Day Trip to Sperryville
One of the fun aspects of being an innkeeper is that we need to know about our local attractions. This means we’re, um, FORCED to eat out, to visit Monticello now and then, even (gasp) go to the wineries and sample their wares. Recently, we’ve been thinking we should start sharing what we know about the possible Charlottesville day trips. And, wouldn’t you know it, life handed us the perfect opportunity!
Flame is an artist, and was recently commissioned for a painting of Meem’s Bottom Bridge, one of the few remaining covered bridges in Virginia. In order to do it justice, she of course needed to visit it, get to know it. Fortunately, it’s relatively nearby – less than an hour and a half from the inn.
Off the Grid is Off the Charts
We got off to a rather late start, leaving the inn around 10:30. Our first stop was Sperryville, about an hour away. Sperryville is a quaint little village of around 350 people nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge. Sitting on Route 211, it’s a gateway town to the Thornton Gap entrance to the Skyline Drive. The town has several wonderful art galleries, antique stores and specialty shops. On the way to town, you’ll pass Old Rag Mountain (the subject of several of Flame’s paintings).
Since it was near lunchtime, Raven’s thoughts were more on food than on scenery. Flame had done her research, and pointed us to Off the Grid, which joins our collection of Great Discoveries. 100% solar, they strive to be fully carbon neutral. You can read more about them here.
We both got the chicken, fig and goat cheese sandwich. Of course, they had gluten-free options. Their outside seating is breathtaking! A small creek separates their restaurant from their farm, and tables are set right at the creek’s edge. The gnats were somewhat annoying, but they provide citronella candles, which seemed to help.
If they were in Charlottesville, we would definitely be regulars!
People Drive Across THAT?
Our next destination was Meem’s Bottom Bridge. About 30 minutes of winding mountain roads with hairpin turns and beautiful vistas brought us to one of the last covered bridges in Virginia that is still in service. Built in 1892, it spans 204 feet, and driving through it is an experience!
You can read more about our time there at Flame’s blog – <<Link coming soon>>
A Story Book Turn
Flame and I both love to hike, though we need to take more sedate paths than we used to! Flame’s research turned up a place called Massanutten Storybook Trail. A short 1 mile hike on a paved path leads to a stunning overlook. It’s an easy trail for any level of hiker, with a wonderful rocky area to clamor around on near the overlook. Little side paths tend to just peter out, but give kids (and Ravens) places to explore. We still have no idea how it got its name.
Roads Not Taken
Future Charlottesville Day Trips
This area is rich in activities! Skyline Drive is beautiful, Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns are both nearby. Massanutten has incredible hiking and winter sports. We’ll probably share some more Charlottesville day trips to this area – so many more things we could have done (and several that we have already explored)! But our day was drawing to a close, and Raven was hungry!
Dinner and More
Our final stop for the day was at the Headmaster’s Pub. Set in an old school, which also houses the Cottage Curator (sadly closed when we arrived) and the Schoolhouse Nine Golf Course, it boasts a game room with air hockey, pool and a number of vintage arcade games.
Once again (truly not our usual pattern) we both ordered the crunchy Thai chicken salad, and Raven finished with the peach cobbler. They have a very limited tap, but their bottled O’Dark Extra Irish Stout from 6 Bears & A Goat hit the spot! A very tasty and satisfying end to our day away!
Join us and Explore
Charlottesville has so much to offer that one could spend days exploring. But sometimes it’s fun to range farther afield. We’re happy to start this exploration of some Charlottesville day trips.
We’d love to see you at Fairhaven Guesthouse!