Liz
Washington
It is just two of us, we have a car and no pets.
Here's a list of wineries close to
Charlottesville.
Barboursville Vineyards is probably the most recognizable name in the area - the grounds are neat, but it tends to be crowded. DelFosse, Prince Michel, Horton (try the Norton!), and Blenheim are good options.
If you guys haven't been to
Monticello, I'd make a point to visit, along with taking a walk around UVA (check out Edgar Allan Poe's old dorm).
Shenandoah National Park runs along the mountains to the west, and has hiking trails of varying difficulty.
If you want to take the scenic route between DC and C'ville and really want to splurge on a meal, then make reservations for
The Inn at Little Washington. In Charlottesville,
C & O Restaurant is supposed to be good.
Mentioned in this answer:
C'Ville is a mecca for restaurants. Dining out is very popular. Call ahead to check for seating. There are so many great places, but I know these are good.
The Local http://www.thelocal-cville.com/ (located in the Belmont area which has several great restaurants)
Mas http://www.mastapas.com/ If you like tapas meals this is the best!
Baja Bean http://www.bajabean.com/cvmap.html At The Corner on Main St.- Great Mexican food
The Shebeen http://www.shebeen.com/index.php excellent! Some of the best food I have had.
King Family Vineyards http://www.kingfamilyvineyards.com/About-Us/Visiting Gorgeous!
Keswick Vineyardshttp://www.keswickvineyards.com/
http://www.visitcharlottesville.org/visitors/things-to-do/vineyards-and-breweries/ Take your pick....they are everywhere!
Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall https://www.google.com/search?q=charlottesville+va+downtown+mall&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb The Downtown Mall is full of life, especially in the evenings. Several excellent restaurants. A couple serve breakfast.
Bluegrass Grill & Bakery http://www.yelp.com/biz/bluegrass-grill-and-bakery-charlottesville Good food and the have Chocolate Covered Bacon!!!! omg!
Humpback Rocks http://www.realcentralva.com/2012/07/19/a-few-of-my-favorite-hikes-around-charlottesville/ Humpback view is awesome.
Saunders Monticello Trail http://www.monticello.org/site/visit/overview-saunders-monticello-trail Leads to Monticello ticket office area. My daughter hiked this daily when she lived in C'ville.
Carpe Donut http://www.carpedonut.org/
Spudnuts http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/108/853318/restaurant/Spudnut-Shop-Charlottesville The last place my daughter visited when she drove out of C'Ville in early 2014 was Spudnuts. They are fresh cake donuts. Cash only. I like yeast donuts best, but I have to admit that warm chocolate cake and blueberry Spudnut was delicious!
Mentioned in this answer: