Charlottesville Last Minute Shopping

Small shops in Charlottesville, VA

For last-minute Christmas shopping in Charlottesville, VA, consider these top 10 small stores:

  1. Agents in Style: Luxury consignment store with high-end brands.
  2. BitterSweet: Chic boutique with locally designed clothes and jewelry.
  3. Bottle House: Wine shop offering quality selections and tastings.
  4. Brigid & Bess: Unique decor and artisan items, perfect for gifting.
  5. Darling Boutique and Dashing: Secondhand and artisan combo store for sustainable fashion and gifts.
  6. Rock Paper Scissors: Custom paper store ideal for unique invitations and gifts.
  7. C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery: Offers local art, crafts, and unique handmade gifts.
  8. Derriere de Soie: Lingerie boutique for luxurious and intimate gifts.
  9. O’Suzannah: Quaint store with an eclectic mix of gifts, stationery, and home goods.
  10. Telegraph Art & Comics: Perfect for comic book enthusiasts and art lovers.

These stores offer a diverse range of options for all tastes, ensuring a unique and thoughtful gift for anyone on your list.

2018 Spring Happenings in Central Virginia

After a fickle, false start to spring, it appears the season might be here to stay. That means lots of outdoor activities in central Virginia for the enjoyment of all. From shopping for local foods and wares to spinning on a carnival ride, from relaxing on the grass while listening to live music downtown to hiking up a steep incline to get a breathtaking mountain view—the central Virginia area offers plenty of festive activities to celebrate the arrival of spring and the end of a long winter.

Dogwood Festival: March 24-May 5, 2018

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This annual festival that honors both the official state tree and flower encompasses many community activities that span from March to May. One of these is the Dogwood Carnival (April 5-22) that takes place in McIntire Park. There are rides, games, and all the greasy food you can stomach. There is also the Dogwood Parade (April 21), in which participants will march along the pedestrian mall and loop down High Street. This year’s theme is “Candy Land” so bring your sweet tooth!

Fridays After Five: April 13-September 14, 2018

Unwind on a sunny afternoon with free live music at the Sprint Pavilion. Spread a blanket on the grass and enjoy a beer and other concessions offerings, the proceeds of which go to support local nonprofits. The music ranges from pop, hip-hop, rock, reggae, bluegrass, and folk, all played by talented local and regional musicians.

Sprint Pavilion

 

 

 

 

 

Charlottesville City Market: April 7-December, 2018

You know spring is here when the city market returns to the lot between South and Water streets! Be on the lookout for fresh produce, homemade cheese, butter, and baked goods, handcrafted jewelry, woodwork, and ceramics, and delectable breakfast & lunch items so you can nosh while you shop – including fresh tacos, dumplings, bagels, and breakfast sandwiches hot off the griddle.

Historic Garden Week: April 21-28, 2018Cville Flowers

This special tour highlighting beautifully designed gardens spans the entire state of Virginia, giving the public access to historic estates and homes. This year’s Historic Garden Week in the Charlottesville-Albemarle Area will provide tours of Morven Estate (land once purchased by Thomas Jefferson as a gift for Col. William Short), Castle Hill (a Georgian home originally constructed in 1764), Grace Episcopal Church, Chopping Bottom Farm (a Keswick estate with contemporary style), East Belmont (an early 19th-century home with formal garden), Ben-Coolyn (a 145-acre estate on land originally part of the Meriwether Land Grant of 1730), and the University of Virginia (specifically the Pavilion and Serpentine Gardens).

National Park Week: April 21-29, 2018

National Park Week means there will be lots of things happening at nearby Shenandoah National Park to celebrate this natural resource. Entrance fees will be waived at all national parks on April 21. And on Earth Day, April 22, SNP will offer a ranger-led hike on the Appalachian Trail.

2017 Guide to Local Tree Farms

In central Virginia, the time-honored tradition of selecting and cutting down your own Christmas tree is alive and well. Imagine walking among rows of conifers grown for this purpose, taking in their distinct scent that defines the season. You reach out to touch the green needles to test their spring and strength, their ability to carry the weight of memories in the form of treasured ornaments. Not only does selecting and cutting down your own tree give you a memorable experience, it ensures the freshness of your tree, too, as many pre-cut trees may have been cut weeks before being sold. And in the verdant countryside surrounding Charlottesville, there are plenty of Christmas tree farms from which to choose.

