| Over the last few years, I’ve fallen for Virginia. Here are a few reasons: It’s not very far from Baltimore. I can drive country roads on my way there. The people I’ve encountered have been friendly and down to earth. I don’t have to cross the Bay Bridge to get there. Did I mention country roads? I’ve had weekends away to Sperryville, Old Town Alexandria, and most recently, Charlottesville. Right now, I’m looking into Richmond, Staunton and Culpeper! Am I a weirdo? Okay, probably but I like what I like. My Charlottesville trip was this past October and I think it was my first girls weekend road trip ≠ definitely my first airbnb stay. Since I tend to travel solo, I usually go for hotels, they feel safer when you’re on your own. (Hunkering down with room service is my favorite thing.) But, this time, a relaxing little getaway with a close friend seemed like just what I needed. A change of scenery is always, always good. We stayed in a cottage situated next to a farm with cows…if you know me, I am fascinated with cows. I talk to them, I try to take photos of them. I want to be their friend. Also, our hosts had horses, chickens and dogs. I woke up with the sound of chickens ranging outside. Gotta say it was nice to hear them. I used to keep hens in the backyard of my Hampden house and the sounds they make as they range are incredibly relaxing. The drive into town was about 20 minutes, so our place felt remote (in a good way) and it was really quiet. Lots and lots of stars. We drove to wineries, dinners (and lots naps in between, which I loved, duh) and the pace was nice. I liked Jefferson Vineyards and Gabrielle Rausse Winery the most. Both were on the smaller side, way more my speed. All the food and drinks were great but I have to say C&O Restaurant was my favorite. It’s in an historic building and it felt like a neighborhood spot that served beautiful French-inspired food. Not fancy. Just everything done right. Our waiter was the kind of waiter that you immediately knew was a total pro. He was also quietly funny, very dry. There was a table of very inebriated guests nearby our table and we exchanged observations (and laughs) with the folks at the table next to us. After the loud, messy party exited, our server said “Sometimes you get famous people and sometimes you get people acting famous”. We also had a lovely meal at Public Fish & Oyster. The oysters were incredibly fresh, shucked perfectly and served by the quirkiest server ever! Oh, and ps…it was UVA Alumni Weekend, so every place was busy. I was glad we had made reservations a few weeks ahead. I highly recommend a weekend in Charlottesville. If you like to travel for food and enjoy a smaller city that is warm and inviting, you’ll love it. I’m so glad we took this trip, Kerry! I was so happy to be your co-pilot and Spotify dj.            CD87045D-42E0-48B6-A4B4-7E75823FB374-819×1024.jpg How cute is this place? 5CAC551A-F9CD-4C34-B67E-56AB20C32757-1-819×1024.jpg My very comfy bed with chickens outside my window. 3F4E16A7-5799-4B1B-BA89-DBE73E701567-1-819×1024.jpg Loved this place so much. 5250BFF3-06C4-4EA6-BBA4-2E4E4C14CF70-819×1024.jpg Scallops at C&O 66E0751C-3231-4FAF-9FD9-2186B90D1459-918×1024.jpg My favorite winery stop: Gabriele Rausse, literally built in the middle of the woods. 08AB41B3-506F-4C2C-982B-156D164E6AA2-1-1024×1024.jpg Trady, the Gabriele Rausse welcome staff 94938D20-E033-4E6C-ADE6-39E964B04226-819×1024.jpg Loved the creative and sustainable tasting vessels and the wine (no waste!) 718971C6-9834-4AE6-B928-4A2A3EFE830B.jpg This place was fab. E764C51F-2DA0-4485-9632-277A9C2F5151-1024×1024.jpg Gimme all the oysters. B8B2F7DF-DFB9-468E-B4CE-F37E7C864A56-857×1024.jpg Jefferson Vineyards B44B38A9-9EEA-4232-96C9-8ACA788C13CB-819×1024.jpg This place was my speed. Very casual and relaxed. 3EE675FF-E90E-4FBE-9F28-4AC0BCF6F557-924×1024.jpg Mighty delicious bagels at Bodo’s, a Charlottesville institution CB18D9F8-F7C4-4B21-865C-7CC1CDEF2463-1-819×1024.jpg My favorite breakfast, lunch or dinner. |
Big and Small Changes: On Creating A Life That You Actually Like.
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