Discover all of the attractions and activities available in the vibrant Charlottesville area of Central Virginia during your vacation at Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast.
Things to Do in Charlottesville, Virginia!
Winery, Brewery and Cider Touring
Grab a map at our registration desk or head to Virginia Wine/Monticello Wine Trail to explore the many options of our award-winning region. Let a local tour company do the driving for you or order up an Uber and you’re all set!
Read More...Wine Tour Itinerary – all within 10 miles of Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast
Jefferson Vineyards is just a mile and a half from Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast! Enjoy seasonal flight options, an individual glass or a bottle of their award winning wines. As with many of the businesses in the area (and beyond!), hours of operation may vary depending on the season so be sure to check their website for current hours and offerings. Jefferson Vineyards’ grounds offer a good landscape for picnicking. Stop by nearby Simeon Market for a sandwich to go or their famous chicken salad before stopping at Jefferson Vineyards.
Blenheim Vineyards & Trump Winery – Blenheim is owned by once local musician Dave Matthews. A unique timber frame tasting room with outdoor patio space for wine sales by the glass, bottle or flight. Trump Winery offers a seasonal dining menu and breathtaking views with plentiful seating options both indoors and on the expansive property. Wine flights, glasses and bottles are available. Both wineries are on the same road and just 7 miles from Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast. Nearby Trump Cidery offers ciders that are crafted with locally sourced apples.
Keswick Vineyards & Merrie Mill Farm and Vineyard – Enjoy award winning wines from one of the top 100 winemakers in the country – pair with their charcuterie offerings or pack a picnic of your own to bring along. Merrie Mill is an artistic feast for the eyes, a unique and whimsical venue! Lunch plates and sharable menu items compliment their wines and during the warmer months you can visit late on Fridays for their sundowner series entertainment and enjoy blues and jazz on Sunday afternoons. Both wineries are about 10 miles north of Arcady.
Southwest Mountains Vineyard – Enjoy an expertly guided wine tasting by reservation in the exclusive Barrel Room or choose a flight, glass or bottle while taking in the idylic views from several charming and unique indoor seating vignettes or among the plentiful outdoor seating arrangements. Chef Greg offers a tempting and creative menu of starters, entrees and desserts crafted of local ingredients. Saturday and Sunday afternoons feature live entertainment on the SMV indoor stage.
Brewery Trail
For beer lovers, there are many great breweries to visit!
In Charlottesville:
Champion Brewing Company
Decipher Brewing
Random Row Brewery
South Street Brewery
Three Notch’d Brewing Company
Beer Trail West of Charlottesville:
Starr Hill Brewery
Blue Mountain Brewery
Wild Wolf Brewery
Devil’s Backbone Brewing Company
James River Brewery
History
Historic Day Itinerary – all within 4 miles of Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast
After our hearty country-fresh breakfast, drive just over two miles to Jefferson’s home at Monticello. We recommend you pre-purchase your tickets online to reserve a tour time for the inside of the home. Park and pick up your tickets at the Welcome Center, where you can also enjoy a free film, museum, fantastic gift shop, and snack area (The Café at Monticello is run by Foods of All Nations, a local specialty grocery store), or after your visit, continue up the road and enjoy a tasting and light lunch and the spectacular view at Trump Winery.
The Monticello Welcome Center will bus you up to Monticello, or you can walk if you like – it’s about a 15-minute walk uphill.
It can take most of the morning to visit the Welcome Center Museum, grounds and mansion.
Read More...Michie Tavern Museum – Just half a mile west of Monticello is Virginia Historic Landmark Michie Tavern offering a true Colonial Lunch Buffet. There you can visit the museum and shop in the Country Store for a special local gift or souvenir.
James Monroe’s Highland – The third historical stop is also about 2 1/2 miles from the inn – Highland, President James Monroe’s home. This is a smaller “Gentleman Farmer’s” home. Just park and walk up to the gift shop where you can purchase your ticket, and they will direct you to the front of the home to wait for your tour. Tours run about every 15 minutes.
On your way back to Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, Jefferson Vineyards offers a lovely respite currently open Wednesday through Sunday.
Montpelier – If you are a die-hard history fan (or JMU alum!), you’ll want to tour Montpelier, the home of James Madison, which is a scenic 25-mile drive north of the inn. Two hours is a suggested guideline to tour the home, galleries and 8+ miles of public walking trails. The Exchange Cafe on site offers a nice menu selection.
Orchards, Markets & Arts
Carter Mountain Orchard – Just 3 miles from the B&B is this wonderful orchard with a stunning view of Charlottesville. Guests can pick or purchase various fruits in season, taste wine, enjoy the local donuts and apple cider, and on Wednesday and Thursday evenings (May-Sept) enjoy a light dinner and live music at sunset. Purchase tickets for this event on their website.
