I live in Arlington and my cousin is going to be in Roanoke VA for a long weekend in a couple weeks. We decided to each drive and meet somewhere in the middle for a nice lunch. Any suggestions from the forum? I have (shockingly) never been to Charlottesville, so was thinking that could be fun, but open to other ideas as well! Would appreciate recommendations of towns as well as specific dining venues. Thank you!

Hello, I'm from Charlottesville and would recommend Hamiltons' First and Main on the downtown mall. There is outdoor seating if this gorgeous weather repeats itself!

I think Staunton could be a good choice, too--straight shot for both of you on I-81. About 2.5 hours S for you, about 1.5 hours N for her to get there. I have restaurant suggestions if you decide on Staunton.

If you choose Charlottesville (2.5 hours for you, 2 hours for her) you should just go to the downtown mall and walk down it--there are loads of restaurants and you can pick whatever strikes your fancy--most of the restaurants have outdoor seating.

Thank you both! Really appreciate the suggestions. I'm looking forward to my first (and long overdue) visit to Charlottesville. The downtown mall area sounds like a perfect place for us to meet up.

Schlegal1, I would love to hear your suggestions for Staunton!

Really casual: Shenandoah Pizza or Baka Bean.

Casual: Byer's Street Bistro (good menu variety) or Mill Street Grill (they brag about their ribs and the people I know who like ribs agree they are great).

Upscale: zynadoa (focused on local ingredients).

If you are planning on spending any time in Staunton I highly recommend the Blackfriar's playhouse for a Shakespeare play. Even those tortured by him in HS English could enjoy it in this venue. And if you have kids with you the Frontier Culture Museum may have some appeal.

Upscale: zynadoa (focused on local ingredients).

I will second the recommendation for Zynadoa but I think they're only open for dinner? It seriously rivals pretty much 95% of what DC has to offer (and that is not a minor comparison).

Yes, it is dinner only there--my reply was for willowjane, and she didn't indicate she was only interested in lunch choices.

Oh, and there was a typo in there it is "Baja" Bean (Tex Mex).

This is a wild and crazy idea, but if your cousin wanted to extend her stay for a couple of days this would be a fun getaway for the two of you -
http://www.meander.net/cooking-class-virginia.html

Oops. Sorry. The dates don't work.
Never mind....

Yes, it is dinner only there--my reply was for willowjane, and she didn't indicate she was only interested in lunch choices.

Sorry schlegal1 and willowjane, I missed that. I really only meant to reiterate a mention for Zynadoa which I think deserves more publicity than it gets especially here on Fodor's.

Oh, my reply to you sounded snippy, which was not intentional--sorry!

I don't think you sounded snippy and they are all great recommendations! Sorry if I "barged in" on a thread! I just knew that we were driving right up 81 and have wondered about Staunton before. Thanks to all!

I don't think you sounded snippy…

Neither did I.

Me again, I booked dinner at Zynodoa! I looked at the menu and it looks fabulous. I am so excited. Thank you all.