Inspired Itineraries: Houston Vandergriff (@DownsandTowns)
We welcomed Houston and Katie Vandergriff of Downs & Towns to Charlottesville & Albemarle County for a memorable getaway filled with local flavor, scenic views, and must-see experiences.
A travel photographer who aspires to "use the universal language of the arts to push for inclusion," Houston captured the trip through his creative lens as the duo explored the region. Make sure to follow them on Instagram to see their adventures and save their itinerary below to start planning your own visit!
Evening Arrival
Katie and Houston arrived on Tuesday evening, the night before their tour started, and checked in at the Omni Charlottesville Hotel. Check out our places to stay page for more options, and keep in mind that you'll find more affordable lodging rates if you stay mid-week.
9am: Ivy Creek Natural Area (1780 Earlysville Rd)
Grab a quick bite to go and head over to Ivy Creek Natural Area, where you can picnic if the weather's nice. It was a bit rainy when Houston and Katie visited this first morning, so they found shelter and dug into bagels from a Charlottesville institution, Bodo's Bagels. Even with a bit of rain, the trails at Ivy Creek Natural Area are beautiful and worth exploring. Pro tip: arrange ahead of time to get a guided tour to hear about the history of the farm and see the barn!
12pm: Michie Tavern (683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway)
After working up an appetite, enjoy a southern-style buffet at Michie Tavern. Take your time when eating here - you'll want seconds (or thirds) and dessert!
1:15pm: Carter Mountain (1435 Carters Mountain Trl)
For vast views of the Charlottesville area with mountains as the backdrop, head up to Carter Mountain Orchard, just a couple of minutes down the road from Michie Tavern. Leisurely amble through the apple trees with your pick of a variety of apples, then sit down at the picnic tables to take in the view and eat apple cider donuts. If you're a photographer like Houston, you may be enjoying the photo opportunities more than the donuts.
3:30pm: Rest, then visit the Historic Pedestrian Downtown Mall (E Main St)
After resting at your hotel or vacation rental, stroll on the Downtown Mall and the surrounding area. You'll find plenty of places to shop and eat, ranging from high-end French cuisine to casual burger joints.
Below are some places to check out that were on Katie and Houston's list:
9am: Kindness Cafe + Play (480 Rugby Road)
Start your morning with a cup of coffee from Kindness Cafe + Play. Kindness Cafe + Play is a mission-driven coffee shop that employs adults with cognitive disabilities, and they have made it a welcoming place to sit down, chat, and make new friends.
10:15am: Fralin Museum of Art (155 Rugby Road)
Just down the road from Kindness Cafe, you'll find the Fralin Museum of Art, which provides students at the University of Virginia opportunities for study and scholarship through direct engagement with its collection. While Houston and Katie were visiting, the Fralin Museum of Art displayed an exhibition called In Feeling: Empathy and Tension Through Disability. This exhibit invites museum-goers to interact with the art and each other through non-traditional mediums, including a verbal self-portrait and a bench that encourages you to rest on it. While the exhibit will be displayed only for a limited time, the Fralin offers a valuable space to examine preconceived perspectives through art.
11:45am: Rotunda and the Lawn (1717 University Ave)
After spending time at the Fralin, walk to the nearby Lawn and Rotunda at the University of Virginia. The Rotunda is a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Monticello, so you'll want to cross this half off your list while you're in the area, and the Lawn is the perfect place to have a picnic lunch.
1:30pm: James River Batteau Company (meet at 249 Main Street)
Pack your sunscreen and take a drive to Scottsville for a unique river cruise. The James River Batteau Company takes visitors out on a flat-bottomed boat called a batteau, historically used to navigate the often shallow and rocky James River with heavy cargo like tobacco and lumber. Explore more of this history by listening to the Founding Footprints podcast, our new podcast exploring local history and culture, in honor of the 250th anniversary of America.
4:30pm: SunPins Bowling (946 Grady Avenue)
End your day with duckpin bowling at SunPins at the Dairy Market. If you've never been duckpin bowling, don't worry - it's just like bowling but smaller! Order food at SunPins or walk through Dairy Market afterwards and explore your options.
6am: Hot Air Balloon Ride with Monticello Country Ballooning
Even if you're not an early riser, a hot air balloon ride with Monticello Country Ballooning is well worth the early wake up. The adventure begins with meeting the pilot, balloon chaser, and other passengers before piling into an SUV to find the best take-off location based on wind conditions. You'll help with set up of the balloon, gently float above Albemarle County for about an hour, and finally land and help with packing everything up. Bonus: the pilot will send you photos of your experience!
10am: Guajiros (114 Tenth Street NW)
Once you're back on land, savor Miami-style, Cuban-influenced breakfast at Guaijiros. Katie and Houston both ordered the breakfast bowl, which includes your choice of fried or scrambled eggs over gallo pinto, your choice of sweet plantains or fried cheese, pico and cilantro mayo.
11:30am: Rest, then Lunch at Bad Luck Ramen Bar (522 2nd St SE Unit E)
After the early morning, take your time resting at your hotel. If you saved room for lunch, try Bad Luck Ramen. Otherwise, extend your resting time - you were up early!
1pm: IX Art Park and The Looking Glass (522 2nd St SE Suite D)
Bad Luck Ramen Bar is located in IX Art Park, where you can view murals and other public art around its grounds. IX Art Park is also home to Virginia's first immersive art exhibit called The Looking Glass. You'll be transported through the looking glass into a world that invites you to take in every detail. Stick around afterwards to make art at their art lounge.
3pm: Monticello and Feast of Reason Dinner (931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy)
Last stop on the tour of Charlottesville & Albemarle County is Monticello, home of the third president Thomas Jefferson and a must-visit attraction while in the area. Houston and Katie timed their tour so they could take part in the Feast of Reason dinner right after, which engages visitors with each other through food and civics-themed conversation card decks. Feast of Reason is one of the ways Monticello is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence; you can find more ways to commemorate the 250th here!
Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a wide variety of places to stay, including resorts, hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, cabins, and vacation rentals.
Learn MoreNow 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 Houston and Katie did!