C-ville Escape

We're just back from a super-fun long weekend in Charlottesville! We packed up the Mazda5 and snugged the shnug in her carseat for her first road trip. The weather was insanely beautiful, and so was Charlottesville.

Though, for some reason C-ville seems a lot smaller and more quaint than when we lived there 6 years ago. I was struck with the realization of just how young I was (23--a mere baby!) when Mom and I made the cross-country trip to visit C-ville and check out the law school for the first time. Mom, you'll be relieved to know that they've remodeled the Budget Inn!

Anyway, it was a great trip. We visited some of our favorite spots; toured the city to see what was the same and what has changed; went for a trail walk on the mountain leading up to Monticello; visited book store after used book store; and we hung out on the Downtown Mall.

And, of course, we ate and ate and ate! Locals claim that C-ville has more restaurants per capita than Paris or New York. It is a definitely a "foodie's" paradise!

With careful planning, we managed to revisit some favorites (Continental Divide, Bodo's Bagels [a C-ville classic] and Bellair Market [the best of C-ville's "gourmet" gas stations]) and try some new places, too (Bluegrass Grill & Bakery & Zo-ca-lo). My favorite: Splendora's Cucumber Gelato (think cucumber ice cream--light, fresh and heavenly!)

Tess did really well on the trip. I think she slept better at the hotel than she does at home! Still, it's good to be home. Tess and I have to rest up for our next adventure--we fly out to Idaho on Saturday!