Vacation in VA

We are three days from our anniversary trip to Charlottesville. Any suggestions about a nice place to take by hubby for dinner would be great. We aren%26#39;t into fancy food, but I would like a place with a good atmosphere. Also would appreciate advice on a few good pubs, maybe ones offering specials or happy hour. We will be staying at the Holiday Inn Monticello (not my first choice, but everthing else was booked because of HS graduations). Anything within walking distance? We both enjoy walking, but I realize that it would depend on the location.

Any other suggestions on things to do/see would be great! We will be in town for five days. Plan on doing winery/brewery tour, Monticello and go hiking one day. Thanks ahead of time for any suggestions!

Vacation in VA

Nothing within walking distance of the hotel. What kind of food do you like? That could help narrow it down. Second Street Brewery near the downtown area is a pub with good food and a choice of microbrews. Continental Divide o W. Main St. is a fun Mexican food restaurant with tons of tequila choices. There%26#39;s usually a line to get in on weekends. There are a lot of nice places to eat along the Downtown Mall and along surrounding streets. Eating in our out is an option.

Laura

Vacation in VA

As far as food, I love Seafood, hubby likes steak. But, with that being said we also like to try different types of food. If the weather is good, I would love to be able to dine outside, possible with a great view. We have friends who will be joining us for a few days on our vacation and we plan on hitting the downtown mall area, and also Monticello and tour a few breweries. Still trying to decide if we want to book with a company to do a wine/brewery tour. Its rather expensive, but it does sound wonderful.

Almost every restaurant on the Downtown Mall has outdoor seating. Just plan on getting there a little early if it%26#39;s a weekend night. Blue Light Grill and Raw Bar has decent seafood. Escafe usually has a fish and beef choice- consistently good food. The ';steak'; restaurant, Downtown Grill, has not been consistent with both my experience and many friends who like to dine downtown. Other favorites include Enoteca (Italian wine bar with sandwiches and huge salads), Bang (Asian tapas- great fun with friends- you can order a number of them and share, they have an outdoor courtyard), Bashir%26#39;s (Mediterranean fare). Cassis is a great French food choice, I%26#39;ve only been to Il Cane Pazzo once but really enjoyed it and it%26#39;s little courtyard...so many to choose from. By the time we try all the restaurants, some close and new ones offer. Check www.downtowncharlottesville.net to check out all your options.

When I first saw the cost of the winery/brewery tour I thought, ';wow, so expensive';. But, considering that the wineries are not on main roads and getting around Albemarle County can be daunting, it%26#39;s probably your safest bet unless you have a GPS. Another benefit, it not worrying about driving after sampling.

Have fun!

Laura