Greene Meadows Christmas Tree Farm

487 Crow Mountain Road, Stanardsville, VA | 434-990-1999

Open November 24-December 23 | Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Run by the Ensor family, this farm has over 7 acres of planted Christmas trees to choose from. The five species of evergreens they offer are White Pine, Scotch Pine, White Spruce, Canaan Fir, and Leyland Cypress, each priced according to species, rather than by size. At the Christmas Shop you will be welcomed with complimentary hot chocolate or cider and a candy cane while you peruse gift items, ornaments, wreaths, and the farm’s homemade preserves, jellies, and relishes. On the weekends, local youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts will be nearby selling hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, and baked goods to benefit their operations. And there is also a miniature petting zoo of sheep and lambs eagerly awaiting their human visitors.

Stonehearth Christmas Tree Farm

367 Kirtley Road, Leon, VA | 540-547-2576

Open November 24-December 23

Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. | Monday-Friday, 1-5 p.m.

Just off 29 North in Madison County, Stonehearth Christmas Tree Farm sells White Pines, Scotch Pines, Red Pines, Virginia Pines, and Canaan Firs, all priced at $35 each. Their wreaths are made from White and Scotch Pine in varying sizes. Each visitor to the farm will receive a complimentary hot chocolate, hot apple cider, or coffee, and each child will receive a free candy cane and coloring book. The farm will be open on the weekends, and during the week purchases may be made at the gray house.

Miller Farms Market

12101 Orange Plank Road, Locust Grove, VA | 540-850-5009

Open November- December 23

Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

In Orange County, Miller Farms Market is an operational farm that offers a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program 33 weeks out of the year, hosts pick-your-own events during berry season, and sells many local and regional products in their Marketplace year-round. During the holiday season, they add evergreens to their list of homegrown goods for sale. You can choose from White Pine, Canaan Fir, Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, and Colorado Blue Spruce. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, too!

Claybrooke Farm

912 Elk Creek Road, Mineral, VA 23117 | 540-872-3817

Open November 24-25, December 2 & 9, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This family farm has been planting Christmas trees since 1984 and has expanded in acreage and offering, while remaining environmentally sustainable. Available species now include Canaan Fir, Nordman Fir, Concolor Fir, and White Pine. Upon arrival, you can view samples of each kind to get a better sense of what you might like. Their gift shop, the Gathering Barn, is stocked with Virginia products, ornaments, and accessories. In good weather you can enjoy a wagon ride on the farm. Please see above for open hours.

Foxfire Christmas Tree Farm

451 Foxfire Road, Scottsville, VA | 434-286-3445

Open November 19- December 22

Thursday-Monday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Owned and operated by the Samuels family since 1968, this family farm sells fresh Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, and White Pine trees as well as handmade wreaths and garlands. They encourage families to make a day of it and bring a picnic if the weather is nice. You can even bring your dog, so long as s/he is leashed. Please note, on weekdays there is limited assistance with baling and loading so you may be required to do that labor yourself.

Saunders Brothers Farm Market

2717 Tye Brook Highway, Piney River, VA 22964 | 434-277-5455 x 37

Open November 24- December 16

Saturdays only, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This family-run farm has operated as an apple orchard since 1915! Throughout the year, Saunders Brothers grows fruits and vegetables, and every year following Thanksgiving they open their tree farm to the public. Conifer selections include Canaan Fir, Norway Spruce, Blue Spruce, White Pine, and Scotch Pine. Their Farm Market—across the road from the tree farm—offers wreaths and garlands, as well as a place to warm your hands by the fire.

Boys Home Christmas Tree Farm

1118 Bear Wallow Flat, West Augusta, VA | 540-939-4106

Open November 24-December 23

Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m-4 p.m.

An hour from Charlottesville, in the Allegheny Highlands, Boys Home offers a residential educational and care facility for boys aged 6-18. For over 20 years, part of their program of instilling responsibility and discipline has included teaching their students tree farming, from planting seedlings to shearing, harvesting, and assisting customers with their tree selections. Among the conifer varieties they offer are White Pine and Norway Spruce. And the money from sales goes right back into supporting Boys Home.

