Places to Go Archives

Boutique Hotels

Some of my clients who are combining their real estate search with a vacation have been choosing to stay at one of the Charlottesville area boutique hotels and inns. Below are some of my favorite local places to dine or visit. If you want ideas for places to stay, things to do, and where to eat, I am happy to provide suggestions to accommodate a variety of tastes.

The Clifton Inn

History combines with luxury at the Clifton Inn, a charming upscale European-style boutique hotel, restaurant, and wedding venue. The Inn is set among lovely old trees and beautiful gardens, scenery which lends a serene grandeur to a dinner on the patio or a sunset stroll. It is located near Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and in fact it was first built by Jefferson’s son-in-law Thomas Mann. The Clifton Inn is a perfect spot where visitors and locals gather to meet friends on the terrace for drinks or for an elegant meal in the dining room. Seasonal menus at their 1799 restaurant feature organic vegetables and herbs from the Clifton’s own gardens.

Guests who choose to enjoy overnight accommodations have a delightful selection of cottages and suites, all charming and elegantly historic. As one of Charlottesville’s most popular wedding venues, Clifton Inn even has a honeymoon cottage on the grounds. The Inn’s location offers guests proximity to Virginia’s wine and horse country, and is convenient to Charlottesville’s entertainment and amenities.

The Inn At Court Square

In the center of Charlottesville are the streets where Thomas Jefferson used to walk to the courthouse. The Inn at Court square is across from the historic Court Square Park. This boutique hotel is comprised of two beautifully restored houses. The Federal style house, c.1785, is the oldest existing house in downtown Charlottesville. The second with its rare Mansard roof dates from 1918. Both are charmingly decorated with period antiques, which often are available for purchase.

The Inn has 10 beautifully appointed guest rooms and suites with private bathrooms. Many of the rooms offer fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Guests enjoy elegant Southern style breakfasts; the dining room is also available to host private functions.

The Inn at Court Square presents a wonderful opportunity to experience a bit of historic Charlottesville, yet it is only a block away from the downtown pedestrian mall and Charlottesville’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Willow Grove

Even from a distance, the Inn at Willow Grove provides a tempting hillside view of southern grandeur. The manor house at Willow Grove Plantation dates from 1778 and additional structures on the property originally included a schoolhouse, a smokehouse, a weaving house, and a spring house. The huge Jeffersonian columns were added to the manor home as part of a balcony addition in the mid 1800’s. All of the property was tastefully renovated by 2010 to provide luxurious boutique hotel resort accommodations that include a Forbes 4-star rated restaurant …. sure to please even the most discerning guests. There are several dining locations in addition to the main dining room, and among those is my favorite, the cozy Pub where locals and visitors relax in its congenial comfortable atmosphere.

Accommodations inside the main hotel include elegantly appointed rooms with fireplaces, soaking tubs and private balconies. The Tenant House Cottage offers a more casual option with its two bedrooms and Creekside Cottage provides 5 unique bedrooms and luxury suites. The adorable Butlers Cottage is a cozy 1-bedroom retreat located in a quiet corner of the gardens. If you have the time, don’t miss The Mill House Spa, a fitness facility with a saltwater pool. It’s easy to see why The Inn at Willow Grove is a popular wedding venue as well.

Top 3 Architectural Styles for Your Next Charlottesville VA Home

Charlottesville is a town where the past and present make a great combination. The evidence is in the mixture of traditional and contemporary styles of the homes that you can find here.

You have to come and see the place for yourself and experience the breathtaking view of these architectural masterpieces.

Homes in Charlottesville are made of different materials, infused with different styles and techniques unique to each architect and designer.

Many have been around for years, carrying with them a rich history that is a common characteristic of many Charlottesville homes.

Discover in the list below some of the top architectural styles you may want to consider for your next home.

Colonial
The most common home style that you will find in Charlottesville and Central Virginia is colonial.The area is steeped in tradition and history which sets the stage for a colonial style home.

