Inspired Itineraries: Freddie Li (@itsfreddieli)

Check In: Kimpton The Forum Hotel

Freddie and his partner arrived in Charlottesville around 11AM on Friday and checked in at The Forum Hotel, a five-story Jeffersonian-style building located just near UVA Grounds. 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 (and arguably the best) views of the Charlottesville-area with mountains as the backdrop, Freddie headed up to Carter Mountain Orchard. If you come in the Fall, we recommend picking your own apples or buying pre-picked apples -- they grow many different varieties! While you're there, be sure to explore the quaint country store and grab some signature apple cider donuts.

3PM - Monticello (931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy)

Monticello, home of the third President Thomas Jefferson, is a must-visit attraction! Freddie went on the Highlights Tour, a 45-minute guided experience that explores the history of Jefferson's vision for America, the realities of slavery on the Monticello plantation, and the mountaintop’s iconic architecture. There are several different tour options to choose from, and all include access to their gardens, grounds, walking tours, family-friendly activities, and exhibits.

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

After exploring Monticello and taking some time to rest back at The Forum, Freddie headed out to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired fare at Smyrna. In the mood for post-dinner drinks? Here are a few places within walking distance: Lost Saint, UP on the Roof at The Doyle Hotel, The Conservatory at the Omni Hotel, & The Whiskey Jar.

8:30AM - Breakfast

Freddie and his partner started their morning with breakfast at Birch & Bloom. If you want to venture out, here are a few local favorites: First Watch, Guajiros Miami Eatery, and 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, a 20-mile rustic "urban wilderness" hiking trail built and maintained by volunteers that encircles the City of Charlottesville!

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

Next, Freddie drove Downtown to shop around the Saturday morning Farmers Market at IX Art Park. Open year-round from 8AM to 1PM, the market is a great place to people watch, shop local vendors, and grab a snack. Itching for more farmers markets? There are several in the area!

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

While you're in the area, walk five minutes over to the historic Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the United States! You'll find plenty of local favorites to shop and eat at -- take a look at Freddie's list:

• Darling x Dashing (curated secondhand shopping)
• Old Flame (vintage/secondhand)
• Hello Comics (comic book shop)
• New Dominion Bookshop (book shop)
• The Beautiful Idea (book shop & other local vendors)
• Decades Arcade (an arcade!)
• Lone Light Coffee (coffee)
• Petite MarieBette (coffee & bakery)

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

It was a UVA Football game day, so Freddie dodged the crowds and headed out to the county. On his way, Freddie stopped at: Be Just, Kenny Ball Antiques, and Ivy Creek Garden Center. His first winery stop; King Family Vineyards. This winery is a popular spot for mountain views and, in the summer, polo! Freddie went on a behind-the-scenes tour of the vineyard and winery where he got to see a glimpse of the winemaking process. Afterwards, he enjoyed some light bites and a guided tasting.

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

After their tasting at King Family Vineyards, Freddie continued on to Veritas Vineyard and Winery to experience their seasonal 'Veritas Illuminated' light show! Available from late-November to early January, this festive holiday event includes a dazzling walking light trail through their grove, warm drinks, and an exceptional seasonal menu, which Freddie enjoyed for dinner!

9AM - Riversong Saunas (1520 E High St)

A little rain didn't get in the way of an invigorating wake-up at the Riversong Saunas. Freddie enjoyed a private session in their authentic, Finnish-style sauna, complete with a lovely add-on of hot tea and small bites. If you're feeling brave, take a plunge into the nearby Rivanna River between sauna sessions! Post-sauna, Freddie made a pitstop at Sbrocco's Donuts for a matcha latte and donuts.

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. Freddie ventured to Eastwood Farm & Winery for a guided tasting and lunch. Their outdoor seating is exceptional, but their just-as-wonderful indoor seating was perfect for the rainy day!

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

Next up, Highland! Yes, more than one US President used to call the Charlottesville-area home. Located just down the road from Monticello, Highland was owned by fifth President James Monroe. Freddie spent some time visiting Highland's indoor exhibits -- on a nicer day, we recommend making time to explore their rustic walking trails, which are free and open to the public.

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

The perfect way to end a trip? With a full belly! Freddie rounded off his trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County with dinner at Broadcloth, a unique fine-dining option housed in the historic Wool Factory, a former textile mill. Broadcloth's weekly tasting menu is always changing and entirely based on seasonal ingredients, handpicked and thoughtfully prepared by Chef Yoder.

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!