If you have always considered visiting the Charlottesville, VA, area, now is the perfect time to plan and enjoy a quick escape. Believe it or not, a winter getaway to Charlottesville, VA is optimal for a couple of reasons: there are fewer crowds, the weather is excellent for outdoor activities with the proper layers, and finally, you need a chance to relax and recharge after a busy and stressful holiday season.
To make your winter getaway even easier, we have laid out a 3-day itinerary with some great ideas for making the most of your time. Get out your calendars, pack your bags, and let us help you plan your escape. If you need some additional ideas, please call us!
DAY 1-Friday
Arrival
If you can, get away early! Avoid the traffic, and stroll around some shops at the Downtown Mall. Depending on your timing, see which of the many restaurants strikes your fancy. Have lunch at one of the 30 great restaurants as you stroll around the Downtown Mall. Want advice from a local? Call us, or see our list.
Maybe shopping is not your thing, so make a stop on the campus of UVA, which has consistently been in the top 5 best big colleges in the US. What is there to see? There is a self-guided walking tour, or, if you want the fun of a scavenger hunt, you can download an app and find 100 objects that help commemorate two centuries of UVA history. Additionally, you can visit the Rotunda (designed by founder Thomas Jefferson) with the expansive lawn in front, the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers, and the Fralin Museum of Art. Food trucks are by the Amphitheater when you’re ready for a snack.
Check-In
You can check into your room at the Foxfield Inn anytime between 4 pm and 7 pm. Expect a warm welcome and a brief tour to familiarize you with the layout of the Inn. Whether it is the Hunt Country, Audobon, Rose, or Garden Room with fireplace, jacuzzi, and king- or queen-sized bed and view of the garden, or look out to the fishpond in the Dogwood Room, you’ll experience the luxury of soft linens and a choice of pillows. Which room did you choose?
Relax in your room with a complimentary beverage (coffee, tea, water, sodas) and snacks of homemade cookies, fruit, or nuts from the guest pantry. If you are celebrating a special occasion or want to make this stay special, reserve one or more of our add-ons like flowers, chocolate-covered strawberries, or a deluxe cheese platter. Who wouldn’t love a surprise of “bubbles and berries” (chocolate-covered strawberries and a bottle of champagne) waiting in your room?
Evening Options
If the extras you ordered are enough to satiate you, stay in and enjoy the jacuzzi tub in your room or the outdoor hot tub and each other’s company in a quiet, relaxing environment. Maybe you would like to embrace the Norwegian concept of Koselig (koosh-lee) by gathering outdoors in the cold weather — we have a firepit perfect for cozying up.
However, if you want to sample Charlottesville’s famous foodie scene, there are dozens of restaurants with every kind of food style and ethnic origin. Come back to your room with a full stomach, and enjoy a glass of wine in front of the fireplace, sharing the day’s adventures.
DAY 2-Saturday
Breakfast
Wake up and enjoy a relaxed three-course breakfast between 9 am and 10 am. Start with freshly brewed coffee or tea, followed by a homemade baked good. Your main course is either a sweet or savory plated dish, such as Asparagus and Vegetable Frittata or Nectarine and Blueberry French Toast Casserole–always with something in season. Your first impulse after breakfast may include a nap, which is always a good idea, but you don’t want to miss out on the other options!
Option for an Active Day
Just a 1-hour drive from the Foxfield Inn, you’ll experience skiing or tubing adventures at either the Wintergreen Resort or Massanutten Resort. Reserve a pass in advance to go tubing, as the number of tickets is limited to avoid excessive crowding and lines. There are several lunch options onsite if you need a break.
For a fun stop on the way back to Foxfield Inn, if you are at Wintergreen, head to Blue Mountain Brewery if you are a craft beer enthusiast. They have a brewpub and outdoor heated seating. If you want a glass of wine versus beer, then Veritas Winery is on your way — did you know that Virginia wines are trending? If you spent the day at Massanutten, then Glass House Winery is on your way back. Not only do they have award-winning wines, but there are house-made artisan chocolates.
Option for a Leisurely Day
If you don’t think skiing or tubing is in the cards for the day, then why not spend the day sifting through some of the best antique shops in town? Maybe you have something special in mind, or you might see something you didn’t know you needed; it’s the thrill of the hunt.
Start with Kenny Ball Antiques, followed by the Eternal Attic. Both are just ten minutes south of the Foxfield Inn. Follow those stores with the Consignment House and Oyster House Antiques, both in the Downtown Mall. If this sauntering has sparked an appetite, try a yummy savory pie at the Pie Chest. Fueled with pie, make a final stop at Circa, which has a little bit of everything.
Toast your discoveries with an afternoon cocktail at Tonic; maybe something Naughty (rum, coffee liqueur, and winter spiced pomegranate syrup) or a Boozy Mexican Hot Cocoa.
Evening Options
When you return to the Inn, important decisions are to be made, such as, do you want to go out for dinner or are you already full and exhausted? If you are dining out, we’re happy to offer suggestions. If you are tired, run to the hot tub outside and unknot those sore muscles. Back to your room to curl up in front of the fireplace.
DAY 3-Sunday
Breakfast and Check-out
Wake up today knowing there will be another amazing three-course breakfast between 9 am and 10 am. Sadly, you’ll also be packing your things and heading home today. Check-out is at 11 am, but we have suggestions for one last fun day.
An Active or Relaxing Option
Work out any sore muscles from your tubing or skiing adventure before heading back to your day-to-day. End your stay with a massage at the Halo Salt Spa. Be sure to book your massage ahead of time.
Are you still full of energy and looking for one last adventure? Head over to the Monticello-Saunders Trail and wander for as long as you like; there are trails as short as a half mile or join them together for a longer trek. There are 89 acres of land with boardwalks, gravel trails, and more rustic trails.
Lunch
If you want to have lunch before you head out of town, Michie’s Tavern will give you a final “taste” of Virginia history. If you prefer something more sophisticated, head to the Downtown Mall and visit Bizou or Tilman’s. If you are hungry for a delicious burger, try Citizen Burger Bar.
Plan Your Follow-up Stay
After your winter getaway to Charlottesville, VA, you will see that there is still so much more to see and do! Come back for the food, the history, the people, and the genuine gracious lodging at our Foxfield Inn. We cannot wait to see you again.
