Me, Deb of Just Short of Crazy, Pam of Simply Southern Mom and Liz of Eat Move Make
Girls’ weekend getaways are a great way for friends to unplug from everyday life and recharge. Girlfriend getaways have certainly grown in popularity in recent years with lots of great girls trip ideas across the world!
On a girls’ weekend getaway to Charlottesville, I got together with three other bloggers. Our girlfriend getaway was part work, part retreat (yes, we talked blogging strategy) and a large part play! Charlottesville is a great place for girlfriend getaways because there are so many options to meet budget, travel style and interests.
Girlfriend getaways lodging options in Charlottesville
This historic city, also home to the University of Virginia, offers a wide variety of lodging options to suit any budget. We enjoyed a luxury stay at the Clifton Inn and a night at The Graduate, a funky boutique hotel. Of course, all the chain hotels have properties here, too. Whatever your budget or interest, Charlottesville girlfriend getaways are easy to plan — there’s something here for everyone!
Luxury lodging in the historic area
For the ultimate in pampering luxury, I highly recommend the Clifton Inn or one of the other historic inns in Charlottesville for girlfriend weekend getaways!
We stayed at the Clifton Inn, just outside the city limits and convenient to the art trail and historic spots. The Clifton Inn offers 17 individually designed rooms and suites on a 100-acre property overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Inn’s dining room has wide windows to take full advantage of the views, as well as a cozy fireplace and a fun chef’s table in the kitchen.
The property has hiking trails, a lavish outdoor pool, and even a croquet lawn to entertain guests. The Inn also offers an afternoon tea including fruit and finger sandwiches — think Downton Abbey! It’s a great place to escape everyday life and be spoiled a little bit.
Budget Tip: While the Clifton Inn is a luxury hotel, weeknight specials (particularly in winter) mean you can enjoy all the luxury for about $150/night! Rooms sleep two and suites sleep up to four.
Funky lodging near the UVA campus
The Graduate Hotel, located on the edge of the University of Virginia campus is the perfect spot for those looking for a funky, fun getaway! This boutique hotel offers spacious rooms with retro decor — with really comfortable beds! The hotel is inspired by our founding fathers, with a nod toward Colonial Americana — an eclectic mix of old photos and prints, cameo silhouettes and collegiate fun. If you’re like me, you’ll chuckle at the thoughtful decor (my personal favorites were the bedside phone and the “do not disturb” sign) and the fun key cards!
The hotel has a spacious lobby with a coffee bar, a game room and a soon-to-be finished rooftop space. Those looking for a great hangout close to all the offerings at UVA will appreciate a stay at The Graduate.
Budget tip: Current specials include a credit to use at the coffee shop and complimentary valet parking.
Spacious lodging in the heart of the city
Sometimes travel writers get a sneak peek — and in Charlottesville, it’s an exciting peek indeed. A new Residence Inn is coming to town, perfectly situated at the top of Market Street and across the street from the popular “Downtown Mall.” Marriott’s Residence Inn brand is geared toward business travelers, with conveniences like wifi, a spacious lobby with lots of cozy seating nooks, breakfast daily and casual offerings weeknights. Particularly wonderful for a getaway, each suite offers a comfortable seating area, full kitchen and dining area — perfect for talks late into the night.
Insider’s Tip: The hotel’s unique design includes two amazing corner, 2-bedroom suites that offer panoramic views and loads of space to relax. Trust me, we all volunteered to come test it out when the hotel opens in April. These suites are ahhhhh-mazing!
There’s lots to do on a Charlottesville girlfriends weekend getaway
Another reason Charlottesville is great for girlfriend getaways is that there’s so much to do. From art to history, outdoor adventures to wine tasting, there’s something for everyone.
Here’s a list of my favorite activities in Charlottesville:
Historic attractions in Charlottesville
The Charlottesville area was home to several early presidents making it a great place to learn about the past:
- James Madison’s Montpelier
- Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
- James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland
- Michie Tavern — for shopping, dining and a history lesson,
- Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center (with great walking trails, too)
Artistic pursuits in Charlottesville
The Charlottesville area is home to many creative pursuits to enjoy on girlfriend getaways to the area.
- Create your own keepsake at the Glass Palette interactive art studio,
- Throw pottery at City Clay Cville,
- Explore on the Monticello Artisans Trail for handcrafted keepsakes.
Enjoy great food on the Downtown Mall
One of the nicest spots in Charlottesville is the historic downtown mall. With the main road shut off to vehicle traffic, the area has wide walkways, tree covered seating areas and an amazing array of restaurants. Hotels and the outdoor concert venue make girlfriend getaways easy. Just park the car and head out on foot!
- Best patio dining on the Downtown Mall,
- Best nightlife on the Downtown Mall,
- Shopping on the Downtown Mall — no chain stores here!
Wine and Cider Tastings
Since the days of Thomas Jefferson, the Charlottesville area has been making wine and cider — yep, even before California! Attend a wine or cider tasting and discover a new favorite. Explore the Monticello Wine Trail to find a place or two to visit on girls weekend getaways.
The area’s cideries, which are complemented by the great apple cider doughnuts in the fall, add more great girls getaway ideas to the list!
Learn more about Charlottesville
This post highlights just some of the amazing girls getaway ideas for the Charlottesville, Virginia area. Learn more with these posts:
- Enjoy a cultural getaway at the Virginia Festival of the Book,
- Tips for planning girls weekend getaways,
- Why we love Keswick Hall.
Leave a Reply