Charlottesville, Monticello, Shenandoah Valley?
 

We are thinking of adding a stop in the Charlottesville area to our trip to Colonial Williamsburg. Any thoughts on accommodations? Must-sees in the area (we would definitely see U of VA and Monticello)? Restaurant recommendations in Charlottesville? Is this stop worth it or not?

I loved this area. Check one of the B&B sites for suggestions - we stayed at one called The Shadows, in Orange, VA. (Quite a few B&Bs out there.) This is definately gentleman farmer and horse country. There are numerous wineries in the area, Barboursville is one of our favorites. If you've never seen Monticello, you definitely want to go. It is amazing. Also in Orange, VA is a terrific German restaurant called The Bavarian Inn. Truly, one of the best German restaurants I've ever been to.

I live in the area and I would suggest eating at the Aberdeen Barn. My husband and I had dinner there for our first wedding anniversary and it was delicious. As long as you're not a vegetarian that is! Their prime rib is superb :) If you are interested the Aberdeen Barn is off of Rt. 29, near UVA, since you said you are going there.

Hi! Try the Omni. It is located at one end of the "downtown Mall", which consists of shops, restaurants, ice skating rink, and nice movie theatre. You can park and ride everywhere. You can catch a free trolly which will take you around town and thru UVA campus. Try the OXO restaurant. It is uptown! Just ate there for the first time last weekend. Also, the Metropolitan is nice to eat at!

My husband and I were just there this past weekend! We stayed at the Inn at Monticello, which was wonderful. It's right at the base of the "little mountain," very convenient to downtown, Monticello, and the wineries. The Inn will have lots of recommendations for eating out. Charlottesville has WONDERFUL food! The Ivy Inn was a favorite for fine dining. We ate at Moondance on the downtown mall - more casual, but great food. Check out www.innatmonticello.com.