Long Meadow Tree Farm

296 Miller Road, Waynesboro, VA | 540-649-4307

Open November-December

Daily, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

This family farm has been in operation since 1981. Their planted conifers include White Pine, Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Concolor Fir, Norway Spruce, and Blue Spruce. They also sell handmade wreaths and table arrangements (made from fresh cut greenery and one or two candles), along with winter squashes, honey, homemade apple butter, and farm fresh eggs.

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Pumpkin Pickin’ Fun!

In an agriculturally rich area like Central Virginia, there are lots of places to pick your own pumpkins in the fall. And with Halloween nearly two weeks away, now is the time to go! Here is our list of local farms that open their gates to those in search of the perfect pumpkin.

 

Photo by Stevan Michaels.
Photo by Stevan Michaels.

Carter Mountain Orchard

1435 Carters Mountain Trail | Charlottesville, VA

Pre-picked pumpkins for sale

3rd Annual Halloween “Spooktacular” | October 28, 2017 | Pumpkin carving contest

 

Silver Creek & Seamans’ Orchards

5529 Crabtree Falls Hwy | Tyro, VA | Nelson County

Pumpkin Patch

October 1-31, 2017

 

Chiles Peach Orchard

1351 Greenwood Road | Crozet, VA 22932 | Nelson County

Pumpkin Patch

October – November

 

Dickie Bros. Orchard

Photo by Stevan Michaels.
Photo by Stevan Michaels.

2685 Dickie Road | Roseland, VA | Nelson County

434-277-5516

Pumpkin Patch

 

Layz S Ranch

2253 Thomas Jefferson Parkway | Palmyra, VA | Fluvanna County

434-591-0898

Pumpkin Patch, corn maze, hay rides, and pony rides

Saturdays, September 30 – October 28

 

Sarah’s Pumpkin Patch

146 Caves Ford Lane | Orange, VA | Madison County

540-308-8267

Pumpkin patch, hayrides, hay maze, corn hole, ladder golf

Saturdays & Sundays in October

 

Morris Orchard

226 Tobacco Row Lane | Monroe, VA | Amherst County

434-929-2401

Pumpkin Patch

Celebrate the Harvest!

‘Tis the season of fresh, crisp, fall apples, of pressed cider, and apple butter. Just before everything from lattes to beer are flavored with pumpkin spice, there is the season of the apple. The Central Virginia area is a great place to pick your own apples at family-friendly orchards, to make a day of it with a hayride and taking a turn to churn the apple butter. We’ve sought out the local apple harvest festivals and pick-your-own orchards so you don’t have to. Here’s our list!

The Apple Barn at Carter Mountain Orchard
The Apple Barn at Carter Mountain Orchard

CENTRAL VIRGINIA APPLE FESTIVALS

 

Drumheller’s Orchard Festival | September 30; October 1; 21-22, 2017

Drumheller’s Orchard | 1130 Drumheller Orchard Lane | Lovingston, VA | Nelson County

434-263-5036

A fifth generation family farm celebrates the harvest with fresh apple butter, apple cider, and various food vendors. Inedible delights include live music, hayrides, corn maze, pumpkin patch, apple slingshot, and kid zone.

 

Apple Butter Makin’ Festival | October 7 & 21, 2017

Silver Creek & Seamans’ Orchards | 5529 Crabtree Falls Hwy | Tyro, VA | Nelson County

434-277-5824

Help make apple butter by taking a turn to stir the pot! Then explore the corn maze or pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch.

 

Graves Mountain Apple Harvest Festival | October 7-8; 14-15; 21-22, 2017

Graves Mountain Lodge | Route 670 | Syria, VA | Madison County

540-923-4231

This celebration will feature apple butter-making, over 70 arts & craft vendors, hayrides, a maze, bluegrass music, and cloggers.

 

Amherst Apple Harvest Festival | October 21-22, 2017

Amherst County High School | 139 Lancer Lane | Amherst, VA | Amherst County

Gather together with your neighbors and enjoy fresh apples, cider, crafts, food vendors, musicians, and dancers.

