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Discover Virginia’s top scenic drives to see the state’s spectacular mountains, wineries, farms, and historic sites. In this guide, we reveal the essential routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, ensuring you’ll experience the best visuals and cultural spots on your scenic drives around Central Virginia without wading through unnecessary information.

Charlottesville, Virginia, a city rich in history and culture, boasts an array of boutique hotels and charming inns that reflect its unique character. From luxury lodgings to cozy bed and breakfasts, each place offers a distinct experience to make your stay unforgettable. Ready to explore the best hotels Charlottesville VA has to offer? Let’s dive in!

Botanical (fully vegan)

Charlottesville has some great Mexican restaurants to choose from. From Bebedero downtown to the multiple Guadalajara locations, Charlottesville can fulfill your need for margaritas and enchilladas.

Lost Saint

The Ivy Inn

Even in the best of times, winter can be a long and unforgiving season. Shorter days and wind chill can make you feel like hibernating ’til it’s over, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. In fact, our insiders have found some pretty sweet ways in and around Charlottesville to beat cabin fever and make the most of the season.

Just like promposals and baby gender reveal celebrations, destination bachelorette parties are no longer the exception, but the norm. Gone are the days of the one fun night out. Those about to say ‘I do’ are taking two-day, three-day, even week-long trips with their BFFs to big cities and small towns to enjoy unique experiences before the big day.

Modern babies demand soft, organic onesies and toys that develop their frontal lobes. With these Charlottesville baby stores, you’ll be able to settle those squawking demands pronto. You’ll have the smartest, best-dressed baby in town!

Life’s biggest events call for celebrations. Whether you’re planning a baby shower or a bridal shower, Charlottesville has the perfect venue for any season. You’ll find intimate indoor spaces and gorgeous outdoor settings to suit the size and mood of your group. Let the festivities begin!

Pushing a stroller is one of the pleasures of new parenthood. Walks that soothe the baby provide opportunity for parental socializing and exercising all in one basic activity. It’s the ultimate in multi-tasking, and we’re here for it. From tried and true trails like the Saunders-Monticello trail to newer ones like those through Greenbrier Park, Charlottesville's stroller friendly paths have the tranquility and variety to keep you and your little ones peaceful, happy and entertained.

Picky eaters? High-pitched screechers? It's not a problem at these Charlottesville restaurants, where the menu and kid-friendly vibes combine to create the perfect ambiance for a family meal. You'll find burgers, mac and cheese, simple tacos, nachos, and fun activities that are guaranteed to suit your entire family. Bon appetit!

Did you know Country Roads isn’t actually about West Virginia, it’s about Western Virginia? And honestly, it could have been written about Western Albemarle- “Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River…” Just saying. If you want to get to know those infamous spots a bit better, Charlottesville is your best bet. Whether you want an hour of sweating it out for some prime views, or a day of soaking up rays on the river, you’ll find it here.

Gotta get away? Charlottesville’s array of inns, hotels, and unhotels (just wait for it) provide lots of options for your home away from home. Here are five of our favorites unique and boutique, locally owned hotels.

You don’t have to eat out to have a romantic dinner for two, and that doesn’t mean you have to cook either! Take-out from some of Charlottesville’s top restaurants brings the delicious dishes right to your home. And we say romance doesn’t have to mean fancy. From burgers to Moroccan gazpacho to salmon, you’ll find something here to help fuel your love!

When planning a Charlottesville wedding, every detail is important but none moreso than the photographer you choose. It’s through their eyes and their lens that each moment and precious detail of your big day will be documented and preserved. Luckily, Charlottesville has no shortage of photographers with world-class talent to capture romantic, authentic pictures that will last a lifetime! Photo above by Ashley Cox Photography

From traditional tiered cakes to more contemporary designs with personal flair, your wedding cake is the artistic centerpiece for your reception. Charlottesville wedding cake makers are up to the task of creating a masterpiece that will leave your guests awestruck.

Of all the decisions you make about your wedding, the catering is among the most important. Exquisite cuisine and gorgeous table settings all rely on the expertise of the catering operation you choose. These Charlottesville caterers will ensure a culinary experience you and your wedding guests will remember for a lifetime!

Sure, we live here so we’re a little biased, but it’s just a simple fact that Charlottesville is one of the most photogenic cities in the country. Don’t believe us? Take a look below. If you’re traveling to Charlottesville, or you already call it home, you’ll want to visit these Instagrammable spots and post the pics on your own ‘gram! Don’t forget to tag @CharlottesvilleInsider!

Charlottesville is positively blooming with top-notch floral designers whose hand-crafted bouquets can give your big day the whimsical (or classic or boho or rustic…) touch it needs. Here are our top picks.

