MACTE Symposium

Stacy's Favorites

1. Bold Rock Cidery

Bold Rock is one of my favorite places in the entire area, both to visit and to drive to. It's set on top of a hill that overlooks mountains, with an expansive deck and a babbling creek you can drink your cider next to on a nice day. The cidery itself has a fireplace you can relax beside if the day is colder. If you drive yourself there, make sure you take the route that takes you on I-64, to 250, to 151, as that is the most scenic of the routes. 

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2. McGuffey Art Center

If you like art (visual and 3D), I recommend checking out the McGuffey Art Center, a very short walk from the Omni Hotel. Local artists rent studios and you can walk through and often see them at work. There's also an exhibit hall for your enjoyment. 

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3. Bodo's Bagels

Bodo's is a Charlottesville icon - choose from a huge variety of bagel and filling combinations. The location at 505 Preston Ave. is 0.3 miles from the Symposium hotel. It's especially great as a grab and go, if you want to waste no time exploring the rest that the area has to offer.

Local Tip - even if the line looks really long, it moves super fast.

Carolyn's Favorites

1. Monticello

I'm a history nerd, so visiting the historical sites in town is a must! Monticello is on the top of the list, and I've never been able to stump a tour guide with a question.

2. UVA's Special Collections Library

The University of Virginia is a special place to wander around, including their Special Collections library. If it is a slow day, librarians might share their favorite objects with you if you ask nicely. You can take the free trolley from the Omni (our symposium hotel) to UVa.

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3. Mudhouse

Coffee! You can easily beeline from the Omni to the Mudhouse. I drink my coffee from there black and usually get a big muffin to go along with it.

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4. Blackfriars Playhouse

If you're really feeling adventurous, rent a car to go over Afton Mountain to Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton, Virginia. It is the world's only recreation of Shakespeare's indoor theatre. The little town of Staunton also has a number of excellent restaurants.

Aimee's Favorites

1. Carter's Mountain Orchard

Take in the view from Cater Mountain, and eat an apple cider donut. Cater Mountain sits to the southeast of town, a short drive will take you to the top of the hill where you can enjoy hot cider, donuts, and local produce--plus there is a spectacular view of Charlottesville.

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2. Ace Biscuit and Barbecue

Ace Biscuit and Barbecue, pulled pork, fried chicken, and breakfast biscuits, what more do you need?

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3. Monticello Wine Trail

Visit a winery. Thomas Jefferson had visions of the Charlottesville area becoming a wine region. While it may have taken over 200 years, you can now visit over 35 award-winning wineries all a short distance from town 

Jay's Favorites

1. FIREFLY Restaurant + Game Room

A laid back restaurant with plenty of bar and restaurant space – lots of vegan and gluten free options in addition to normal restaurant / pub fare.

2. North American Sake Brewery at IX Art Park

Craft sake ranging from familiar to quirky along with great poke bowls. Also, plenty of eclectic art installations to take in at IX Art Park before or after.

3. Starr Hill Brewery at the Dairy Market

About a half mile walk up from the Omni, Starr Hill is a longtime Charlottesville and regional staple for craft beer and live music.

4. Riverview Park

At about a 2 mile drive away from the Omni, this park sits along the Rivanna River and it's paved trail provides a chance for casual strolling along the mountain river.

Elisabeth's Favorites

1. Lampo Pizza

If you are looking to experience some incredibly authentic Neapolitan pizza, then Lampo is your place. Although it is a very small setting, their pizza and other items deliver large! They do not take reservations and fill up fast. Make sure you check out this charming pizzeria that is located in Belmont at 205 Monticello Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

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2. The Whiskey Jar

If you find yourself strolling along at the Downtown Mall, I suggest stopping by The Whiskey Jar for excellent food and a delightful atmosphere. This restaurant/bar has a great menu, a variety of drinks, and a cozy Southern vibe - perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner! Catch them on the right night and you may even hear some live music. They are located at 227 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

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3. Guajiros Miami Eatery

Guajiros Miami Eatery is one of my top downtown places to grab breakfast or lunch. You can sit inside their beautifully decorated cafe and check out the artwork or outside on the covered patio and watch the Cville life pass by. You can also order online or by phone if you are in a pinch. I highly recommend trying the Hands On Breakfast, Guava and Cheese Pastelitos, and the Cubano Especial!

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4. Crabtree Falls Hike

Feeling adventurous and the weather is perfect? I recommend taking a drive to hike Crabtree Falls in Nelson County and checking out the natural beauty of Charlottesville. At the end of the 2.5 mile moderate trail, you’ll find the highest vertical drop-off cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River!