 

Pink Lady Fun Day | October 28, 2017

Silver Creek & Seamans’ Orchards | 5529 Crabtree Falls Hwy | Tyro, VA | Nelson County

434-277-5824

Festivities include an apple tasting, cider pressing, cider tasting, scavenger hunt, and live music.

 

 

 

PICK YOUR OWN or BUY FRESHLY PICKED APPLES

Carter Mountain Orchard

View from Carter Mountain Orchard
View from Carter Mountain Orchard

 

1435 Carters Mountain Trail | Charlottesville, VA

434-977-1833

Open Daily during the season

 

Chiles Peach Orchard

1351 Greenwood Road | Crozet, VA | Nelson County

434-823-1583

Open Daily during the season

 

Saunders Brothers Farm Market

2717 Tye Brook Hwy | Piney River, VA | Nelson County

434-277-5455 ext. 37

Closed Sundays

 

Dickie Bros. Orchard

2685 Dickie Road | Roseland, VA | Nelson County

434-277-5516

Open Daily during season

 

Morris Orchard

226 Tobacco Row Lane | Monroe, VA | Amherst County

434-929-2401

Open Daily during season

Fresh pressed apple cider every week

Independence Day 2017 Festivities in and around Charlottesville

There are lots of ways to celebrate Independence Day on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Here are a few.

9:00 a.m.

For you early risers who want to beat the heat, there’s the 55th annual Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello. This year’s speaker is David N. Saperstein.

11:00 a.m.

James Monroe’s Highland will have family-friendly activities as well as a classical music ensemble performing from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.

12:00 p.m.

Keswick Vineyards is celebrating with Reds, Whites, and Bluegrass—you guessed it, a selection of red and white wines paired with live local music, plus three food vendor offerings.

4:30 p.m.

Carter Mountain Orchard will have a bicycle parade, hayrides, sack races, and water balloon toss. You can even stay late and view the town fireworks from atop the mountain.

5:00 p.m.

Patriotism in the Park, an annual Charlottesville celebration, includes a pie-eating contest and fireworks display at McIntire Park.

Life in Madison County

Madison County was founded in 1792 and named for the Madison family to which President James Madison (1751-1836) belonged. While President Madison’s home, Montpelier, is located in nearby Orange, his family owned land along the Rapidan River in the county named for them. Yet this is not the only presidential tie to the area. President Herbert Hoover at one time owned a home in Madison known as Rapidan Camp. The town of Madison still celebrates Hoover Day annually in August to mark his formal visit to the town in 1929. With such history, it is no surprise that some of the homes on the market in Madison date back to the 18th and 19th centuries. And despite its proximity to the ever-growing metropolis of Charlottesville, homes in Madison are often pleasantly situated on at least a few acres, allowing breathing room between neighbors. In addition, due to the topography of the area, many homes have mountain views. According to the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors (CAAR), in May 2017 the median estimated home value in Madison County was $186,800 while the median list price was $262,500, making it one of the more affordable counties surrounding Charlottesville. And with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park nearby, Madison County—just an hour and a half south of D.C.—is full of beauty and recreational opportunities.

Things To Do

Shenandoah National Park

Shenandoah National Park is made up of a 300-square-mile section of the breathtaking Blue Ridge Mountains. The park contains over 500 miles of hiking trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Stony Man and Hawksbill, the two highest elevation points, surpass 4,000 feet. The park is also the location of President Hoover’s Rapidan Camp where you can reserve a tour. 11 PastoralAndMtnViews

Rapidan Wildlife Management Area

Adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and sharing a 25-mile boundary line is Rapidan Wildlife Management Area. It consists of 10,326 acres and the crossways of three rivers: Rapidan, Conway, and South River. Abundant fishing is available, including brook trout in the Rapidan and brown trout in the Conway. Please check for area regulations before fishing.

Roaring Twenties Antique Car Museum 1445 Wolftown Hood Road | Hood, VA 22723

This unique museum, open by appointment, has rows and rows of antique cars and memorabilia from the Jazz Age.

