a completely enjoyable day of treating yourselves on the spa? Neroli is a excessive finish spa downtown with a pleasant leisure room. Schedule massages starting from deep tissue to aromatherapy. After your session, spend time lounging within the zen backyard that may make you are feeling miles away from the spa’s downtown location. You can e-book your therapies on-line.
After you’ve absolutely relaxed, get cleaned up and head on over to the Quirk Hotel subsequent door for drinks and small plates at their Rooftop Bar whereas having fun with the picturesque views. While you gained’t want reservations for the rooftop, it does get busy on weekends and the surface closes throughout inclement climate.
Apple Picking @ Carter Mountain Orchard
What might make for a extra healthful date than apple choosing at an orchard? Located simply outdoors of downtown Charlottesville (and neighboring Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello), Carter Mountain is a perfect location if you’re hoping to soak up stunning views of the realm. Offerings are seasonal – from apples to peaches to pumpkins and extra, you’ll get to get pleasure from native components at their freshest.
If you may make it for a go to in the course of the fall months, remember to reap the benefits of the apple cider donuts whilst you stroll by means of the orchard. There can be a wine store and a Bold Rock Cider Taproom on the premises, so sit down and have a drink.
One necessary factor to notice: ticketed entry is in place on peak weekends so be certain and examine on their web site forward of time.
Saunders-Monticello Trail and Outdoor Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Sometimes it may be romantic simply taking a leisurely stroll in a beautiful setting. What may very well be prettier than taking the Saunders-Monticello Trail as much as Monticello?
This path takes you over boardwalks and thru the woods and totals about 4 miles to Monticello and again. On your stroll, you’ll see nice views of the realm, together with the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Once on the prime of the path, you’ll end up on the customer heart for Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. Monticello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was residence to the third president of the United States. While there are a number of tour choices out there, the Gardens and Grounds Pass will mean you can proceed your date open air whereas nonetheless experiencing the historic web site.
Cooking Class @ Pippin Hill
While most know Pippin Hill as a vineyard (and fashionable marriage ceremony venue on account of its beautiful setting), in addition they provide nice date night time choices. Some of the experiences you may join embody curated meals and wine tasting, however my favourite romantic date possibility is to take one in every of their cooking lessons.
A particular date positive to impress, the category features a backyard tour, a cooking class, a family-style dinner and two glasses of wine. Options vary from issues like One Pot Wonders to Elevated Cast Iron Cooking, however regardless of the category you may at all times count on seasonal components. In addition to it being a enjoyable date night time, you’ll at all times have the ability to use what you study to impress visitors or plan one other romantic night time at residence.
Read my evaluate of a category I did right here!
Hot Air Ballooning with Monticello Country Ballooning
This is on my bucket listing! Sweep your date off their ft by watching the solar rise (or set) whereas within the clouds. You’ll have a memorable time overlooking all of Charlottesville on this 45 minute journey. Even higher – your flight contains footage and a conventional champagne toast (non-alcoholic choices can be found as effectively).
Picnic Hike
Virginia is residence to 22 nationwide parks, so it’s no shock mountaineering is fashionable right here. While some may not affiliate mountaineering with romance, should you flip it right into a picnic hike it turns into a particular date.
Before heading to your mountaineering spot, cease off at Feast! for scrumptious sandwiches (attempt The Local, an amazing mixture of native goat cheese with an olive and artichoke tapenade). Then head over to one in every of many fashionable spots.
There are loads of choices relying on what kind of hike you want to do. Try Secluded Farm for one thing low key, Humpback Rocks should you’re hoping for nice views, or Walnut Creek Park should you’d prefer to be by water. Once you’ve reached your vacation spot, you may take within the views whereas having fun with your romantic picnic.
Dinner & a Show at Ting Pavilion
Located on the Downtown Mall, the Pavilion is one of the best place in Charlottesville to catch an outside present. During the summer time months in addition they host Fridays After Five, a good way to get pleasure from native music expertise whereas imbibing with native alcohol.
If you take somebody on a romantic date to see their favourite artist, why not add a dinner date to the combination? Spots like Tilman’s and Tonic provide elevated counter providers with farm to desk meals and are inside strolling distance to the venue.
Ragged Branch Distillery
If you need one thing a bit distinctive, Ragged Branch Distillery is a good possibility. Located in Ivy, this bourbon distillery additionally boasts stunning views of the Ragged Mountains. Grab a specialty cocktail and curl up by the hearth or seize a seat on the lined porch – both manner you’re positive to have a beautiful date in a romantic setting.