Many of these homes are brick and two story. Some of the larger historic homes will have large front porches with white columns.
Craftsman
One of the most popular style in newer homes is the craftsman style. These homes may be either one level or two story. You will often see stone and other natural materials used as accents particularly on the exterior.

The inside trim details such as the crown molding is of a very simple design. These homes give a very clean, elegant appearance.
Farmhouse
Charlottesville horse farms are among the most common type of property in town.

Charlottesville offers everything a horse farm can ever want and need in order to thrive such as vast pastures and great weather. These farmhouses often have chimneys and gable roof.

These homes are also never short on space. They often come with generous spaces in the backyard enough to take care of horses and other farm animals.

The two story design and welcoming front porch are distinguishing features and each home has its own unique addition to the traditional porch such as swing-type seats and potted plants.

It’s definitely a splendid experience walking through the streets of homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. There’s an abundance of unique, cozy and beautiful homes in town and a lively community.

For more information and inspiration on different architectural home styles in Charlottesville, visit this website today www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com.

Call me today, Pam Dent at (434) 960-0161. I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting and fulfilling journey of finding your dream home.

Pam’s Favorite Restaurants in Charlottesville

Many of my clients who are relocating to Charlottesville Virginia, spend several days in the area looking at homes and exploring the city. They are always glad to have suggestions of local Charlottesville restaurants to try. This list is a selection of some of my favorites.

French:

C & O – 515 E Water St. 434 971-7044 a long time Charlottesville favorite.

Petit Pois – 201 E. Main St., Downtown Mall 434 979-7647

American & Varied Menus:

Duners – Route 205 West in Ivy 434 293-8352

Bizou – 119 W. Main St., Downtown Mall 434 977-1818

Hamiltons – 101 W Main St, Downtown Mall 434 295-66449

Commonwealth – 422 East Main Street, Downtown Mall 434 202-7728

The Ivy Inn – 2244 Old Ivy Rd., 434 977-1222

Italian:

Tavola – 826 Hinton Ave. 434 972-9463

Travinia – The Shops at Stonefield, 434 244-3304

Seafood:

Rhetts River Grill – 2335 Seminole Trail, 434 974-7818

Bonefish Grill – 269 Connor Dr, 434 975-3474

Steakhouse:

Aberdeen Barn – 2018 Holiday Dr. 434 296-4630

Downtown Grille – 201 W. Main St., Charlottesville, 434 817-7080

Tapas:

Mas Tapas – 501 Monticello Rd, 434 979-0990

Parallel 38 – The Shops at Stonefield, 434 923-3838

Asian:

Ten – 2108 E. Main St., Downtown Mall 434 295-6691

Tex Mex/Caribbean:

Continental Divide – 811 W. Main St. 434 984-0143

Mono Loco – 200 W. Water St. 434 979-0688

Pizza:

Christians Pizza – 1880 Abbey Rd. 434 293-6788 or 118 W. Main St., Downtown Mall 434 977-9688

Mellow Mushroom – 1321 W. Main St., in the Red Roof Inn 434 972-9366

Breakfast:

Tip Top – 1420 Richmond Rd., on Pantops Mountain 434 244-3424

Blue Moon Diner – 513 W. Main St. Charlottesville, 434 980-6666

Lunch & Sandwiches:

Bodo’s Bagel Bakery – 1418 Emmet St. 434 977-9598

Revolutionary Soup – 108 2^nd St. SW

Littlejohn’s New York Delicatessen – 1427 University Ave. 434 977-0588

Take It Away – 115 Elliewood Ave. 434 295-1899

For that very special occasion:

The Clifton Inn – 1296 Clifton Dr. 434 971-1800

Fossets at Keswick Hall – 701 Club Dr., Keswick, VA 434 979-3440

Palladio – at the Barboursville Vineyard, Barboursville, 540 832-7848

There are many other excellent restaurants in the area. After you relocate to a Charlottesville home and have the opportunity to sample the many local Charlottesville restaurants, please share your favorites with me!

