The Charlottesville Road Trip Guide
Looking for a quick day trip or a relaxing overnight that’s still close by? Check out Gordonsville, Orange, and the surrounding areas northeast of Charlottesville. Just a short drive away, these beautiful, bucolic cities are teeming with small-town charm. If you haven’t visited before, or have only driven through, then it’s time to stop and stay awhile. We asked Beate Casati, of Cavallo Gallery in Gordonsville, for her recommendations in the area. You can definitely hit Gordonsville and Orange in one afternoon, but each is perfect for singular trips. Here, she recommends her favorite shops, great spots for a drink, a meal, a place to stay if you’re so inclined and endless things to do.
WHERE TO STAY
The Nathaniel Inn (502 North Main Street, Gordonsville). A lovingly restored inn, with all the modern amenities, in a 1700s house that was built by a well-known local brick mason. Located right in the heart of historic Main Street.
Mayhurst Inn (12460 Mayhurst Lane, Orange). This restored plantation home of 1859 turned inn features an ambience of the past paired with 21st century comforts.
The Inn at Willow Grove (14079 Plantation Way, Orange). A peaceful garden setting getaway, oozing Southern charm, nestled in Virginia Wine Country.
WHERE TO SHOP
Laurie Holladay Interiors (123 South Main Street, Gordonsville). Expert Lamp Repair, lighting, fine gifts and home accessories.
Annie Gould Gallery (109 South Main Street, Gordonsville). Original art from around the country.
Melrose Antiques & Interiors (101 East Main Street, Orange). A collection of 18th & 19th century furniture and Oriental rugs.
Folkling (107 South Main Street, Gordonsville). A stylish vintage clothing, accessories and homewares store, featuring an extensive collection of handmade quilts.
Objects on Main (107 East Main Street, Orange). Unique gifts and eclectic decor for the modern home.
The Market at Grelen Downtown (112 East Main Street, Orange). An offshoot of the Market at Grelen, a well curated gift shop, as well as Grelen ice cream and a wonderful selection of Virginia beer, cider and wine.
Annette La Velle Antiques & Interiors (101 South Main Street, Gordonsville). A collection of beautiful, fine European antiques.
Cavallo Gallery & Custom Framing (117 South Main Street, Gordonsville). Fabulous custom framing with a huge selection of choices, art and artisanal gifts.
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Barbeque Exchange (102 Martinsburg Avenue, Gordonsville). Famous all over the state & beyond for their amazing BBQ.
Vintage Restaurant at The Inn at Willow Grove (14079 Plantation Way, Orange). Showcasing the best of local, all within a historic manor house. There’s a pub, main dining room and more intimate settings at the Chef’s Table, the Sun Room and The Hall.
Palladio Restaurant at Barboursville Vineyards (17655 Winery Road, Barboursville). High-end Northern Italian prix fixe cuisine in a white-tablecloth setting, on the grounds of Governor Barbour’s historic estate and Barboursville Vineyard. Reservations strongly recommended for lunch and required for dinner.
Provisions Market Table (319 North Madison Road, Orange). Delicious locally-focused fare that can be enjoyed while dining in or taken home. Specials change daily based on what’s fresh and in season.
Well Hung Vineyard (300 South Main Street, Gordonsville). Open for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, this local wine bar and bistro is a favorite among locals. A recent patio expansion is sure to draw even more guests during warmer months.
Champion Ice House (212 North Main Street, Gordonsville). Local Brewing Company Champion’s newest venture is a restaurant, brewery, and gathering space in the former Gordonsville Memorial Hall building featuring a food program by the mind behind Barbeque Exchange.
WHAT TO DO
Main Street Events (Main Street, Gordonsville). First Friday music events and Saturday Main Street markets bring live music, food trucks, artisan vendors and more to downtown Gordonsville. Be sure to check out their website for more information.
Skydive Orange (11339 Bloomsbury Road, Orange). One of the largest skydiving centers on the East Coast. A great way to spend the day doing something adventurous and out of the ordinary.
James Madison’s Montpelier (11350 Constitution Highway, Montpelier Station). Visit James Madison’s historic home and take a guided tour, stroll 8+ miles of public walking trails, visit the archaeology lab, and enjoy the award-winning food at the Exchange Café.
The Market at Grelen (15091 Yager Road, Somerset). When in season pick your own fruit, but the real superstar here are the five miles of trails. Choose from long to short hikes through the Grelen nursery, meadows and forest. The trails are free and open to the public.
Mill House Spa (14079 Plantation Way, Orange). Book a pamper session and escape to a 3,000-square-foot luxury oasis featuring three tranquil treatment rooms, a relaxation room and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. Spa guests also enjoy a beautiful, heated saltwater pool. It’s pure utopia in the heart of Wine Country.
Oakland Heights Farm (17110 James Madison Highway, Gordonsville). Book a horseback riding session or head out the second Saturday of the month May through September for a true rodeo experience.
Meadows Farm Golf Course (4300 Flat Run Road, Locust Grove). Hit the links in gorgeous wine country. Designed by Bill Ward, Jr., the course has 27 holes, each one with a distinct character to offer a wide range of challenges and experiences. Maximum effort has been put into individualizing each hole so that the golfer will feel as if he/she has played 27 different courses rather than playing the same hole 27 times. Each hole has a story to tell.
Liberty Mills Farm (9166 Liberty Mills Rd, Somerset). Perfect for all members of the family. Activities at this farm include pick your own flowers, a fall corn maze and spring strawberry picking.
VINEYARDS
We’re fortunate enough to be located in the Monticello American Viticultural Area, home to 35 member wineries. All of the wineries have been inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision of grape growing and winemaking. This area features five on the Monticello Wine Trail, each with unique offerings and lush vineyard views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Keswick Vineyards (1575 Keswick Winery Drive, Keswick). Beautiful views and great wine. Bring a picnic and enjoy live music offered on the weekends.
Reynard Florence Vineyard (16109 Burnley Road, Barboursville). A small, lovely winery with a cozy family atmosphere.
Honah Lee Vineyard (13443 Honah Lee Farm Drive, Gordonsville). Beate says to make sure to ask Eric to take you to the top of the mountain for one of the area’s most amazing views.
Barboursville Vineyards (17655 Winery Road, Barboursville). Taste excellent award-winning wines in a stunning, historic setting. Don’t miss the tours of the Barboursville Ruins.
Horton Vineyards (6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville). Explore underground stone cellars, visit the vaulted ceiling tasting room, and enjoy Horton’s highly rated wines.
