36 Hours in Charlottesville

The summer has surely flown by quickly! Life has been a little busy for me lately but I’m finally back to recap a few of my summer trips.

For all my DC/Virginia area readers – this Charlottesville trip is a perfect getaway for you and super easy to plan with my guide below. If you haven’t visited this gorgeous town full of scenic views and vineyards – I highly suggest you make it your next roadtrip.  I was lucky enough to be hosted twice this summer in Charlottesville – once for a girls weekend with my sister and a few weeks later over the 4th of July for a blogger trip (Heather joined me as well!).

{Sandals: Jack Rogers Lauren + Jack Rogers Lilliana (ON SALE) + Jack Rogers}

Where to Stay: Oakhurst Inn

This charming boutique Inn has modern guest rooms, luxury beauty products and the friendliest staff. The guest rooms are in historic Virginia homes and have a library on each floor – perfect for working remotely (hello, Wifi!) and conveniently stocked with San Pellegrino flavored sodas, waters and a Nespresso machine. The decor varies by room but each one is gorgeous with all white bathrooms.  You also receive freshly baked cookies and branded waters in your room as a part of turn down service each night. What could be better? You’ll feel right at home!

{Romper // Sandals // Purse // Necklace // Sunnies}

It is perfect for wedding groups, a romantic getaway, girls weekend, a UVA alumni weekend or even a solo trip full of relaxation. I stayed twice this summer and am looking forward to going back as soon as I can.

Where To Dine: Red Pump Kitchen & Oakhurst Cafe

{Skirt (similar) // Shirt // Belt (similar) // Sandals // Clutch (ON SALE!) c/o // Sunnies // Necklace // Bracelets }

On both occasions, I had the pleasure of dining at Red Pump Kitchen for dinner. Red Pump is located on the Historic Downtown Mall in Charlottesville and is a must if you’re in town. It is an open kitchen restaurant with a classic burning oven. We were lucky enough to be seated by their large front open windows on a perfect summer evening (not too hot yet!)However, there is also plenty booth & bar seating and an outdoor patio space too.

All of the dishes are made with local Virginian farm ingredients but influences by Mediterranean, Tuscan and Italian cuisines. There is also a full service bar, excellent cocktail menu and a charming wait staff. The attention to detail at Red Pump is impeccable – from the striped cloth napkins to the gorgeous water glasses and dishes. I’m pretty sure between both trips and all us girls, we tried just about everything on the dinner menu too. Some of my personal recommendations would be the Blueberry + Burratto Salad, Beet + Goat Cheese Salad and the Atlantic Grouper – delicious!

For brunch, we dined at Oakhurst Cafe located on the Inn’s property. It is a popular breakfast and brunch spot for hotel guests and locals alike. There is also a coffee and espresso bar for grab and go options.

It is every bit as charming as the Inn – with mix and match cappuccino cups and fresh juices. Everything here is also locally sourced – a very common trend in Charlottesville overall. I would recommend the Baked Local Farm Eggs or the Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal (it comes with avocado and beets!).

What To Do: Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

{Romper (ON SALE!) // Clutch (ON SALE!) // Hat // Sunnies // Bracelets // Earrings }

Now, I have visited my fair share of Virginia vineyards but I must say that Pippin Hill tops my list! It an absolutely breath taking winery, vineyard tasting room, farm to table restaurant, event venue and I could honestly spend all day there and well, we basically did on both trips.

{Dress (ON SALE!) c/o // Clutch c/o // Bracelets & Bracelets // Sunnies // Necklace // Sandals}

We were spoiled with a long lunch on the patio facing gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Pippin Hill is one of the few vineyards I’ve been to in the area that has an actual full service dining menu. It is perfect to start the afternoon with before a tasting inside and absolutely delicious. The menu features local dishes and the cheese board is a must along with their sliders and house-churched gelato (we ordered every flavor on the menu and more sweets – so save room for dessert). Since it was quite warm, we also sipped on  both a bottle of Pippin Hill’s summer rosé outside.

Along with beautiful wine and food – comes a beautiful space. It is no wonder there are so many gorgeous weddings held here each year. My newly married sister was already talking about renewing her vows at Pippin Hill someday – she was that taken away! A plus for brides, is their gorgeous upstairs bridal suite that is filled with a photographer’s dream natural light and gorgeous mirrors for photos. Pippin also hosts entertaining events such as cooking demonstrations and workshops throughout each season.

We spent the rest of the afternoon here before heading back to Oakhurst Inn slightly more satisfied and full of sugar & wine!

Charlottesville is the perfect overnight or weekend getaway in the summer, fall and even spring months – I hope you’ll go and see some of my favorites! Up next, stay tuned for my Charleston summer trip with Southern Blog Society.

{Special thank you to Oakhurst Inn, Red Pump Kitchen, Pippin Hill & General Motors for sponsoring these summer trips.}