Early Mountain Vineyards 6109 Wolftown-Hood Road | Madison, VA 22722 Early Mtn Vineyard 2
Voted the #1 tasting room in the U.S. by USA Today readers in 2016, at Early Mountain Vineyards you can taste wine made from grapes grown in Virginia soil paired with cheese and charcuterie plates. There is also a full service restaurant and an overnight guest cottage at the vineyards.

DuCard Vineyards 40 Gibson Hollow Lane | Etlan, VA 22719

Unlike other local wines, DuCard wines are not available in stores and can only be purchased at the vineyard’s tasting room. It is a purposefully small operation, with small batch wine production, to maintain quality. The vineyard is also known for its sustainability initiatives, such as its solar-powered tasting room and support of the local food movement.

 Bald Top Brewing Co. 

This family-run brewery is located at the historic Woodbourne Estate (established circa 1810). Owners Dave Fulton and Julie Haines, along with two of their grown children and their families, run the brewery, which includes “Central Virginia’s largest private hops yard,” according to their website. Want to try locally brewed beer while also enjoying a beautiful, historic setting? This is the place to go.

Madison Arts Exchange

With over 200 local artists, the Madison Arts Exchange provides a central place to appreciate and support all of the visual arts talent that resides in Madison.

 

Dining

The Bavarian Chef

The Bavarian Chef has served German-inspired cuisine in Madison County since 1974. On their menu you’ll find pork and veal schnitzel along with filet mignon and Virginia trout. Reservations are recommended.

 

 

Life in Keswick

Six miles east of Charlottesville you’ll find the unincorporated community of Keswick, an equestrian dream of green fields and rolling pastures. (Click here to learn more about the origins of the unique name). According to the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors’ (CAAR) Neighborhood Report, in February 2017 the median estimated home value in Keswick was $574,000 and the median list price was $590,000. In 2008, Stephen Wells of the New York Times wrote, “It’s this image of upscale rural America that best defines Keswick and its surrounding communities.” And this remains true today.

Here are some other things to know about life in Keswick.

Neighborhoods

Glenmore is a gated community with luxury homes tucked among mature trees, and paved walking trails that parallel the roads. Formerly a horse farm estate known nationwide, Glenmore gives a nod to its roots via its on-site Equestrian Center. The residential community also features an 18-hole golf course, a fitness/swimming/tennis facility, soccer field, basketball court, and a clubhouse.

Glenmore Golf Club
Glenmore Golf Club

Just on the other side of I-64, you’ll find Keswick Estates, a small luxury residential community consisting of 121 homes and home building sites. Like Glenmore, it is gated, but home sites are larger at two to six acres. Its proximity to the Keswick Hall resort means that residents have easy access to all of the resort’s amenities, such as the golf club and spa.

Keswick Estates
Keswick Estates

Recreation

There are other recreational opportunities in Keswick beyond the Glenmore Country Club and Keswick Hall.

Keswick Vineyards is a lovely spot to enjoy a glass of wine along with views of the Southwest Mountains. In 2016 the American Wine Society awarded the vineyard the silver award for their 2015 Chardonnay Reserve.

Just a little bit further north is Castle Hill Cider, if you prefer apples to grapes, cider to wine. Another bucolic setting in which to relax, you’ll enjoy the sights and sounds surrounding Castle Hill. Be sure to try the Celestial cider.

A couple miles from Glenmore you can spend an afternoon antiquing at A&W CollecTables. You can read more about their offerings here.

If a private guided tour of the countryside is more your taste, and you enjoy the perspective gained from atop a horse, check out Indian Summer Guide Service. Tour options include guided horseback rides through several wineries and vineyards—including Keswick Vineyards—as well as the orchards of Castle Hill Cider.

Keswick Hall swimming pool
Keswick Hall swimming pool

Dining

Keswick Hall & Golf Club offers three dining options: Fossett’s, Villa Crawford, and Treble Wine Cellar. Fossett’s is committed to using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible for their gourmet American menu. Fossett’s also usually participates in Charlottesville Restaurant Week, a benefit for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank held twice a year—in January and in July—that offers three-course meals at reduced rates. (The next Restaurant Week will be July 14-23, 2017.) Villa Crawford serves a lunch buffet as well as a la carte dining that includes comfort foods as well as healthy options. The Treble Wine Cellar is a private dining venue with the option of either ordering from the Fossett’s menu or enjoying the recommended pairings of the executive chef and sommelier.

