Charlottesville, VA - where to stay, what to do, which airport, etc?
Nov 25th, 2008, 05:26 PM
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Charlottesville, VA - where to stay, what to do, which airport, etc?
I'll be in Charlottesville, Virginia, in mid December for a couple days and would like recommendations for where to stay, the best airport (coming from LAX or Burbank), and what to do there during my free time. Any recommendations are appreciated?
Also, how's the drive to WV or NC mid December? Never been to either of those states and thought of possibly taking a drive to one of them in my attempt to visit every state.
Also, how's the drive to WV or NC mid December? Never been to either of those states and thought of possibly taking a drive to one of them in my attempt to visit every state.
Nov 26th, 2008, 06:31 AM
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Charlottesville is about a three hour drive from the Eastern Panhandle of WV. Depending on the timing of your visit, there are holiday celebrations in Shepherdstown, Charles Town and Harpers Ferry, along with lodging options and good restaurants.
You might try a wine tour in Virginia - I know the personable and knowledgeable owners of Arcady Vineyards (www.arcadyvineyard.com) who do escorted tours and have two B&B suites at their vineyard.
You might try a wine tour in Virginia - I know the personable and knowledgeable owners of Arcady Vineyards (www.arcadyvineyard.com) who do escorted tours and have two B&B suites at their vineyard.
Nov 26th, 2008, 07:10 AM
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Dulles will probably offer the cheapest options from LAX, but it's a 2-hour drive -- Charlottesville has its own airport.
In addition to Monticello, you can also visit Ash Lawn, James Monroe's home.
In addition to Monticello, you can also visit Ash Lawn, James Monroe's home.
Nov 26th, 2008, 07:30 AM
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I agree with denice7 but will add a little, too.
The drive from Dulles is 2 hours but it's a fairly simple route---just rent a car and take 66 West to 29 South and you'll come straight into C-ville.
If you fly into C-ville (usually expensive) it'll take about 10-20 minutes to get into C-ville depending on traffic.
The city is full of great restaurants and the Downtown pedestrial mall is a terrific place to shop and eat--if that's of interest the rec. for the Omni hotel is spot on since it is right on the mall.
In addition to Ash Lawn and Monticello (and UVA, where you can tour the campus) you could also visit Montpelier, Madison's home in Orange County (and probably combine that one with a wine tour somewhere)
The drives to NC or WVA should be easy. They aren't horribly long and it is unusual for there to be too much snow on the ground for driving in December. There are some places to stop along the way for scenic views and hikes.
Let us know if you are looking for other types of activities or more budget-minded hotels. Your question is a bit general.
The drive from Dulles is 2 hours but it's a fairly simple route---just rent a car and take 66 West to 29 South and you'll come straight into C-ville.
If you fly into C-ville (usually expensive) it'll take about 10-20 minutes to get into C-ville depending on traffic.
The city is full of great restaurants and the Downtown pedestrial mall is a terrific place to shop and eat--if that's of interest the rec. for the Omni hotel is spot on since it is right on the mall.
In addition to Ash Lawn and Monticello (and UVA, where you can tour the campus) you could also visit Montpelier, Madison's home in Orange County (and probably combine that one with a wine tour somewhere)
The drives to NC or WVA should be easy. They aren't horribly long and it is unusual for there to be too much snow on the ground for driving in December. There are some places to stop along the way for scenic views and hikes.
Let us know if you are looking for other types of activities or more budget-minded hotels. Your question is a bit general.
Dec 18th, 2008, 06:40 PM
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Thank you all for your suggestions. I ended up flying directly into Charlottesville on Dec. 17 and will be heading back to L.A. Dec. 19. I followed a lot of the advice below. I'm staying at the Omni (very nice, great location, tremendous service), visited Monticello and UVA, and had dinner at Zocalo on the mall. I leave tomorrow late afternoon, so I have the morning for shopping or something touristy. Thanks again.