Top 3 Book Stores In and Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

For those with a passion for books and reading, there are a number of places where you can find great reads near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. The city is home to a number of great bookshops that cater to all kinds of readers and collectors alike. Whether you are looking for new and contemporary books, used books and even antique items such as old maps, you may just find what you are seeking in any of these well-loved bookshops in town.

Daedalus Bookshop

Have you ever been surrounded by towering walls of books? Many have been mesmerized by the sight you’ll see at the Daedalus Bookshop. Their collection of books covers a wide range of academic topics that many customers commend them for. Frequent customers admit to spending hours and hours just browsing through the bookshop’s collection until they’re able to find a book to their liking. It’s like a whole new experience for them every time they come into the shop.

The service at Daedalus Bookshop is very impressive. The staff is welcoming and accommodating, especially when customers come in looking for a specific title. Many customers have had successful adventures finding hidden book treasures among the towering shelves of books. It’s definitely a bookshop to visit that will leave you with an unforgettable experience.

Blue Whale Books

Charlottesville horse farms have plenty of space for relaxation and enjoying a good book. One of the most frequented bookshops in the city is Blue Whale Books. They offer a collection of used and rare books. Customers really enjoy going through their mystery and art topics. Blue Whale Books is also proud of its unique and antique items. Many people have bought old maps, rare books and illustrative drawings from this bookshop. In addition to their fantastic collection, customers feel relaxed and happy with the wonderful jazz playlist that accompanies their shopping experience. All you need to do is take a trip to the Downtown Mall and you’ll be able to find yourself lost in a collection of marvelous books and items.

New Dominion Bookshop

Wouldn’t it be an interesting find to discover a book on Charlottesville golf homes? It is quite remarkable that books are actually becoming more and more specific and it will not be impossible to be able to find a book on these golf communities in the near future. One bookstore where you might find this kind of book in the future would be the New Dominion Bookshop. It is an independent bookshop that locals are familiar with. Patrons take their time browsing the collection. Many commercialized bookstores only have a set of certain books in their collection. However, in a bookshop like New Dominion, expect to see unique, new and interesting books that are not supported in big commercialized bookstores.

Thinking of moving to Charlottesville? Please feel free to visit my website, www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com, to know more about homes for sale in Charlottesville VA.

Call me today, Pam Dent at (434) 960-0161. I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting and fulfilling journey of finding your dream home.

Top Places for Your Events Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Looking for a place near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA to host your next event? No need to look further because the city is proud of its wide selection of venues for different kinds of events. We have listed for you 3 of the top choices in the city. Find out about the unique histories behind these venues and various factors that contribute to their top placing.

Top Places for Your Events Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

John Paul Jones Arena

The University of Virginia is definitely at the top among the numerous institutions that Charlottesville is proud of. Aside from the quality education that the university upholds, it is a famous place because of its history as well as all of its facilities. One of these would be the John Paul Jones Arena. Paul Tudor Jones II is a 1976 graduate of the school who committed $35 million for the establishment of the arena that is now the home of the University of Virginia’s both men and women’s basketball teams. Named after his father who is also a graduate of the university and loved basketball very much, this arena has served not only basketball games but also banquets, concerts and various events. The arena can hold up to 200 vendors and also around 600 people for a reception. The event Services Department is the best at what it does in making every event memorable and amazing.

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard

Another venue you cannot miss around Charlottesville golf homes is the Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyard. It’s a fantastic venue if you’re looking for a place with an amazing food, wine bar and view. The interiors are spacious and cozy. There is a rustic feel to the ambiance which gives the venue even more character. The best part about his venue is its surroundings. There’s nothing like the breathtaking view that the Pippin Hill Farm can offer. They also offer an excellent selection of wine and food perfect for any occasion.

