Day Trips
SIX DAY-TRIPS TOURING THE CHARLOTTESVILLE VIRGINIA COUNTRYSIDE
There is so much to do in the Charlottesville, Virginia countryside you can spend six action-packed days with CEDAR SPRING INN as your headquarters. The following day trips never take you more than forty-five minutes from the Inn. For links to most of the bold-faced locations check out our Activities section, or for restaurant links go to Cuisine.
Day 1 – Monticello and Ash-Lawn Highland
Begin the week steeped in the history of the region. After a morning steam, enjoy a hearty breakfast looking toward the mountains. Then it’s on to Monticello (30 minutes), the home of Thomas Jefferson the third US President and the author of the Declaration of Independence. Allow at least three to four hours to see the home and grounds (longer if you’re really into history). Eat lunch in the new $43 million Visitor’s Center on the property. When you leave, stop at Jefferson Vineyards for a tasting and winery tour. You should still have time to see Ash-Lawn Highland, the neighboring home of James Monroe the fifth US President. Eat an early dinner at Mas, a tapas restaurant in Belmont. Or back to the Inn for a swim and nap before a leisurely dinner at Rhett’s River Grill and Raw Bar.
Day 2 – The University of Virginia and Downtown Charlottesville
Sleep late; once again enjoy a leisurely breakfast watching the bluebirds. Head downtown toward the University of Virginia (20 minutes). Ranked the #2 public university in the US, UVA is steeped in the Southern traditions of “Mr. Jefferson’s school”, where the campus is known as “The Grounds” and freshmen are “First Year’s”. The Rotunda and Academical Village date back to Jeffersonian times; take a free student-guided tour to get the feeling for this incredible institution. Walk around The Corner (the center of student life) across from the Rotunda, then head to the Downtown Mall, the historic shopping and eating district of Charlottesville. On the way stop at The Market for some artisanal cheese at Feast! and handmade chocolates from Gearhart’s. Once on the walking Mall take in the shops, an eclectic mix of used bookstores, Chinese antiques, Italian papers, French linens and local arts and crafts. Don’t forget to walk South on 4th Street to Garrett where there are more wonderful antiques and home furnishings. Have an early dinner at C&O Restaurant on Water Street or at Bizou or Ten on the Mall, then head back to the Inn to relax in the hot tub.
Day 3 – Skyline Drive and the Southwest Wineries
Up early; enjoy the steam room, then breakfast. Today is hiking and wine day! Head Northwest to the entrance to Skyline Drive (20 minutes). Drive South on Skyline Drive stopping for a hike along the way. After the hike, continue South to the I64/Rt. 250 exit. Take Rt.250 East to Greenwood Market, a wonderful gourmet country store. Buy lunch provisions and continue on to one of several local wineries for a picnic on the property. Try King Family Vineyards, Pollack Vineyard and/or Veritas Winery, all with spectacular views of the western foothills. If it’s Sunday in the summer, enjoy the horse polo match on the King Vineyards Property. When it’s time to head back to the Inn, take Rt. 250 East and stop at And George to peruse the incredible antiques and interior design ideas. Back at the Inn, enjoy both the sauna and steam room to relax tired hiking and walking muscles. Then off for a casual near-by dinner … try Bonefish Grill for American or Royal Indian for … well … Indian.
Day 4 – Montpelier and the Northeast Wineries
Enjoy a leisurely morning. Sleep late, take a dip in the pool, linger over a lazy breakfast. Spend the day at Montpelier (30 minutes), the home of James Madison the fourth US President and father of the Constitution. A recently completed renovation of this incredible property makes Montpelier the historical sleeper of the area. Don’t miss it! Combine your trip back in time with a trail ride at Oakland Heights Farm or visit one of four area wineries: Horton Cellars, Barboursville Vineyards, Burnley Vineyards, Keswick Vineyards. For lunch or dinner plan on visiting the terrific French Restaurant Pomme in Gordonsville, or Palladio Restaurant at Barboursville Vineyards. Back at the Inn hit the hot tub before bed.
Day 5 – Ballooning and Antiquing
Go hot air ballooning! (Launch usually within 20 minutes.) Watch the sunrise as you prepare to see the Virginia countryside from the basket of a hot air balloon. Check our Activities section for the list of local Hot Air Balloon Companies. You’ll be back at the Inn in time for breakfast. On the way back, pick up a picnic lunch at From Scratch Bakery. After breakfast take a swim and relax by the pool. Hike the property. Take a steam. Picnic at the cabin in the woods. Spend the afternoon antiquing in Ruckersville or visit the Potter’s Studios (Suzanne Crane/Mud Dauber, Blue Ridge Pottery) in the area. Or travel up the Blue Ridge Mountains to Stone Mountain Vineyard for more spectacular views and great wine. Feel like a great unpretentious hamburger for dinner? Try Martin’s Grill.
Day 6 – Golf and a Couples Massage
Spend your final day in the Virginia Countryside playing golf (25 minutes) and lazing by the pool. After breakfast, tee off at Birdwood Golf Course or Green Hills Club. You should be back at the Inn in time to spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool. Use the sauna before enjoying a relaxing couples massage. Then off to a fabulous dinner at historic Silver Thatch Inn. Return to the Inn for a dip in the hot tub before bed.