Is there anything more romantic than eating Italian food by candlelight? These are five of our favorite Charlottesville Italian restaurants to help to set the mood, from a classic Belmont spot to pasta-at-home. That’s amore!

For most, gift-giving is an intimidating concept. Lucky for us, Charlottesville offers up a slew of retail stores and artisans that make it easy to find something for everyone on your list. Here are six of our favorite spots (hint, hint).

They’re places we exercise, commune with nature, gather with friends and have picnics. Various Charlottesville-area parks offer playgrounds and trails, swimming, boating, biking and ultimate frisbee. From small neighborhood parks to vast state parks, there’s no excuse for staying inside!

Whether you want a professional to spruce up a postage stamp-sized city yard or you’re looking for a complete landscape design with plantings and hardscaping for your country estate, Charlottesville landscape firms are up to the task. You can even get expert assistance to grow organic fruits and vegetables!

Finding the perfect home just for yourself or for your family doesn't have to be unduly stressful. Charlottesville has a wealth of talented, knowledgable real estate agents. Whether you're looking for a pied a terre or a country estate, you won't go wrong with our Insider picks.

Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking, and your event planner holds the key to pulling it all off without a hitch. These Charlottesville wedding planners know the best vendors in the area and how to ensure your big day best reflects your personalities and your unique love story.

If you're looking for celebs, you don't need to jet to Hollywood. Charlottesville has more than its share of famous people who've chosen to make their homes at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by beauty and history. Keep your eyes peeled for these actors, authors and sports legends.

Mom’s 60th birthday. Your wedding anniversary or engagement party. These are special occasions that call for events in special places. Charlottesville is home to multiple full-service venues to help you pull off your celebration without a hitch!

When it comes to pizza, Charlottesville restaurants know how to serve it up. You'll find authentic Neapolitan pies, gourmet toppings and everything in between. Get your slice on and try great options from Lampo to Christians!

Summer has sundresses and sandals, but fall has tall boots and snuggly sweaters and who doesn’t love all that? Check out this round-up of Charlottesville boutiques with sweaters and other warm, comfy clothes that will help you keep the chill at bay.

Embark on a fall adventure in Charlottesville, VA, as we unveil the top orchards and pumpkin patches for a day of apple and pumpkin picking. Explore the scenic landscapes, savor the crisp autumn air, and create lasting memories with family and friends in these delightful harvest havens.

Cocktails on cold nights will warm you from the inside out, and who doesn’t enjoy that! Charlottesville restaurants are known for their amazing drinks from simple classics like gin martinis to craft cocktails with creative names. Whether you’re stepping out for the evening, or ordering in, there’s a drink that’ll fit your mood.

If you want to express your own personal style and not follow the masses in what you wear, then shopping in Charlottesville is for you. There are so many amazing local boutiques selling women’s clothing that you won’t see in the big department stores, you will practically never have to worry about a co-worker coming in with the same outfit as you (heaven forbid)! We love these shops, and so will you:

There’s no better excuse for shopping than shopping for someone else- and, of course, it makes sense to pick up a treat (or two) for yourself while you’re out. Read on for some classic Charlottesville spots to gift shop.

Charlottesville has a serious food scene, and the town’s brunch offerings don’t disappoint- though they can get a little crowded. Read on for some local picks that are guaranteed to fuel you up for a day out-- or an afternoon in.

10. Walk the Mall

Beer lovers find hops-heaven in Charlottesville with city and country breweries perfect for tasting and time spent with friends. The Charlottesville Ale Trail offers a passport that'll get you discounts to the city's beer brewing hotspots. And in the countryside west of Charlottesville, you'll find a slew of gorgeous views and tasty brews. Bottom's up!

Sometimes it's naan that calls your name. Other times, it's the siren song of a Latin American steak. The Charlottesville dining scene is a melting pot of international influences, and we are here for it!

Traditional catering isn’t the only way to feed a hungry party crowd. Food trucks have surged in popularity in recent years, with gourmet menus to suit all tastes. Charlottesville has a slew of food trucks with cuisine from around the world. There are mouthwatering dessert options too! The party won’t be thriving til the food truck is arriving!

Different people come to Charlottesville with different ideas of a good time. We have recommendations for every kind of Charlottesville tourist from lovers of the outdoors to family travelers to history buffs and foodies.

Charlottesville is packed with businesses that provide anything a pet or pet owner could desire. From high-end boutiques with organic treats and luxury accessories to high quality doggy daycare, boarding and grooming services, you'll find all you need to keep your dogs and cats healthy, safe and wagging with swagger.