Where to Stay
The Forum Hotel by Kimpton at the University of Virginia’s Darden School (Opening April 2023)
The Forum Hotel by Kimpton is a five-story Jeffersonian-style building that overlooks the entrance to the Darden School at the University of Virginia. The new property will feature indoor and outdoor function space, plus a variety of on-site dining offerings. Behind the hotel, the property opens into a flourishing botanical garden and five-acre arboretum with an amphitheater and walking paths.
Renovations at The Omni Charlottesville Hotel (Coming in 2023)
The Omni Charlottesville Hotel, located on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, will undergo major renovations in 2023. This year, look out for modern furniture upgrades in the guestrooms, new state-of-the-art technology in meeting spaces, upgrades to the hotel’s lobby and common areas, and enhanced dining and entertainment options.
The Scottsville House (Opening in 2023)
Located in the quaint town of Scottsville in southern Albemarle County, The Scottsville House will be opening later this year and will feature several suites. Until then, you can book a stay today in the charming Switching Station, owned and operated (and decorated!) by the same owners of The Scottsville House. Located behind The Scottsville House, The Switching Station is a tiny home in what was originally Scottsville's telephone switching station. Scottsville is a short and scenic 30-minute drive from downtown Charlottesville with charming shops, restaurants, and a brewery, all located along the banks of the historic James River.
The Crossroads Inn at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards (New in 2022)
Located right next to Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, the Crossroads Inn has been refreshed and is even cozier than ever. The Inn has accommodated travelers since it was built in 1820, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a designated Virginia Historic Landmark. Originally known as the Crossroads Tavern, this Inn has served no other purpose since its construction than as a stop for weary travelers. Because of its intentional and detailed preservation, the Crossroads Inn provides guests a modern glimpse of how early 1800s taverns were built. For more onsite winery lodging options in the Charlottesville area, click here.
Where to Sip
The Charlottesville area is home to more than 40 wineries located along the Monticello Wine Trail, with more wineries opening each year. These wineries have been receiving accolades at a regional, national, and international level for years, making this region one of the top wine destinations on the East Coast. Additionally, the Charlottesville area is home to a number of craft breweries, artisanal cideries, and distilleries. New offerings include:
Southwest Mountains Vineyards (Opening in 2023)
Named for the nearby Southwest Mountains range (which offers some the best soils in the state for grape growing and farming!), Southwest Mountains Vineyards will open in summer 2023. The tasting room and production facilities will be located in the Keswick area of Albemarle County, just a short drive east of downtown Charlottesville. Chardonnay, Petit Verdot, Viognier, Petit Manseng, Gruner Veltliner, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc are among the varietals being produced. The winery’s name was chosen due to its proximity to the Southwest Mountains range.
Paradise Springs Winery (Opening in 2023)
Set to open in 2023, Paradise Springs Winery will be located in Crozet, just west of Charlottesville. Rich in history and surrounded by beautiful mountain views, the property borders King Family Vineyards, and currently has a 5-acre Viognier vineyard that was planted in 2010. Renowned viticulturist Lucie Morton has signed on to help develop the future planting of up to 80 acres of new vineyards.
Thistlerock Mead Company (Opening in 2023)
If you like mead and local honey, keep an eye out for Thistlerock Mead Company. Self-described as “a net zero, mission-driven mead and honey company”, Thistlerock will be the only meadery in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Michael Shaps Wineworks – New Tasting Room (New in 2022)
Renowned winemaker Michael Shaps opened a new tasting room in the former Thatch Winery in July 2022. Shaps learned the art of winemaking in Burgundy, France before coming to Charlottesville in the 1990s and has since received dozens of accolades for his wines. In addition to this new location, he also operates a tasting room on Avon Street Extended, near downtown Charlottesville.
Where to Eat
Charlottesville and Albemarle County have recently been named by Food & Wine Magazine as one of America’s best food destinations. It comes as no surprise, as many restaurants in Charlottesville and Albemarle County are locally owned, farm-to-table restaurants, whose chefs innovate to use local ingredients from surrounding farms and producers. New culinary offerings include:
Bad Luck Ramen Bar (New in 2023)
The aptly named Bad Luck Ramen Bar opened on Friday, January 13th, 2023 and is serving up its finest ramen culinary creations at the Ix Art Park, alongside North American Sake Brewery. The ramen here is cooked al dente using a rich bone broth that is simmered for up to 18 hours, and the craft concoctions created at the sake brewery serve as the perfect complement to the rich and decadent noodle dishes.
Black Cow Chophouse (Opening February 2023)
Black Cow Chophouse owners Daniel Kaufman and Gregg Dionne are established veterans within the Charlottesville area’s food scene. This new restaurant on West Main Street is set to open in February 2023 and will feature quality cuts of meat cooked over a wood-fired hearth.
Brazos Tacos (Opening in 2023)
Brazos Tacos is a Texas-style taqueria, opening its second Charlottesville location at the Barracks Road Shopping Center in spring 2023. Brazos Tacos serves Texas-style breakfast, lunch, early dinner, and brunch tacos.
Charlottesville Guide’s Food Tours (New in 2022/2023)
Charlottesville Guide began offering walking food tours of the historic Corner district at the University of Virginia in 2022, and will now expand offerings in 2023 to include the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall. These walking tours will take visitors to five different culinary stops, while giving insights into the region’s food scene and significant historic sites.
Basta Pasta (New in 2022)
Located in the Dairy Market (central Virginia’s first food hall), Basta Pasta offers a variety of homemade, artisanal pastas, with a selection of different shapes and sizes, protein options, and a variety of sauces, including vegan and gluten-free options.
Mockingbird (New in 2022)
Owned and operated by renowned local chef Melissa Close-Hart, Mockingbird brings her southern Alabama roots to the Belmont neighborhood of Charlottesville. The name refers to the novel To Kill A Mockingbird and represents this new restaurant’s connection to the Deep South and the southern cuisine found on its menu.
Smyrna (New in 2022)
Located on West Main Street in Charlottesville, Smyrna offers simple, locally sourced dishes from a Mediterranean-Aegean cuisine. This newly renovated restaurant opened its doors in 2022 and features an open kitchen, offering guests a glimpse into the creation of their dishes.
Noteworthy in 2023
Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary
The Jefferson School African-American Heritage Center (JSAAHC) will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2023. Housed in what was once the segregated Jefferson School, the JSAAHC’s mission is to honor and preserve the rich heritage and legacy of the African-American community of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The JSAAHC features a permanent historical exhibit, a rotating contemporary art gallery, a robust calendar of events, and is open to visitors throughout the year.
With so many new things to try, be sure to plan on staying a while! Plan your stay today using our places to stay page below. We look forward to welcoming you to these new Charlottesville area businesses this year!