Inspired Itineraries: Freddie Li (@itsfreddieli)

Afternoon Arrival

Freddie arrived on Friday afternoon and checked in at the Forum Hotel. The Forum is one of a variety of options; check out our places to stay page to find your perfect spot!

1:30pm - Carter Mountain (1435 Carters Mountain Trail)

For vast views of the Charlottesville area with mountains as the backdrop, head up to Carter Mountain Orchard. Pick your own apples or buy pre-picked apples and explore the quaint country store, then take in the view while eating apple cider donuts.

3pm - Monticello (931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy)

Monticello, home of the third president Thomas Jefferson, is a must-visit attraction while in Charlottesville & Albemarle County. Freddie went on the Highlights Tour, but there are several different tour options to choose from.

8pm - Dinner at Smyrna (707 W Main St)

After resting at your hotel or vacation rental, head to dinner at Smyrna for Mediterranean-inspired fare. If you’re in a mood for a post-dinner drink, try one of these places:

• Lost Saint
• UP on the Roof at The Doyle Hotel
• The Conservatory at the Omni Hotel
• The Whiskey Jar

8:30am - Breakfast

Start your morning at one of several restaurants open for breakfast. Below are just a few to choose from:

• First Watch
• Guajiros Miami Eatery
• Maple Pine Breakfast & Thai Kitchen

10am - The Forum Arboretum & Botanical Gardens (540 Massie Road)

Take a post-breakfast stroll through the Forum Hotel's Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, filled with a variety of native plants and trails that join with the Rivanna Trail.

11:30am - Farmers Market at IX Art Park (522 2nd St SE)

The lively Farmers Market at IX Art Park is a great place to people watch, shop, snack, or have a full lunch.

1pm - Visit the Historic Pedestrian Downtown Mall (E Main St)

Just a short walk from the farmers market is the Downtown Mall, where you'll find plenty of places to shop and eat. Below are some places to check out that were on Freddie's list:

• Darling x Dashing (curated secondhand shopping)
• Old Flame (vintage/secondhand)
• Hello Comics
• New Dominion Bookshop
• The Beautiful Idea
• Decades Arcade
• Lone Light Coffee
• Petite MarieBette

2:30pm - King Family Vineyards (6550 Roseland Farm)

King Family Vineyards is a quick drive from the Downtown Mall and is popular spot for mountain views and glasses of wine next to firepits. For more shopping, don't miss these stops while on your way to the vineyard:

• Be Just
• Kenny Ball Antiques
• Ivy Creek Garden Center
  

5:30pm - Veritas Vineyard and Winery (151 Veritas Ln)

After your tasting at King Family Vineyards, continue on to Veritas Vineyard and Winery. If you're visiting in the winter, you'll be treated to Veritas Illuminated, a festive holiday light event that includes walking trails and cozy drinks.

9am - Riversong Saunas (1520 E High St)

For an invigorating wake-up, Riversong Saunas invites you to relax in an authentic Finnish-style sauna and take a cold-plunge into the Rivanna River.

12pm - Eastwood Farm & Winery (2531 Scottsville Rd)

The Charlottesville area is home to more than 50 wineries, so you should visit at least one more! Eastwood Farm & Winery offers a farm-to-table lunch daily so you can fill up while enjoying your wine tasting.

3pm - James Monroe's Highland (2050 James Monroe Pkwy)

More than one US President called the Charlottesville area home. Highland, located just down the road from Monticello, was owned by fifth president James Monroe,

5:30pm - Dinner at Broadcloth at the Wool Factory (1837 Broadway St)

Housed in a former textile mill now called the Wool Factory, Broadcloth is a unique fine-dining option with weekly tasting menus based on seasonal items, a perfect way to end your stay in Charlottesville.

Now that you know what you'll do while you're here in Charlottesville & Albemarle County, start planning your trip by browsing lodging at the link above. We hope you'll have as much fun as Freddie did!