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WINNERS Special Online Edition
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CLICK THE PINK—Click the pink links to visit your favorites online! 1
2014 Welcome Book Award Winners Year-round natural beauty, hallowed halls of history, spectacular arts and music, and small-city sophistication - Charlottesville has it all! Our southern hospitality delivers an effortless, warm and welcoming demeanor that locals and business owners alike radiate to visitors, neighbors and customers, and keep you coming back for another visit or a more permanent stay. We polled locals and tourists about their favorite Charlottesville businesses; from fantastic restaurants, amazing shops, hot spots and cool clubs, to wonderful resorts and awesome historical landmarks...and everything in between! We wanted to know about anything distinctly Charlottesville; places to recommend to a friend or a new visitor to our area - named the #1 Best Place to Live by Sperling’s Best Places! And the readers responded! Hundreds of people participated in the poll and shared their thoughts and views on their Charlottesville favorites. And here are the results! On your next visit here, be sure to check out some of the winners’ establishments and offerings. We’re positive you’ll see why they all became Welcome Book Award winners!
Please direct all correspondence to: Ivy Publications, LLC, 4282 Ivy Road, Charlottesville, VA 22903,
voice 434.984.4713, fax 434.984.4813 , CharlottesvilleWelcomeBook.com
The Charlottesville Welcome Book Awards are published online annually by Ivy Publications, LLC. The views and opinions expressed by the writers and advertisers do not necessarily represent those of Ivy Publications, LLC, its officers, staff or contributors. The information presented here is for informational purposes only and although every effort has been made to present accurate information, we do not in any way accept responsibility for the accuracy of or consequences from the use of this information or for the businesses and organizations presented herein. We urge everyone to confirm any information given herein. No portion of this publication may be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written consent of the publisher. Copyright ©2014. All rights reserved.
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Arts & Music Scene. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Evening Out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Dining . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Vineyards & Microbreweries. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Sports, Athletics & Adventure. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Attractions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Regional Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Shopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Places to Stay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Resources for Newcomers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Weddings & Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
PHOTO CREDITS: COVER, from left: 2) UVA’s Scott Stadium, courtesy UVA Athletics; 4) Monticello, courtesy Theresa N. White INTERIOR PHOTO STRIP, from left: 2) Cabinet Room at Monticello, courtesy Monticello/Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.; 4) Monticello, courtesy Monticello/Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.; 5) UVA’s Scott Stadium, courtesy UVA Athletics; 7) Stoney Creek Golf Course, courtesy Wintergreen Resort; 8) Kitchen at Monticello, courtesy Monticello/ Philip Beaurline; 10) Albemarle County Farm, Robin Bethke
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Art Gallery
Local Solo Musician
Local Author
1. McGuffey Art Center 2. Fralin UVA Art Museum 3. Second Street Gallery
1. Eli Cook 2. John D’earth 3. Terri Allard
1. John Grisham 2. Rita Mae Brown 3. Deborah Prum
Museum 1. Virginia Discovery Museum 2. Fralin UVA Art Museum 3. Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum
Art Festival 1. Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival 2. Stanardsville Art Crawl 3. Tom Tom Festival
Local Artist 1. Lee Alter 2. Meg West 3. Bob Anderson
Place to See Live Theatre & Local Theatre Group 1. Live Arts 2. The Paramount Theater 3. Four County Players
Concert Venue 1. nTelos Wireless Pavilion 2. The Jefferson Theater 3. John Paul Jones Arena
Local Band 1. Dave Matthews Band 2. Love Cannon 3. Trees on Fire 4
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McGuffey Art Center: Jennifer Jones
ARTS & MUSIC SCENE
Arts &Music Scene
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winner Whether you’re buying a home, browsing through a local shop or having a night out on the town, you might run into one of our celebrity residents. In the surrounding countryside of Albemarle there are expansive, 19th-century horse properties owned by Sissy Spacek, Howie Long, John Grisham and others! Everyone in town seems to have a great story that starts, “You’ll never guess who I just saw!”
