Charlottesville has a little bit of something for everybody. Located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains it’s brimming with history, adventure, and most importantly- wine. Here is a guide to all that is good in a Charlottesville weekend getaway + everything you need to know about traveling in the area in the midst of social distancing-
The Oakhurst Inn
During our Charlottesville getaway we chose to stay at the Oakhurst Inn, A colorful boutique hotel located right across the street from the UVA campus and less than 2 miles from the downtown pedestrian mall.
This recently renovated collection of historical buildings occupies a peaceful cul-de-sac shaded by tall leafy trees. The grounds have a feeling of oasis while remaining close to all that Charlottesville has to offer. Eveything from the Château lobby bar to the vibrant libraries and guest rooms, this Inn is designed to perfectly balance the feeling of modern luxury and its original vintage roots. Rates at the Oakhurst inn start at just $149 on weeknights and $249 on weekends, book with them directly to ensure you get the best rate and to take advantage of any promotions!
Amenities and Highlights:
Onsite amenities include a saltwater pool, an onsite breakfast café, and a fantastic lobby bar stocked with wine and small bite plates. There are two Peloton bikes available upon request for guests to work out and a lovely courtyard out front complete with a fire pit and a hammock. Another great feature at Oakhurst are the libraries nestled within each building. Serving as additional gathering spaces for guests, these five unique libraries offer a collection of books and cozy fireplace seating. The libraries also feature fridges stocked with complimentary water bottles and seltzers, in addition to the daily newspaper. No small detail goes unthought-of here at the Oakhurst.
Enjoy an afternoon lounging by the saltwater pool
Chilled wine and a pimento cheese plate from the lobby chateau bar
Outdoor courtyard with hammock
Oakhurst lobby and chateau bar (lobby image compliments of Oakhurst inn)
Rooms and Suites:
There are 35 unique guest rooms and suites on property, during our stay we booked a deluxe queen suite and couldn’t have been more impressed with the layout and design of our room. The suite was full of natural light and included a spacious living room and sun nook in addition to the bedroom and bathroom. Guest suites at the Oakhurst Inn are colorful and nostalgic, featuring mid-century modern furnishings and vintage touches such as rotary phones. You can truly feel yourself actively making memories during your stay here, and isn’t that why staying at boutique hotels and inns is so magical in the first place?
Ready to book your stay at The Oakhurst? Visit their website here to check availability and book your stay! For any questions regarding cleaning protocols and overall safety policies click here to see their CDC response page! You can also follow the Oakhurst Inn on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know for upcoming promotions and events.
Activities -
What’s open, where to go, and how to navigate traveling while social distancing!
Tour Monticello-
Possibly the most notorious attraction in Charlottesville, Thomas Jefferson’s neoclassical estate is again open for business. Reserve your ticket and tour time in advance here, you can also learn more about the current reopening procedures and what they’re doing to keep guests safe by clicking here for the ‘Reopening FAQ’ page.
Explore James Monroe's Highland-
Located adjacent to Monticello, Monroe’s Highland offers outdoor visits of its historic property Thursday- Sunday. ‘Guests may view building exteriors and outdoor landscapes of the property that was home to James Monroe. Monroe’s Presidential Guesthouse interiors are not open to visitors at this time.’ Tickets to Highland can be purchased in advance here.
Apple Picking at Carter Mountain Orchards-
Just a short drive from both Monticello and the Highlands is Carter Mountain Orchard! Visit to hand pick fruit in their orchards, relax at the Bold Rock tap room or do some shopping at their country store and bakery (the cider donuts are a MUST). Visit their website to check for current picking conditions and to learn about upcoming events!
Photo compliments of Carter Mountain Orchards
Take A Hot Air Balloon Ride-
If a special anniversary or birthday has passed while in quarantine consider this the greatest ‘belated’ celebration of all time. I took my girlfriend hot air ballooning for her birthday last year in Charlottesville with Monticello Country Ballooning and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. This is a woman owned & operated business- and you will feel in the safest of hands during your flight with Mandy, I cannot recommend her enough! To read about how they’re keeping passengers safe during flight visit the covid-19 response page by clicking here.
Wine Tasting at Pippin Hill Vineyard-
Let me just say, there is nothing average about this winery. situated on a hilltop with hydrangeas and wildflowers as far as the eye can see, Pippin Hill has much more to offer than just wine tasting. Open Tues-Sun for food & wine with Select evening hours Thursdays- Saturdays- Learn more here!
Photo compliments of Pippin Hill Vineyard
Experience Virginia's First Immersive Art Exhibit at IX Art Park-
During our visit we decided to get tickets to check out ‘The Looking Glass’, an art exhibit located at IX Art Park in downtown Charlottesville. It really doesn’t get more escapist than this- and wow it did not disappoint. This enchanted forest of sorts was created by 12 local artists – it is captivating, inspiring and definitely a must see while in Charlottesville. Click here to purchase your tickets ($15 for adults, $12 for children), additional information on Covid precautions being taken can be found here.
Explore UVA's Historic Campus Like Never Before-
Lets Roam offers an app-led outdoor scavenger hunt that will lead you through the landmarks and history of UVA’s campus in a brand-new way. Make it a date for two or break into teams for a family game night, this is a great way to explore on foot and learn about the area along the way. Learn more about Let’s Roam by visiting their website here.
An Evening on the Mall-
Did you know the downtown pedestrian mall in Charlottesville is among the longest in the US? Spend your evening exploring the many shops, restaurants and bars for an action-packed night. A big plus to the mall is the extensive amount of outdoor dining terraces available, giving plenty of open-air socially distant options for visitors. For more information on dining options along the mall check out the Visit Charlottesville official guide.
