With plenty of indie boutiques, tasty eateries, vineyards and outdoor activities, Charlottesville is the perfect getaway for a bachelorette weekend with your favorite ladies. From start to finish, we’ve created an action-packed itinerary to help you celebrate during your girls’ weekend.
—FRIDAY—
12 p.m. – Shopping and lunch on the Downtown Mall
Drop your bags off at the The Graduate hotel before heading out for lunch and shopping. On your walk from the hotel to the Downtown Mall, stop by Feast for sandwiches and stock up on provisions for your weekend. The eatery-meets-market sells locally made cheeses, meats, wine and other yummy snacks.
The Downtown Mall is home to dozens of locally owned boutiques, watering holes and restaurants. During your shopping spree, refuel with coffee and baked goods at Mudhouse.
3 p.m. – Check into The Graduate
Located on The Corner, across from University of Virginia’s Grounds and a stone’s throw from Charlotteville Downtown Mall, The Graduate hotel is a perfectly positioned home base for your weekend of fun. When booking your room, request the Sip ’n’ See package, which includes a two-night stay, along with wine tastings and transportation to and from area wineries.
5 p.m. – Happy hour downtown
Toast to love and the future bride-to-be at this popular downtown haunt. Grab cocktails and share small plates before your night out on the town. Also check out The Fitzroy and Random Row Brewing Co., if drinks are on the docket.
6 p.m. – Fridays After Five concert
From April through September, Charlottesville hosts free concerts downtown in the Sprint Pavilion. Bring a blanket and some snacks. And, if you’re thirsty, you can buy beer and wine at the event.
8 p.m. – Dinner at C&O
This rustic French bistro is a Charlottesville classic and the perfect place to celebrate milestones surrounded by friends and family. Order a few dishes for the table, like the artichokes and fromage, and then choose from one of their mouthwatering entrees.
10 p.m. – Explore the downtown nightlife
If you are up for exploring more of the downtown area, head to South Street Brewery for beer, Commonwealth’s Skybar for rooftop cocktails, The Southern for live music and Rapture for dancing.
—SATURDAY—
9 a.m. – Bagels at Bodo’s
11:30 a.m. – Hop on the wine bus at the hotel
12 p.m. – Explore wineries
King Family Vineyards
Spend your afternoon exploring Central Virginia’s picturesque wine country. Ahead of time, be sure to order sandwiches and salads from Ivy Provisions to bring along on your adventure. Or for a Southern-inspired picnic spread, grab some fried chicken and tasty side dishes from Wayside.
4 p.m. – Head back to the hotel to relax and get ready for dinner
6:30 p.m. – Happy hour at Tavola’s Speakeasy
Grab celebratory drinks at Tavola’s Speakeasy, a bar tucked in the back of the rustic Italian restaurant. Order a delectable cocktail or glass of vino off their extensive wine list, and snack on classic Italian small plates like garlic and butter-infused mussels and the bruschetta of the day.
8 p.m. – Dinner at The Local
Mosey next door to The Local for a farm-to-table feast. Be sure to request a table on the rooftop deck so you can enjoy al fresco dining. We recommend starting with the fried cauliflower and Brussels sprouts and cheese board. And don’t forget to save room for dessert.
—SUNDAY—
9 a.m. – Yoga at FlyDog
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjpPQM_Alij/?taken-by=druminyasa
Rise and shine with an invigorating yoga class at FlyDog. Schedule a private session at the studio and choose from classes like aerial, vinyasa, barre and yin.
11 a.m. – Brunch at Beer Run
Arrive at Beer Run as they open to avoid a wait. Order one of their award-winning Bloody Mary’s and choose from an array of filling breakfast dishes like the “El Guapo” breakfast burrito and the challah French toast strata.
1 p.m. – Stand-up Paddleboarding
Before heading out of town, enjoy a few hours of relaxing stand-up paddling boarding on the Rivanna River with Rivanna River Company. Choose from a 6-mile paddle or a quick 2-mile “sampler” paddle.