Saturday Morning Farmers’ Market – The market runs from April through December and is quite an event! They offer not only fresh produce and plants, but also showcase artists and local foods. Park at the adjacent Water Street parking garage.
Shop the Artisan Trail! – Enjoy the work of many area artists.
Restaurants
Charlottesville’s diverse restaurant scene blends elevated farm-to-table dining with award-winning cuisine, all surrounded by the beauty and flavors of Virginia wine country. From chef-driven Southern fare to globally inspired menus, Charlottesville offers memorable dining experiences for every taste and occasion.
Read More...Restaurants on and near the Downtown Mall in Charlottesville
Bang! – Asian fusion – funky and fun – tapas style- great martini menu – inside and outside dining
C&O Restaurant – Celebrated local favorite – French country cuisine in a serene setting
Smyrna – Charlottesville’s acclaimed Aegean-Mediterranean restaurant. Elegant, locally inspired dishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The Alley Light – a speakeasy-style restaurant offering classic French shared plates, craft cocktails, and small grower wines in a casually elegant atmosphere. Known for its intimate setting tucked away in an alley off the Downtown Mall.
Broadcloth – One of a kind innovative and locally sourced dining with a reasonably priced 4, 6 or 10 course offering menu that changes weekly! Open Thursday – Saturday and an experience like no other!
Citizen Burger Bar – Great place to take in a game and create a custom burger – other selections besides beef as well. Inviting and informal setting with inside and outside dining
Fleurie – Intimate setting; upscale modern French cuisine
Hamiltons’ – Upscale – inside and outside dining contemporary American cuisine
Maya Restaurant & Bar – Southern fare with fork tender ribs
Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar – Industrial-chic spot serving Mediterranean fare
The Bebedero – Modern Mexican cuisine for an affordable price
Bizou – Contemporary bistro – sophisticated comfort food in a retro setting with inside and outside dining
Public Fish & Oyster – Great raw bar in a rustic-chic space
Ten – a sleek, upscale Japanese restaurant celebrated for its fresh sushi, contemporary Asian cuisine, and sophisticated atmosphere.
Now and Zen – offers a casual, local favorite experience known for creative sushi rolls, hibachi, and flavorful Japanese fare.
Zocalo – Stylish, energetic restaurant known for its globally inspired cuisine, inventive cocktails, and vibrant atmosphere that blends contemporary dining with warm hospitality.
Belmont area restaurants:
Conmole – Traditional Oaxacan cuisine with an ever-changing menu
Mas Tapas – Spanish eatery offering tapas – lively bar and patio
The Local – Local new American cuisine in a warehouse vibe brick/wood space
Tavola – Our absolute favorite Italian restaurant, open Mon-Sat
Other Charlottesville area restaurants to consider:
Ivy Inn Restaurant – Our “go-to” for special occasions; refined American fare in an early 19th century house. Just under 12 miles from us but still in Charlottesville
1799 Restaurant at the Clifton Inn – Considered the closest restaurant to Arcady Vineyard, just under 2 miles away. Recently updated lovely mid-century venue offering local wine and french seasonal fare
Maya Restaurant & Bar – Located on Charlottesville’s vibrant West Main corridor, Maya is beloved for its elevated Southern comfort food, craft cocktails, and warm, lively atmosphere.
And last but not least, “The Charlottesville 29” – annual ranking of the top 29 restaurants with a Charlottesville mailing address.
Horseback Riding
Horseback Riding in the Vineyards! A beautiful experience for those who enjoy the outdoors. Ride through a scenic local vineyard with a guide, and enjoy a wine tasting at the end.
Hiking
There are several notable hikes – Humpback Rocks, Old Rag Mountain, Crabtree Falls are among the most popular and scenic in our area.
Saunders Three-Mile Trail – A great way to work off that big Arcady breakfast is the gentle hike at the Saunders-Monticello trail, through a native hardwood forest. Located about 4 miles from the inn, the trail winds its way toward Monticello and back in a manageable four miles with a maximum grade of 5%.
Ballooning
Hot air balloon rides in and around Charlottesville offer a breathtaking way to experience Virginia wine country, with sweeping views of vineyards, rolling hills, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Peaceful sunrise and sunset flights create an unforgettable adventure perfect for couples, celebrations, or a unique getaway experience.
Read More...Monticello Country Ballooning — One of the area’s best-known balloon companies, offering intimate sunrise and sunset flights over Albemarle County with scenic views, champagne toasts, and romantic experiences perfect for celebrations and getaways.
Blue Ridge Balloon — A family-owned ballooning company known for personalized flights, experienced FAA-certified pilots, and sweeping aerial views of Central Virginia’s beautiful scenery year-round.
Thomas Jefferson Hot Air Ballooning — A locally owned company specializing in peaceful flights above Charlottesville’s historic countryside, vineyards, and mountain landscapes, ideal for proposals, anniversaries, and unforgettable Virginia adventures.