Shortly before the turn off to Glenmore is the elegant Clifton Inn with award-winning dining. You’ll need to call ahead for reservations. We also recommend keeping a look out for special tastings and dining offerings.

Life in Crozet

Twelve miles west of Charlottesville you’ll find the quaint yet growing community of Crozet, a census-designated-place (CDP) in Albemarle County, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with an elevation of 837 feet. (Click here to learn more about the origins of the unique name). According to the Charlottesville Area Association of Realtors (CAAR) Neighborhood Report (February 2017), the population in Crozet is growing. At the time of the 2010 census there were 5,565 documented residents. There are now 6,600. In our mild, four-season climate, Crozet enjoys 98 days of full sun per year, with an annual rainfall of 45 inches and annual snowfall of 19.88 inches. Average temperatures range from 20-45 degrees Fahrenheit in January and 65-85 in July. Most residents, CAAR reports, are age 35-54 and most households earn $75,000 – $100,000 annually. The majority of residents work in education and the average commute is 26 minutes. Data collected within the last six months shows that 76% of residents own their home and 24% rent. Most of the dwellings purchased in Crozet at the time of CAAR’s report had fewer than 1400 square feet, were constructed within the last 10-20 years, and had three to four bedrooms. The typical price per square foot was $175-200, or less than $300,000 for the total property. However, the median estimated home value was $369,000 and the median list price was $544,000.

Now that you have all of the data, here are some other things you should know about life in Crozet.

Developments

Old Trail Village

This growing neighborhood development identifies itself as an “urban village,” defined as a mix of residential, dining, retail, and recreational buildings and structures, all contained within a walkable environment. The Old Trail Village Center has all of the above, including an ACAC Fitness and Wellness Center that offers classes, as well as cardio and strength training equipment. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, there are miles of walking and biking trails, a pool with Blue Ridge Mountain views at the Old Trail Swim Club, and an 18-hole championship golf course at the Old Trail Golf Club.

Foxchase Landing

This is another ongoing development in Crozet, located just off Route 250 West and nearby schools, restaurants, a grocery store, and the amenities of the Old Trail Village.

Piedmont Place

Open since September 2016, Piedmont Place is a solar-powered multi-use building with several dining options, a yoga studio, a multi-vendor market that includes a bookstore and a local craft brew & wine shop, and residential apartments. It is located just across the street from the new library, something architect Bob Anderson took into account in designing the façade, which pays homage to the library’s exterior. Within the Piedmont Place Market, you’ll find healthy meals to-go from Morsel Compass, small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream at Crozet Creamery, and nutritional smoothies and organic coffee at Smojo.

Local Dining

In the case of a couple Crozet restaurants, the old adage is true in the best sense: their reputations precede them. Even for newcomers to the Charlottesville area, it won’t be long before you hear of Fardowners Restaurant and Crozet Pizza. According to their website, the namesake of Fardowners is “a group of Irish immigrants who labored for the Blue Ridge Railway Co. and helped construct four tunnels through the Blue Ridge Mountains during the decade before the Civil War.” The restaurant sits near the railroad tracks that run through Crozet and is in sight of the old C&O railroad depot, which used to house the community library. As part of their mission is to support other local businesses, the Fardowners menu is as locally-sourced as possible. Their menu includes pub standards like burgers and wings, but also hefty salads and innovative twists on traditional mac & cheese. Their brunch menu includes Vegan and Vegetarian-friendly options, too, such as a tofu scramble sourced from Louisa County’s own Twin Oaks.

Family-owned Crozet Pizza has been serving fresh pizzas made from their own original recipes since 1977. (It’s so good it even made our Top 5 list of pizzerias in the Charlottesville area.) Their House Favorites include “Buddhist Pie” (white sauce, sun dried tomatoes, red peppers, feta, fresh basil), “Meet Me in Crozet” (pepperoni, sausage, meatballs), and “Maui” (bacon, ham, pineapple). You can also order custom pizzas as well as varieties of calzones, salads, and appetizers.