EVENING OUT
Celebrity Spotting
Evening Out
Place to See a Movie
Place for Delicious Drinks
Late Night Coffee/Tea
1. Regal Cinemas at Stonefield 2. Regal Cinemas Downtown 3. The Paramount Theatre
1. Bang! 2. Commonwealth SkyBar 3. Beer Run
1. Mudhouse 2. Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar 3. Starbucks
Place to Dance
Restaurant with Live Music
Late Night Place for Dessert
1. The Jefferson Theatre 2. Escafe 3. Rapture
1. Fellini’s 2. Whiskey Jar 3. Millers
1. Splendora’s Gelato 2. C&O Restaurant 3. Paradox
Local Music Charlottesville has an abundance of live music that you will enjoy this summer, no matter your taste - bluegrass or jazz, rock or country, alternative or gospel, metal or classic. We have it all! Make your way to the Historic Downtown Mall every Friday by 5pm (April-September) for these free, weekly performances at the beautiful, outdoor nTelos Wireless Pavilion. And, one of the biggest bands in the world calls Charlottesville home: The Dave Matthews Band. As locals like to brag, we knew Dave back when he was bartending at Miller’s on the Downtown Mall. Check out the John Paul Jones Arena, The Paramount, the Jefferson or any one of the numerous music venues and festivals for a rockin’ good time. 5
DINING
“The Downtown Mall is a must. Find an outdoor table, order lunch from any of the great restaurants — then enjoy the people- and dog-watching.” – Charlotte 8
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Dining Fine Dining
International Food - Sushi
1. Hamilton’s 2. C&O Restaurant 3. Downtown Grille
1. TEN 2. Now & Zen 3. Sakura
Family Restaurant
International Food Thai Restaurant
1. Tip Top 2. The Nook 3. Eppies
Outdoor Dining 1. Blue Mountain Brewery 2. Bizou 3. Mas Tapas
International Food Chinese Restaurant 1. Peter Chang’s China Grill 2. Red Lantern 3. East Garden
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International Food South of the Border Restaurant 1. Guadalajara Mexican Restaurant 2. Continental Divide 3. Aqui Es Mexico
International Food - Tapas
1. Thai 99 2. Downtown Thai 3. Monsoon
1. Mas Tapas 2. da Luca Café & Wine Bar 3. Bang!
International Food - Indian Restaurant
Steakhouse
1. Milan Indian Cuisine 2. Maharaja Fine Indian Cuisine 3. Royal Indian Restaurant
International Food - Italian Restaurant 1. Travinia 2. Tavola 3. Vivace
1. Outback Steakhouse 2. Aberdeen Barn 3. Downtown Grille
Seafood 1. Bonefish Grill 2. Public Fish & Oyster 3. Red Lobster
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1. Christian’s Pizza 2. Mellow Mushroom Pizza Bakers 3. Fabio’s
DINING
Pizza Place
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Burger Joint 1. Citizen Burger Bar 2. Five Guys Burgers and Fries 3. Riverside Lunch
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Sandwich Place 1. Littlejohn’s 2. Which Wich 3. Baggby’s
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Place for Picnic Foods/ Tailgating 1. Foods of All Nations 2. Feast! 3. Wayside Takeout & Catering
Eatery on the Downtown Mall Fossett’s at Keswick Hall
1. Eppie’s 2. The Nook 3. Christian’s Pizza
Eatery on the Corner Basil Mediterranean Bistro 1. Basil Mediterranean Bistro 2. Lemongrass Thai 3. Michael’s Bistro
Coffee Shop 1. Mudhouse 2. C’ville Coffee 3. Starbucks
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2. Forest Lakes Farmers’ Market 3. Farmers in the Park at Meade Avenue Park
“I love going to Splendora’s and getting a ‘painter’s palette,’ which lets you try six flavors at once.� – Kristin
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Local Vineyard
Local Red Wine
1. Keswick Vineyards 2. King Family Vineyards 3. Pippin Hill Vineyards
1. Keswick Vineyard’s Cabernet Franc 2. Barboursville Vineyard’s Octagon 3. King Family Meritage