Golf Date @ the Boar’s Head Resort
This will get Thomas’s vote!! As far as golf programs in Virginia go, you may’t beat Birdwood Golf Course if you’re seeking to impress the golfer in your life. This public course has obtained various accolades and its location at Boar’s Head Resort makes it even higher.
You can observe your spherical of golf with cocktails on the Birdwood Bar and Grill and, if you wish to make an evening of it, e-book a room and a while on the spa as effectively. You’ll have an ideal and indulgent romantic getaway.
Stay at a Bed & Breakfast
Charlottesville has many mattress & breakfast choices to suit your wants. If you’re seeking to have a romantic night time in town, attempt a spot like 200 South Street Inn, The Dinsmore House or the Inn at Court Square? It’s a pleasant strategy to make an evening away from residence just a little extra particular than staying at an everyday resort.
Any of those three choices may have you in an historic setting off of the Downtown Mall and strolling distance of eating places. You’ll even be close to breweries and spots to seize a drink. Not to say, you’ll be near the Pavilion and the Paramount should you’re planning on a date night time at a type of spots!
200 South Street Inn
The Dinsmore House
The Inn at Court Square
Art Galleries
People in Charlottesville have an appreciation for artwork and tradition, so it’s not stunning there are a number of artwork galleries within the space. For a romantic date, the next spots are nice locations to take the artwork lover in your life.
IX Art Park
If you need an immersive artwork expertise, The Looking Glass at IX Art Park options an enchanted forest and a kaleidoscope cave. Spend an hour exploring after which head subsequent door to the North American Sake Brewery to speak about what you skilled over sake and ramen.
The Fralin Museum of Art on the University of Virginia
- Get Directions
- Visit Here
- Tuesday – Thursday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.; Friday 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Sunday, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
If your artwork lover is extra conventional, they’ll love spending the afternoon exploring The Fralin Museum of Art on the University of Virginia. With a everlasting assortment of greater than 14,000 items, you’ll have a lot to discover and focus on.
Bachata Night @ South & Central
I’ve pals who love Thursday nights at South & Central Latin Steakhouse for Bachata Night. Grab your dancing sneakers and prepare to get pleasure from dancing with scrumptious late night time bites and scrumptious cocktails. Whether you’re a novice or skilled dancer, it is going to be a memorable date and a good way to brush somebody off their ft.
Bike Ride on the Rivanna Followed by Coffee @ the Workshop
The Rivanna Trail
The Workshop
Sometimes the only dates, like taking a beautiful bike journey, may be the nicest. The Rivanna Trail permits for a peaceable journey alongside the river; it’s arduous to consider how shut you might be to city with how serene it feels. You can take within the river views whilst you bike earlier than heading over to The Workshop on the close by Wool Factory. If it’s earlier within the day you may seize a espresso and sit outdoors or, if it’s later within the day, go for one in every of their nice wines. Either manner, it is going to be a beautiful strategy to finish a candy date.
Create Art on the Glass Palette
What may very well be higher than creating one thing to function a everlasting reminder of a romantic outing? At Glass Palette, you may make your personal one-of-a-kind object made out of glass. You can select from quite a lot of objects, like a vase, a paperweight or perhaps a pendant you may put on as a reminder of your enjoyable and particular afternoon.
All in all, if you’re trying romantic issues to do in Charlottesville, you gained’t be upset. With choices starting from conventional to distinctive, you’ll have the ability to discover a memorable strategy to create a memorable date for you and your beloved.
Dinner Followed by a Show @ the Paramount Theater
The Paramount Theater opened proper earlier than Thanksgiving in 1931 and was a Charlottesville staple till it closed in 1974. However, efforts to put it aside by no means went away and it was in a position to reopen in 2004. The theater has remained a key spot for exhibits and leisure on the town ever since. From reside occasions to films and excursions, there’s something for everybody.
The theater is centrally positioned on the Downtown Mall, so I undoubtedly suggest grabbing dinner beforehand at one of many a number of romantic spots close by. My favourite choices earlier than an evening on the Paramount embody Crush Pad Wines for wine and snacks (or pasta from close by Luce delivered proper to your seat), Bizou or Brasserie Saison. Definitely pop into Chaps for some birthday cake ice cream first!
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