Smoked Kitchen & Tap at Piedmont Place offers slow smoked, hickory BBQ, as well as salads burgers, and sandwiches. And The Rooftop, just upstairs, is Crozet’s sky bar with gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountain views, cocktails, and a small plates menu that includes flatbread pizza.

View from the patio at Restoration.
View from the patio at Restoration.

If you’re looking for something more filling, there’s Restoration at Old Trail Village, which specializes in high-end comfort food. Menu items include croquet monsieur, pan seared salmon, and friend chicken & waffles, which comes with apple cider bacon gastrique and can be further upgraded by substituting duck confit for the fried chicken. In addition to the elegant interior, there is outdoor patio seating that overlooks the Old Trail Golf Club course.

Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival

Twice a year, in May and October, the Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival brings its lively and celebratory vibe to Claudius Crozet Park for a weekend of festivities. White tents dot the landscape while local singers and musicians perform, and the air fills with the aromas of foods as varied as kettle corn, funnel cake, fried onions, Thai noodles, and quesadillas.

The Crozet/Western Albemarle Library

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAIn September 2013, after years of being housed in the old depot, the Crozet/Western Albemarle Library opened the doors to its new, permanent home in downtown Crozet. It has a growing collection and space that allows for 75,000 volumes of books.

Mint Springs Valley Park

This 520-acre park includes four hiking trails, picnic areas and grills, 8 acres of water, and a one-acre beach. Swimming is allowed from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, except when county schools are in session. There is a small entry fee for both county residents and non-county residents, or season passes are available for purchase. As long as you have a fishing license, you will also be able to fish for the stocked trout, sunfish, channel catfish, and large-mouth bass.

Historic Garden Week

This month visitors and residents of Virginia will have the opportunity to visit over 250 gardens, homes, and landmarks during Historic Garden Week. This event, organized and operated by the Garden Club of Virginia, has been in existence since 1933! This year’s Historic Garden Week, which runs from April 22-27, 2017, consists of 30 distinct tours, including several in and around Charlottesville.

Located just down the road from James Monroe’s Highland and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Morven (Scottish for “Great Mountain”) is an extensive estate of nearly 3,000 acres with a long history. Thomas Jefferson purchased 1,334 acres in 1795 and leased plots of land to local farmers. In 1813, he transferred ownership of the property to David Higginbotham, who gave it the name Morven and oversaw construction of the main house. The estate was owned by three more families before Charles and Mary Stone purchased it in 1926. By 1933, Mary Stone had revived the formal gardens and opened them to visitors for the first ever Virginia Garden Week. Morven has remained part of the Virginia Garden Week every year since. In 1988, businessman and philanthropist John W. Kluge purchased the Morven estate. During his ownership, Kluge ordered construction of a Japanese garden, which remains part of the garden tour. In 2001, Kluge donated over 7,000 acres of the estate to the University of Virginia Foundation, which now maintains it and uses it for educational purposes.

The Albemarle County House and Garden Tour will consist of five properties: Southfield—20 acres of trees, shrubs, and perennials; Choill Mhor—meaning “Great Woods” in Gaelic, a manor house built in 2005 that sits on 50 acres with many native and non-native plants; Midway—an early 19th-century farmhouse with several hundred acres and a formal garden; The Laing House—a custom home built in 2007 with mountain and river views, surrounded by informal gardens; and Fox Ridge—a 280-acre equestrian farm that includes a 19th-century log cabin and boxwood gardens.

At the University of Virginia, the Pavilion Gardens, Pavilion homes, and the president’s house, Carr’s Hill, will be part of the tour. On the only American university campus (or “grounds”) designated a World Heritage site, you can enjoy the historic serpentine walls and restored gardens. Carr’s Hill, built circa 1890, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Also on the tour is the Morea Garden on Sprigg Lane, which features a botanical collection.

According to the Virginia Garden Week website, “Tour proceeds fund the restoration and preservation of more than 40 of Virginia’s historic public gardens and landscapes, a research fellowship program and a centennial project with Virginia State Parks.” These restoration projects include sites at the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello in Charlottesville, Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest in Lynchburg, James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange County, and Point of Honor—an antebellum plantation-turned-museum—in Lynchburg.