Kathy & Aaron

What To Do

If you are planning on extending your stay in the Charlottesville, VA area, here’s a list of a few of our favorite activities / places / things-to-do.

Places to Go

The University of Virginia (duh)

University of Virginia website
The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 but the 3rd president of the United States, Thomas Jefferson. Kathy (SEAS ’03, COMM ’09) and Aaron (SEAS ’03) are both ‘Hoos and highly recommend touring the Grounds and Academical Village — a fine example of Greco-Roman inspired American architecture.

Monticello

Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson and is only a few minutes drive from U.Va.

Humpback Rocks

Humpback Rocks is a relatively short hike following a 2.0 mile trail loop. The peak affords a spectacular 360 degree view of the surrounding terrain. To the north you can see into the southern section of Shenandoah National Park and to the southwest you see the thick woods and mountain ridges of the George Washington National Forest. It’s a pretty tough hike if you decide to go straight up.

Carter’s Mountain Orchard

Carter’s Mountain Orchard website
A mountaintop orchard adjacent to Monticello and Michie Tavern. Depending on the season you can pick your own apples or peaches. There is also apple cider donuts and a country store and in the fall they also have a pretty large pumpkin patch.

Things to Eat

Bodo’s Bagels

Bodo’s Bagels website
For many years before AND after Kathy and Aaron’s 1999-2003 run at U.Va the Bodo’s on the Corner was “coming soon”. By the time Kathy and Aaron made it to Charlottesville again in 2007 it had finally opened. Although it probably wasn’t worth that long of a wait, it’s still a damn good bagel. Kathy recommends an Everything bagel!

A Taste of China

There was (and still is) a lot of hype surrounding this place since it used to be the home of New Yorker renowned chef Peter Chang. Although Chang has moved on, A Taste of China still remains the best place for Chinese in Charlottesville. Kathy and Aaron recommend: Crispy Beef with Scallions (Hot), Braised Fish Fillet in Spicy Bean Sauce, Red Bean cakes, and the Scallion Bubble Pancakes.

Blue Mountain Brewery

Blue Mountain Brewery website
Aaron’s favorite local beer and brewery is located near Wintergreen Resort in Nelson County. Aaron’s a big fan of all the beer, in particular Dark Hollow, which is some special beer that is aged for a while in oak barrels and is served from a nitrogen tap.