Sightseeing
Sugar Hollow
20 minute drive from Suite Awen
Great ambling and shady trail, three mile long, out and back trail.
This is a generally wide trail & an easy hike, however there are a couple places where it will cross the stream, so be prepared with appropriate footwear.
The main destination is a swimming hole with some small waterfalls. Continue onward for a longer stroll or to find a private stream area for swimming or picnicking. This is a well shaded hike and is appropriate for carriers or walkers, but not for strollers.
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Sugar Hollow Trail to Blue Hole
6796 Sugar Hollow RdSugar Hollow
20 minute drive from Suite Awen
Great ambling and shady trail, three mile long, out and back trail.
This is a generally wide trail & an easy hike, however there are a couple places where it will cross the stream, so be prepared with appropriate footwear.
The main destination is a swimming hole with some small waterfalls. Continue onward for a longer stroll or to find a private stream area for swimming or picnicking. This is a well shaded hike and is appropriate for carriers or walkers, but not for strollers.
Hiking destinations
20 minute drive from Suite Awen
Scenically shadowed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 219-acre preserve bordering the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir is a mix of upland woods, pine stands, open fields, streams, and two miles of shoreline. Its rolling hills and diverse habitats make the Ivy Creek Natural Area an ideal site to learn about the rich natural history characteristic of Central Virginia and has made Ivy Creek a favorite destination for visitors and community alike looking for a peaceful walk in the woods.
The Ivy Creek Natural Area is located six miles north of Charlottesville, VA, on Earlysville Road. Open 7:00 a.m. to sunset.
Seven Miles of Walking TrailsEleven trails through diverse habitat and of varying difficulty allow young and old alike to take either a leisurely or a challenging hike on a visit to Ivy Creek.
A network of more than 7 miles of walking trails, designed and maintained by the Ivy Creek Foundation, leaves large areas of natural habitat undisturbed. The 1.5 mile Central Red Trail leads to and from the parking lot and barn. All other trails are off the Red Trail. A ¾ mile paved trail is provided for visitors with mobility impairments.
Pick up a free trail map at the information kiosk, which is just north of the parking lot, or download a map here:
www.ivycreekfoundation.org
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Ivy Creek Foundation
1780 Earlysville Rd20 minute drive from Suite Awen
Scenically shadowed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 219-acre preserve bordering the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir is a mix of upland woods, pine stands, open fields, streams, and two miles of shoreline. Its rolling hills and diverse habitats make the Ivy Creek Natural Area an ideal site to learn about the rich natural history characteristic of Central Virginia and has made Ivy Creek a favorite destination for visitors and community alike looking for a peaceful walk in the woods.
The Ivy Creek Natural Area is located six miles north of Charlottesville, VA, on Earlysville Road. Open 7:00 a.m. to sunset.
Seven Miles of Walking TrailsEleven trails through diverse habitat and of varying difficulty allow young and old alike to take either a leisurely or a challenging hike on a visit to Ivy Creek.
A network of more than 7 miles of walking trails, designed and maintained by the Ivy Creek Foundation, leaves large areas of natural habitat undisturbed. The 1.5 mile Central Red Trail leads to and from the parking lot and barn. All other trails are off the Red Trail. A ¾ mile paved trail is provided for visitors with mobility impairments.
Pick up a free trail map at the information kiosk, which is just north of the parking lot, or download a map here:
www.ivycreekfoundation.org
20 minute drive from Suite Awen
With native hardwood forest, deep ravines and spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this elegant trail winds its way toward Monticello and back in a very manageable four miles.
A maximum grade of 5% keeps it completely accessible to walkers, cyclists and those in wheelchairs.
The Saunders-Monticello Trail and park system are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please observe all signage at the park and be aware that a number of changes and additional safety measures are currently in place.
Face coverings are strongly recommended, especially on the boardwalks and other areas where social distancing is difficult.
Gates will close promptly at 7 p.m. to allow adequate time for additional cleaning and trail maintenance. Please allow time to return to your vehicle before closing.
www.monticello.org
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Saunders-Monticello Trail
20 minute drive from Suite Awen
With native hardwood forest, deep ravines and spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this elegant trail winds its way toward Monticello and back in a very manageable four miles.
A maximum grade of 5% keeps it completely accessible to walkers, cyclists and those in wheelchairs.
The Saunders-Monticello Trail and park system are open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Please observe all signage at the park and be aware that a number of changes and additional safety measures are currently in place.
Face coverings are strongly recommended, especially on the boardwalks and other areas where social distancing is difficult.
Gates will close promptly at 7 p.m. to allow adequate time for additional cleaning and trail maintenance. Please allow time to return to your vehicle before closing.
www.monticello.org
A woodsy trail with moderate elevation changes and foothill views.
In spring and summer the trees are thick and great providing good shade for hikers. Autumn offers excellent foliage and views. Hikes range from easy to moderate.