Tasting Room 1. Keswick Vineyards 2. Veritas Vineyard and Winery 3. Barboursville Vineyards
Local White Wine 1. Keswick Vineyards’ Verdejo 2. Trump Vineyard’s Blanc de Blanc 3. King Family Vineyard’s Viognier
Most Romantic Vineyard 1. Keswick Vineyards 2. Veritas Vineyard and Winery 3. Pippin Hill Vineyards
Microbrewery 1. Blue Mountain Brewery 2. Starr Hill Brewery 3. Three Notch’ed Brewery
“The vineyards near Charlottesville are incredible — they are so beautiful and relaxing. Good food and wine, too!” – Lauren Microbrew 1. Blue Mountain Brewery’s Full Nelson Pale Ale 2. Devils Backbone Brewing Company’s Vienna Lager 3. South Street Brewery’s Satan’s Pony
Most Scenic Vineyard/ Microbrewery 1. Pippin Hill Vineyards 2. Keswick Vineyards 3. King Family Vineyards
Best Vineyard/Microbrewery Tour Keswick Vineyards
VINEYARDS & MICROBREWERIES
Vineyards & Microbreweries
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1. Keswick Vineyards 2. Blue Mountain Brewery 3. Starr Hill Brewery
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winner SPORTS, ATHLETICS & ADVENTURE
Sports, Athletics & Adventure
Cycling Route 1. Rivanna Trail 2. Route 76
Pool
Wintergreen Resort
1. ACAC Waterparks 2. Onesty Family Aquatic Center 3. Crozet YMCA
Golf Course
Tennis Courts
1. Birdwood Golf Course 2. Old Trail Golf Course 3. Keswick Hall Golf Course
1. The Boar’s Head Sports Club 2. Snyder Tennis Center at UVA 3. Pen Park
Ski Resort
Hike
1. Wintergreen Resort 2. Massanutten Resort
1. Humpback Rock 2. Sugar Hollow 3. Crabtree Falls
Hot Air Ballooning 1. Boar’s Head Ballooning 2. Monticello Country Ballooning 3. Blue Ridge Ballooning
Tubing 1. James River Runners 2. James River Reeling & Rafting 3. Massanutten Adventures
Place to Camp 1. Misty Mountain Camp Resort 2. Shenandoah National Park 3. Blue Ridge Parkway
“Take time to enjoy the outdoors — the fantastic fall and spring weather is perfect for long hikes and mountain biking.” – Steve
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Attractions
THE PINK
“Must-Do” Activity for Outof-Towners
Monticello: Monticello/Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc.
ATTRACTIONS
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1. Monticello 2. Downtown Mall 3. Vineyards tours and tastings
Historical Landmark/Site 1. Monticello 2. UVA - Rotunda and the Lawn 3. Ashlawn-Highlands
Day Trip 1. Blue Ridge Parkway 2. Maymont Park 3. Natural Bridge
Public Park 1. Pen Park 2. Greenleaf Park 3. Mint Springs Park
Orchard
Rainy Day Outing
1. Carter’s Mountain Orchard 2. Chiles Peach Orchard 3. Henley’s Orchard
1. Virginia Discovery Museum 2. Regal Cinemas at Stonefield 3. Bounce ‘n Play of Charlottesville
Museum
UVA Lingo The University of Virginia (UVA) is a bastion of tradition founded by Thomas Jefferson, the most popular man in town. Whether you’re preparing to enter its hallowed halls for a degree or enjoying a weekend in town, here is your guide to local lingo. We proudly cheer on our Orange and Blue, “The Cavaliers” - “Cavs” or “Wahoos” for short. The area on which UVA sits is called “Grounds,” not “campus,” and freshmen here are called “first-years.” The University offers structured tours for prospective students, or, if you’re interested in exploring on your own try a self-guided tour. Be sure to check out The Rotunda, the Chapel, UVA’s Fralin Art Museum and The Corner! 10
1. Virginia Discovery Museum 2. The Fralin at UVA Art Museum 3. Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum
Fun with the Kids 1. Virginia Discovery Museum 2. Bounce-n-Play of Charlottesville 3. Onesty Family Aquatic Center
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Best Overall Festival
Race to Run or Walk
1. Virginia Festival of the Book 2. Charlottesville Dogwood Festival 3. Tom Tom Festival
1. Charlottesville Women’s Four Miler 2. Charlottesville Ten Miler 3. Run for Autism 5K
