Charlottesville VA activities
 

I'll be in Charlottesville for a couple of days next month, and could use some up to date ideas on what I can see and do in the limited time I have .
All I have as a definite yes is Monticello. I'm not sure how Ash Lawn and Montpelier will fit into my schedule. I was also thinking about Poplar Forest.
Couple of questions: Is is worth to to stay downtown at the Omni, or would it be just as good to stay at a suburban location? If I arrive late afternoon on a Sunday, will the shops and restaurants be open? I know that in a lot of cities' downtown areas, Sunday evening is pretty dead.
Any suggestions for funky casual restaurants, not too high priced, not to be missed? Anything like updated southern cuisine or something eclectic?
If I have time for one winery tour, which would you recommend?
Other favorite sights of yours? I love arty towns, unusual museums, easy hikes.
It looks like there's so much to see, I 'm just having trouble narrowing it down!

topping, for a new day

I don't think the shops will be open but I'm sure the restaurants will be. I would check out the site for the downtown mall to be sure.

http://www.charlottesvilletourism.or...rce.php?id=360

I always like the Hardware Store for the nostalgia (it went into the original Charlottesville hardware store and they left as much as they could) but I certaily wouldn't say the food is spectacular - more like a good diner.

Cafe Europa is very good food on the Corner but very casual.

I had a very good time at Horton winery and it is very close to Barboursville vineyard (which was fancier but more expensive and I actually didn't like the wine as much as Horton) so they are like a two for one.

If you do all three of the President's homes, make sure to buy the ticket that includes all three. You will save a few dollars.

I haven't been to Montpelier, as I ran out of time when I was in Charlottesville last year. Ash Lawn is just down the road from Monticello, though, and I highly recommend it. The two homes are very different.

We were there last spring for a few days. We played golf, went to Monticello and visited some of the local wineries. There is a winery map you can get at many hotels or other places. You might also want to walk around the UVA campus -- very beautiful.

Nyer -- I just topped a post for you on C'ville restaurants. As you can see, we ate at the C&O. I thought it was great -- small, quaint, limited menu (that changes frequently), but the food was good, wine choices great, atmosphere all good.

Montpelier is in the midst of a MAJOR renovation. It is still open, but I would not recommend it right now unless you are a serious fan of historic preservation. The house is literally torn apart and they are reconstructing it as it was in Madison's time.

Poplar Forest, on the other hand, is an undiscovered gem and I'm surprised more Jefferson fans don't visit it. It was lovingly restored and is just a remarkable, unique (octagonal) venue. Clearly Jefferson's labor of love. It is a little over an hour from Charlottesville and a very pretty drive. Well worth a visit!

Ash Lawn, as the previous poster says, is right by Monticello, and therefore an easy combo. Worth a visit just by convenience.

Monticello and UVA always top my recommendations but if time allows, a drive to Skyline Drive (on a nice day) is a close third. Not so great on easy hikes but beautiful driving and views.

Thanks for the suggestions (including the previous information on restaurants)
Are there any "art towns" in the area--places with many galleries, craft stores and studios?

C-ville is really where you will find the art community for this area of VA. A walk along the downtown mall has some of the galleries, etc. but not many. I am not familiar with the art scene so cannot really recommend anywhere in C-ville for great art. Hope someone else can. My response was basically just to point out that, no, there aren't any art-town type places close to C-ville unless you want to go all the way to Richmond.