For starters, consider parking near the entrance at the Lower Lake and take the Mountain Orchard trail. If you’re feeling stronger, opt for a little uphill climb toward the Fire Trail, Little Yellow, or Hollow Trail. Big Survey trail is more challenging.
See Map at Parking Lot.
TRAILS: Fire Trail 1.8 miles - Elevation change 370 feet; Hollow Trail .5
miles - Elevation change 240 feet; Lake Trail .5 miles - Elevation change
60 feet; Big Survey Trail .8 miles.
AMENITIES: Playground: 2 picnic shelters, with open grills and electricity;
restrooms available. Two big covered picnic areas with picnic tables and
benches.
Mint Springs Park
Mint Springs ParkA woodsy trail with moderate elevation changes and foothill views.
In spring and summer the trees are thick and great providing good shade for hikers. Autumn offers excellent foliage and views. Hikes range from easy to moderate.
For starters, consider parking near the entrance at the Lower Lake and take the Mountain Orchard trail. If you’re feeling stronger, opt for a little uphill climb toward the Fire Trail, Little Yellow, or Hollow Trail. Big Survey trail is more challenging.
See Map at Parking Lot.
TRAILS: Fire Trail 1.8 miles - Elevation change 370 feet; Hollow Trail .5
miles - Elevation change 240 feet; Lake Trail .5 miles - Elevation change
60 feet; Big Survey Trail .8 miles.
AMENITIES: Playground: 2 picnic shelters, with open grills and electricity;
restrooms available. Two big covered picnic areas with picnic tables and
benches.
Great ambling and shady trail, three mile long, out and back trail.
This is a generally wide trail & an easy hike, however there are a couple places where it will cross the stream, so be prepared with appropriate footwear.
The main destination is a swimming hole with some small waterfalls. Continue onward for a longer stroll or to find a private stream area for swimming or picnicking. This is a well shaded hike and is appropriate for carriers or walkers, but not for strollers.
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Sugar Hollow Park
23261 Sugar Hollow RdGreat ambling and shady trail, three mile long, out and back trail.
This is a generally wide trail & an easy hike, however there are a couple places where it will cross the stream, so be prepared with appropriate footwear.
The main destination is a swimming hole with some small waterfalls. Continue onward for a longer stroll or to find a private stream area for swimming or picnicking. This is a well shaded hike and is appropriate for carriers or walkers, but not for strollers.
The region's Most Spectacular views! Brief but vigorous hike.
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 5.8
25 min drive from Awen
Begins at the south end of the Humpback Gap parking area, provides access to Humpback Rocks (1 mile), Humpback Mountain (2 miles), and the Humpback Rocks picnic area (3.9 miles). About a half-mile up the blue-blazed trail, hikers can reach Humpback Rocks from a spur trail on the left. The strenuous 700-foot climb rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys.
Hikers continuing straight at the fork for one mile can reach the summit of Humpback Mountain to view ridges to the north. Beyond the summit, the trail winds a half-mile along the top of a cliff to a trail leading to the Humpback Rocks picnic area. Generally, the Humpback Rocks trail is marked with blue blazes on trees, rocks, and other natural features. At times, however, the trail is also part of the Appalachian Trail and may be marked in white. A single blaze indicates the trail continues straight while a double blaze indicates an upcoming turn.
Allow one hour hiking to Humpback Rocks, two hours to Humpback Mountain, and four hours to hike to the picnic area.
For maps and more info: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/humpback-rocks-trails.htm
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Humpback Rocks Visitor Center and Picnic Area
Milepost 5.8 Blue Ridge ParkwayThe region's Most Spectacular views! Brief but vigorous hike.
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 5.8
25 min drive from Awen
Begins at the south end of the Humpback Gap parking area, provides access to Humpback Rocks (1 mile), Humpback Mountain (2 miles), and the Humpback Rocks picnic area (3.9 miles). About a half-mile up the blue-blazed trail, hikers can reach Humpback Rocks from a spur trail on the left. The strenuous 700-foot climb rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys.
Hikers continuing straight at the fork for one mile can reach the summit of Humpback Mountain to view ridges to the north. Beyond the summit, the trail winds a half-mile along the top of a cliff to a trail leading to the Humpback Rocks picnic area. Generally, the Humpback Rocks trail is marked with blue blazes on trees, rocks, and other natural features. At times, however, the trail is also part of the Appalachian Trail and may be marked in white. A single blaze indicates the trail continues straight while a double blaze indicates an upcoming turn.
Allow one hour hiking to Humpback Rocks, two hours to Humpback Mountain, and four hours to hike to the picnic area.