Wine Festival
Art Festival
1. Taste of Monticello Wine Trail Festival 2. Montpelier Wine Festival 3. Taste of Monticello Wine Trail
1. Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival 2. Stanardsville Art Crawl 3. Tom Tom Festival
Microbrew Festival
1. Apple Harvest Festival at Carter’s Mountain Orchard 2. Heritage Harvest Festival 3. Downtown Safe Halloween
REGIONAL EVENTS
Regional Events
Harvest/Fall Festival
1. Top of the Hops Charlottesville Beer Festival 2. Know Good Beer Best
UVA Sporting Event 1. Football 2. Baseball 3. Basketball
Horse Event 1. Foxfield Races 2. Roseland Polo at King Family Vineyards 3. Montpelier Hunt Races
Food or Culinary Festival
Garden Event 1. Historic Garden Week 2. Heritage Harvest Festival 3. BRHBA Home & Garden Week
Monticello Wine Festival: Robin Bethke
1. Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival 2. Edible Fest in Orange 3. Charlottesville Chocolate Festival
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SHOPPING
Shopping Downtown Mall Store 1. Caspari 2. Ten Thousand Villages 3. Cha Cha’s
Shopping Center 1. Barracks Road Shopping Center 2. Downtown Mall 3. Shops at Stonefield
Women’s Clothing Boutique 1. Ann Taylor’s Loft 2. Francesca’s 3. Alter’d State
Men’s Clothing Store 1. Beecroft & Bull Ltd. 2. Brooks Brothers 3. JoS A. Bank Clothiers
Kids’ Clothing Store 1. Whimsies 2. Kid 2 Kid Consignment 3. Target
Jewelry Shop 1. Tuel Jewelry 2. Lynne Goldman Elements 3. Andrew Minton Jewelers
Sporting Goods Store 1. Blue Ridge Mountain Sports 2. Ragged Mountain Running Shop 3. Downtown Athletic
“When I am looking for an extra special gift, I always head to the City Market or one of the local boutiques around town. I know I will find something truly unique that can’t be found anywhere else.” – Jessica Antiques
Home Accessories Boutique
1. Circa 2. Kenny Ball Antiques 3. The Covesville Store
1. Artful Dodger 2. Folly 3. Caspari
Bookstore
Bike Shop
1. Barnes & Noble Bookstore 2. New Dominion Bookshop 3. Daedalus Bookshop
1. Performance Bike 2. Blue Ridge Cyclery 3. Blue Wheels Bikes
Gift/Souvenir Shop
Wine Shop
1. The Virginia Shop 2. O’Suzannah 3. Monticello Gift Shop
Place to Pick Up UVA Gear 1. Mincer’s 2. University of Virginia Bookstore 3. The Virginia Shop
1. Market Street Wineshops 2. Rio Hill Wine & Gourmet 3. Tastings
Local Goods 1. The Virginia Shop 2. Feast! 3. Market Street Market
Toy Shop 1. Shenanigans 2. Alakazam Toys 3. Toys “R” Us
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Places to Stay Hotel 1. Omni Hotel 2. Hilton Garden Inn 3. Doubletree Hotel
Resort 1. The Boar’s Head Inn 2. Keswick Hall 3. Wintergreen Resort
Inn 1. The Inn at 400 West High 2. Clifton Inn 3. The Boar’s Head Inn
B&B 1. The Inn at 400 West High 2. South Street Inn 3. Foxfield Inn
Best Hotel Restaurant
“Guesthouses provides a unique service of providing accommodations in owner’s homes and cottages.” – Rick
1. Fossett’s at Keswick Hall 2. The Pointe at Omni 3. Clifton Inn
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Jennifer Jones
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS
Resources for Newcomers Best Real Estate Agent
Neighborhood
Furniture Store
1. Marjorie Adam, Nest Realty 2. Kathryn Bentley, Roy Wheeler 3. Bob Hughes, Nest Realty
1. Fry’s Spring 2. Belvedere 3. Burnet Commons
1. Grand Home Furnishings 2. Circa 3. Better Living Furniture
Best Real Estate Company
Insurance Agent
Private School
1. Nest Realty 2. Roy Wheeler Realty 3. Better Homes & Gardens/Real Estate III
1. Gary Albert, State Farm Insurance 2. Kevin Mann, State Farm Insurance 3. Beth Towe, Towe Insurance
1. The Covenant School 2. St. Anne’s-Belfield School 3. Tandem Friends School
Best Mortgage Broker & Firm
Garden Nursery
Lawyer