Boar’s Head Inn

Charlottesville horse farms would definitely be among the many factors that draw people to this part of the country. In addition to the rich history of the town, the well-known University of Virginia and basically being a wonderful place to live along the east coast, Charlottesville is a city that is loved by many. If you’re looking for a setting that will make your event even more memorable, Charlottesville is also very proud to have The Boar’s Head Inn among its many options. This is a 573-acre resort that features 175 rooms, Four-Diamond dining, a luxury spa, well-equipped sports club, tennis, squash and championship golf. The inn itself has a lot to offer that will contribute to making your event one of a kind. The Boar’s Head offers spaces as well as a conference center that can be rented for weddings, gatherings, family reunions, retreats and seminars. They provide complete service including planners, support staff and kitchen staff for all their events. An added perk is how this place is surrounded by other fantastic places to visit such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, Monticello and numerous breweries and wineries.

Can’t wait to get started on planning your event near homes for sale in Charlottesville VA? You’ll be delighted to find out more information about these places and everything else about Charlottesville. Visit this website, www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com, for more information.

Call me today, Pam Dent at (434) 960-0161. I can assure you of the best quality service. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate, local housing market, horse farms and golf communities that will guide you through the exciting and fulfilling journey of finding your dream home.

Top 3 Events This 4th of July Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Did you know that the writer of the Declaration of the Independence once lived around Charlottesville VA? This is one of the many reasons why celebrating the 4th of July in this town is a wonderful experience. The rich history surrounding the 4th of July in Charlottesville makes this town an even more eventful place during this time of the year. Here are just a few ideas to get you started with your holiday plans.

Top 3 Events This 4th of July Around Homes for Sale in Charlottesville VA

Monticello Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony

Since 1963, the Monticello hosts an annual Independence Day celebration along with one of the biggest oath taking ceremonies in the country. People from different parts of the world come together to attend their naturalization at one of the most historical places in the United States. Monticello is the host of the biggest oath of citizenship ceremonies held outside of a courtroom. This year, the 53rd celebration shall be held at the West Lawn of the Monticello at 9am. The event is free and open to the public. If you wish to see more of this historical place after the ceremony on the 4th of July, tickets for house tours are available for sale as well.

Birth of Democracy Festival

Aside from being popularly known for Charlottesville horse farms, this town is known for festive Independence Day celebrations. From 12nn to 6pm, take part in a festival that celebrates the birth of democracy with fantastic live music, spectacular food and great tasting wine. Head to Democracy Vineyards this 4th of July in celebration of Independence Day while supporting local businesses. Wine selections will be coming from Hilltop Berry Farm and Winery, DelFosse Winery, Mountain Cove Vineyards and Lazy Days Winery. Local vendors will also be present so you may expect to enjoy more than just the amazing food, wine and music promised by this event. Ragtop and Paulo Franco will be there to provide the live music during this one of a kind Independence Day celebration.

Fourth of July Jubilee at Wintergreen Resort

The views offered by Charlottesville golf communities are unbeatable and on the 4th of July; and the scenery gets even better at night time with all the fireworks. One of the events that will host the much awaited fireworks on Independence Day will be the Fourth of July Jubilee at Wintergreen Resort. It’s a celebration filled with outstanding food selections as well as music and entertainment. Families can enjoy the celebration together here at Wintergreen Resort. It’s going to be a block party you won’t forget. Before they light up the mountain view with fireworks, there will be games and activities to make the celebration even more fun.

There are many more ways to celebrate Independence Day around homes for sale in Charlottesville VA. This is a much celebrated holiday in the United States and there’s nothing like a 4th of July celebration here in Charlottesville. Find out more exciting information on this website today www.JumpIntoGreenerPastures.com.

Call me, Pam Dent today at (434) 960-0161. I have the professional and expert knowledge on Charlottesville real estate and the local housing market. It is my pleasure to give you all the guidance and service that you need in finding the home of your dreams.

Boutique Hotels

The Clifton Inn

The Inn At Court Square

Willow Grove

Top 3 Architectural Styles for Your Next Charlottesville VA Home

Top 3 Architectural Styles for Your Next Charlottesville VA Home

Pam’s Favorite Restaurants in Charlottesville