Why Hello Lovely Charlottesville Virginia

Did You Know?  The University of Virginia is in the city of Charlottesville, Virginia.  Tina Fey, Katie Couric, Robert F Kennedy, & Edgar Allan Poe are some of the notables that attended. (via)

Charlottesville, Virginia started out as something I booked for a wedding, but it turned into a place that I can’t wait to go back & visit.  Similar to my thoughts on Washington DC, I think I hit it at the right time – the spring weather had everything lush & colorful.

When we were on our drive to the hotel we kept staring at the bushes & trees that were so full of color they looked fake.  The blonde in me wanted to wait for Wafiq to ask: “Is that real?”.  Ha!  Thank God he actually did ask, because I literally didn’t believe some of the bushes & trees were real w how pigmented the colors were!  It looked like spray painted plants.  I was relieved to know I wasn’t the only one.

{I’m originally from Minnesota, & I feel like people that visit at the right time would say the same thing about Minnesota.  These beautiful states that go through 4 seasons have their sweet spots & if you visit at just the right time, you’ll want to go back year after year. But this ain’t about MN}

The rolling green hills, the lush & colorful plants + trees, the cute places to shop, the delicate dining options – I was all about it.  Wafiq & felt so relaxed & just happy.  We quickly noticed the slogan Virginia is For Lovers & it’s no wonder as to why.  So chill, pretty, lovely, + unexpected.

The bride casually suggested we swing by Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards one day while we had some time to kill – this should’ve been a requirement of the Charlottesville stay.   I have never seen something so pretty in the U.S.   I’m sure that’s in part because I had zero expectations so anything above average would’ve impressed me, but I still feel like we found a gem in the rough.   We went one afternoon after it had been raining all night & morning.  To our surprise, it worked out perfectly, the clouds were just lifting above the hills & it created a beautiful overcast.  We were also able to get prime seating without many other people around, which we’re told typically would require a long wait time.  A lot of the ingredients on their menu were grown on property so everything was FRESH & creative.  They pride themselves on Farm-to-Table and Vine-to-Glass.  Precious. If I didn’t do a good enough job selling it, look at their website gallery page: here.  So freaking good.

We also went to their sister restaurant downtown another night – Red Pump Kitchen.  Not because we planned to, total coincidence, but the food at both locations was absolutely excellent.  If you ever go – order the Seared Potato Gnocchi (w smoky bacon, baby arugula, pine nuts & brown butter).  You don’t need to order anything else, because fucking YUM.  I can taste it right now.  Actually, can anyone recreate for me? And send the recipe?  Thx.

Walking through the downtown mall was about the cutest & most romance thing to do.  There’s boutique shops, cute restaurants patio’s lit w fairy lights, & those cute “romantic comedy” style ice cream shops.  You get it.

We also managed to squeeze in time to visit Thomas Jefferson’s House in Monticello.  Even if you’re not a big history buff, the adventure was worth it for the beautiful views.  Trust me, don’t fear this experience if you’re not into history… ( I’m w you on that).

Besides that we were busy w wedding activities & lounging around.  I will have another post dedicated to my thoughts on traditional Wedding’s – because boy do I have them.  I’ve been killing Wafiq w my opinions on weddings lately, but he doesn’t give me good enough feedback & gossip, so I’m coming to you guys.  Stay tuned.

I highly recommend Charlottesville, Virginia you guys! I feel like I had a hard time finding “things to do” in my Pinterest searches when I first booked the flight, there doesn’t appear to be a lot out there.  I hope this info changes that!  Because it’s absolutely worth visiting.  ASAP!

My goal is to go back around the same time next year, spend more time, and do a little travel up the coast stopping in a few more cities.  Of course, Washington DC would be on that list.  I feel like there’s so much to see, but more importantly a good place to sign out & enjoy relaxing.

OK but let’s talk about what’s next?  Where are your summer travels taking you??  I just had a meeting with a couple that goes to Utah for a few months in the summer, sounds intriguing. Utah?!  In Texas, summer vacations are almost required – the heat is unbearable otherwise.

I hope everyone had a safe & fun Memorial Day, be thoughtful

Xx

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