1. Snow’s Garden & Landscape Center 2. Ivy Corner Garden Center 3. The Market at Grelen
1. Chip Royer 2. Tim Kelsey 3. Lee Livingston
Landscape Services
Grocery Store
1. Grelen Nursery 2. Snow’s Garden & Landscape Center 3. Waynesboro Landscape & Garden Center
1. Trader Joe’s 2. Kroger’s 3. Whole Foods
1. Crown Mortgage 2. Greenwood Lending 3. Union Mortgage
Builder 1. Southern Development Homes 2. Gaffney Homes 3. Summit Custom Homes 14
“I love that in Charlottesville you can live a quick drive from both a lively night out on the town and an escape to the middle of the mountains. I initially moved here so my kids could go to great schools but it’s turned out to be so much more than that for my entire family.” – Emma
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1. Brown Auto Group 2. Flow Automotive 3. Volvo of Charlottesville
RESOURCES FOR NEWCOMERS
Car Dealership
Recreational Organization for the Over-50 Crowd 1. Senior Center 2. ACAC
Senior Community
Local Charity
1. The Colonnades 2. Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge 3. Branchlands
1. CASPCA 2. Blue Ridge Area Food Bank 3. Boys & Girl Club
Assisted Living 1. RoseWood Village 2. Westminister-Canterbury of the Blue Ridge 3. Our Lady of Peace
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“Charlottesville is a lovely place to visit and retire to, because of all the things that there are to do in town. With live music, theatrical performances and outdoor festivals — you will always have something to do, seven days a week.” – Courtney
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WEDDINGS & SPECIAL EVENTS
Weddings & Special Events Wedding Venue 1. Keswick Vineyards 2. Pippin Hill Winery 3. Veritas Vineyard and Winery
Best Semi & Formal Clothing 1. Brooks Brothers 2. Levy’s 3. Vintage Vixen
Wedding Jeweler 1. Andrew Minton Jewelers 2. Zales 3. Tuels Jewelers
“I can’t think of a better place to get married than at a winery in Charlottesville. The scenery alone makes it the perfect venue, plus some of the area’s best vendors are located right here in town!” – Meredith Florist
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1. Hedge Fine Blooms 2. University Florists 3. Don’s Florist
Caterer 1. Harvest Moon Catering 2. Feast! 3. C&O Restaurant
Cake Baker 1. Chandler’s Bakery 2. Mahila Creations 3. Albemarle Baking Company
Photographer/Videographer 1. Memories by Melody Robbins 2. 3 Cats Photography 3. C. Tyler Corvin Studios
Best Place to Host the Wedding Family 1. The Inn at 400 West High 2. Omni Hotel 3. Keswick Hall 16
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Health & Wellness Family Doctor/Practice 1. Downtown Family Health Care 2. Pediatrics Associates 3. Pantops Family Medicine
Dentist 1. Southside Dentists 2. DJ Bickers, DDS, PLC 3. Rebecca Swett, DDS
Optometrist 1. Primary Eyecare 2. Drs. Record, Record & Adams 3. Crozet Eyecare
Chiropractor 1. Cox Chiropractic Clinic 2. Heppner Family Chiropractic 3. Prax Chiropractic
Fitness Center 1. ACAC 2. Anytime Fitness 3. Atlantic Sports & Rehab
Massage Therapist 1. ACAC 2. City Spa 3. Rivanna Massage Therapy
Mind/Body Classes 1. ACAC 2. Ashtanga Yoga 3. Birkam Yoga
Hair Salon 1. Moxie Hair and Body Lounge 2. A Cut Above 3. Bristles Hair Design and Day Spa
Spa
Veterinarian
1. ACAC 2. The Boar’s Head Spa 3. Signature Medical Spa
1. Charlottesville Veterinary Hospital 2. Earlysville Animal Hospital 3. Georgetown Veterinary Hospital
Being Green “Green” doesn’t just describe the rolling hills that surround Charlottesville. Green is a way of life for eco-conscious residents, businesses and local governments. From building practices to single-stream recycling, Charlottesville is leading the way to a healthier, cleaner future in Virginia and has been recognized with the Governor’s Environmental Excellence Award. 17