For maps and more info: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/humpback-rocks-trails.htm
Nearby Dining Options
Delicious fresh bread and pastries, ready made food, groceries, gifts and more
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Greenwood Gourmet Grocery
6701 Rockfish Gap TurnpikeDelicious fresh bread and pastries, ready made food, groceries, gifts and more
Love2Eat Thai Crozet
540 Radford LnYour hosts' favorite takeout!
Fardowners
5773 The SquareDuner's
4372 Ivy RdUpscale dining in Ivy.
Vivace
2244 Ivy RdWe love this homey and delicious sandwich and coffee shop! Sweet outdoor seating, or pickup
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Green House Coffee
1260 Crozet AveWe love this homey and delicious sandwich and coffee shop! Sweet outdoor seating, or pickup
A very fun outdoor restaurant in Afton, 20 min drive through beautiful countryside mountains and farmland
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Blue Mountain Brewery
9519 Critzer Shop RdA very fun outdoor restaurant in Afton, 20 min drive through beautiful countryside mountains and farmland
Mudhouse Coffee Crozet
5793 The SquareExcellent new restaurant, less than half a mile from us. Some outdoor picnic tables. Very popular, so you may wish to make reservations.
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Ivy Road House
4300 Three Notch'd RoadExcellent new restaurant, less than half a mile from us. Some outdoor picnic tables. Very popular, so you may wish to make reservations.
Favorite local Wineries and Breweries
Glass House Winery
5898 Free Union RdGorgeous place to visit
Grace Estate Winery
5273 Mt Juliet FarmVery near
Grace Estate Winery
5273 Mt Juliet FarmVery near!
Favorite Restaurants in Charlottesville
The Bebedero has good Mexican food, often featuring great live music. Indoors is open as of Sept 2020, and they often have an outdoor patio as well. At the end of the Downtown Mall
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The Bebedero
201 W Main StThe Bebedero has good Mexican food, often featuring great live music. Indoors is open as of Sept 2020, and they often have an outdoor patio as well. At the end of the Downtown Mall
Mezeh has great middle eastern food, competitively priced.
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Mezeh Mediterranean Grill (Charlottesville)
2015 Bond StMezeh has great middle eastern food, competitively priced.
Tavola is great Italian food & wine with fun, lively atmosphere- no reservations, so go early or late. There is a nice bar in the rear.
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Tavola
826 Hinton AveTavola is great Italian food & wine with fun, lively atmosphere- no reservations, so go early or late. There is a nice bar in the rear.
The Local is next to Tavola, for very good Americana food - fish, short ribs, meatloaf, salads, etc. in a fun, lovely atmosphere.
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The Local
824 Hinton AveThe Local is next to Tavola, for very good Americana food - fish, short ribs, meatloaf, salads, etc. in a fun, lovely atmosphere.
The Whiskey Jar has great southern style food. At the west end of the Downtown Walking Mall.
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The Whiskey Jar
227 W Main StThe Whiskey Jar has great southern style food. At the west end of the Downtown Walking Mall.
Yuanho Gao is a great little hole in the wall authentic Chinese place near downtown that also delivers, but has a minimum delivery amount of $30.
Yuanho gao chineses restaurant 中國餐廳外賣
117 Maury AveYuanho Gao is a great little hole in the wall authentic Chinese place near downtown that also delivers, but has a minimum delivery amount of $30.
Aqui Es Mexico
221 Carlton RoadCactus is a very good, casual Mexican restaurant.
The Pie Chest in downtown Charlottesville has the best pies in the known world, and great coffee as well
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The Pie Chest
119 E High StThe Pie Chest in downtown Charlottesville has the best pies in the known world, and great coffee as well
Mas
904 Monticello RdMas has very good Spanish tapas & wine in a fun atmosphere
Bodo's Bagels- featuring a huge range of bagel sandwiches, soups, salads, and ice cream is a local tradition.
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Bodo's Bagels
505 Preston AveBodo's Bagels- featuring a huge range of bagel sandwiches, soups, salads, and ice cream is a local tradition.
Citizen Burger Bar
212 E Main Stbest burgers and fries is town
Wineries and Breweries
Grace Estate Winery
5273 Mt Juliet FarmVery close!
Glass House Winery
5898 Free Union RdGorgeous spot
Great live music on weekends, outdoor seating with covered area, picnic grounds
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Chisholm Vineyards at Adventure Farm
1135 Clan Chisholm LnGreat live music on weekends, outdoor seating with covered area, picnic grounds
Very lovely views and short menu of quality food, ample outdoor seating
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Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards
5022 Plank RdVery lovely views and short menu of quality food, ample outdoor seating
Our closest brewery/ restaurant, just 5 minutes down the street. Only carry out (delivery?) as of Sept 2020
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Pro Re Nata Brewery
6135 Rockfish Gap TurnpikeOur closest brewery/ restaurant, just 5 minutes down the street. Only carry out (delivery?) as of Sept 2020
Well established vineyard, outdoor seating, Polo games on Sundays
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King Family Vineyards
6550 Roseland FarmWell established vineyard, outdoor seating, Polo games on Sundays
Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen & Brewery
520 2nd St SEIn Downtown Crozet
Starr Hill Brewery
5391 Three Notch'd Rd