Art Glass Tours in Charlottesville VA

THE GLASS PALETTE-An Art Glass Adventure in Charlottesville VA

The art lovers that visit Charlottesville, Virginia, will be delighted to come across The Glass Palette. This mother-daughter co-owned studio is a unique and mesmerizing nod to the world of art glass.

Come and let your creative juices flow when you stop by The Glass Palette. Whether you decide on attending a class or walking in, you will enjoy fusing and slumping. Design your creative piece, and they will fire it at 1,450 degrees to get your glass to melt together. Shapes are formed when refired at lower temperatures and slumped into molds.

Bring two layers and design elements to life in dimensions that range from 1 inch to 12 inches. Due to the process, you will need to return in a few days to pick up the finished piece.

Do you love the stained glass or mosaic look? Excellent! With new techniques and growing interest over the last couple of decades, artists bring together new designs and forms daily. The possibilities of what you create are endless.

Attend a workshop on Enamel Painting on Glass. In this class, you will learn the steps and techniques to create your own glass enamel. The instructors take you along on outlining, shading, and coloring. After you have created your sample tiles, you will also create an 8” finished bowl.

Another workshop option at The Glass Palette is Sand Art in Glass. In this workshop, you will take glass sand, inclusions, and shaping tools to bring to life colorful fused glass tiles. The tiles can be dish-shaped or flat displays.

You will have created a small and large tile/plate of your design by the time the workshop is over. The great thing about this workshop is that all materials come included in the price.

If you have been trying so hard to figure out where to have your five-ten-year old’s birthday party, think no more. The Glass Palette supplies the partygoers with different shapes and colors that are already precut.

Are you looking for something different for your fundraiser, corporate event, or even a bridal shower? The Glass Palette will teach those attendees that are 11 and up how to cut their glass and utilize it with pieces that are precut when they attend a Fusing Party.

Snack Attack is one of the perfect options available for your Fusing Party. The flat glass can be colored; however, they wish! The Glass Palette fuses and shapes the snack bowl in the kiln. Return in a couple of days to take home your kiddos or event member’s fantastic artwork that is food and safe to go into the dishwasher.

Should it be close to the holidays, party participants can show their creative side as they design glass cookies or ornaments to hang around the house.

Blasting Parties are also available for those aged 5-8 and 9 and above. These parties are an incredible choice should you have participants from out of town. You create the glass piece, and The Glass Palette carves it out in the sandblaster!

Some of the fantastic options include creating your own ice cream bowl, personalized mug, or dessert plate, which is perfect for cupcakes!

Golf in Charlotesville VA

5 BEST GOLF COURSES NEAR BOAR’S HEAD RESORT

Those that love golf will hit some balls any time of the year! With fantastic weather, lush greens, and trees that are blossoming, grab your clubs and head to Charlottesville and check out the best golf courses near Boar’s Head Resort.

1. Full Cry at Keswick Hall

Full Cry is a Pete Dye course that merges a modern architecture of a golf course with some outstanding Virginia countryside. Any skill level will love playing this terrain, as you will be anywhere from 5,000 to 7,000 yards from a variety of tees. Full Cry lies under Keswick Hall’s location on the high ground of the property, offering some outstanding views and an incredible experience.

2. Spring Creek Golf Club

Situated a short 20-minutes to the east of Charlottesville is Spring Creek Golf Club, a well-nationally recognized course. Ed Carton designed this incredible grass fairway course with lots of trees and greenery. Enjoy a few rounds with your best-golfing buddies, do a solo 9, host a company tournament, or have a wedding at this immaculate golf course.

3. Meadowcreek Golf Course

Nestled in the mystic shadows of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains is Meadowcreek Golf Course. This downtown Charlottesville golf course offers up one hundred and fifty-five acres covered with outstanding views and holes to challenge any golfer.

After you have crushed your partner’s scores, head over to the grill and full-service bar for some relaxation and unwind with an appetizer and much-needed drink to help cool you down.

Meadowcreek Golf Course would make the perfect location for an outing for the attendees of your next office meeting. Weddings would also look fabulous with a spectacular golf course backdrop.

4. Old Trail Golf Club

Head west of Charlottesville into the Blue Ridge Mountains and hit the links at Old Trail Golf Club. The course is a championship course of 18 holes and features a clubhouse that is full service. Following the layout of the land and its natural features, any golfer level will have a fantastic time.

Bring your little future golfers along and follow the junior markers as you train them to be the next Arnold Palmer. Thanks to a partnership with Kandi Comer Golf Academy, the next generation can continue learning with a player development program. This golf academy is also an option for adults for those that wish to perfect their scores.

5. Birdwood Golf Course

As you are enjoying your time at Boar’s Head Resort carve out some time to hit the newest 18 championship golf course equipped with a six-hole par 3 course. This experience is available thanks to the teamwork and partnership with Davis Love lll, yes, the PGA Professional, and Love Golf Design.

Invite your friends to join you on the course as Birdwood Golf Course is open to the public. This course also plays host to the University of Virginia’s NCAA golf team, so you may be able to check them out!

Conclusion

No matter what time of the year you are in, Charlottesville, hit one of these excellent golf courses. Relax in the warm sun or enjoy a crisp fall morning as you kick off your shoes and search for that ball you lost in the water hazard.

Hiking in Charlottesville VA

5 BEST HIKES NEAR BOAR’S HEAD RESORT

BEST HIKES NEAR BOAR’S HEAD RESORT

Does your annual business meeting, weekend girl’s trip, family get together, or a solo trip to recharge your batteries have you at Charlottesville, VA, and Boar’s Head Resort? If the answer is yes, do not forget to pack your best pair of hiking boots to hit some of the outstanding trails in the area.

Boar’s Head Resort is not your typical hotel type establishment in the Charlottesville area. The resort encompasses more than 570 acres and offers pathways to take you down around lakes, ponds, and wetlands. There is even a cemetery with some history to view while out strolling.

Lace-up your hiking shoes and hit one of the L. F. Payne Heritage Trails. There are five ranging from gravel, grass, or woodland available for your hiking pleasure.

Butterfly Trail can be found near the resort and is a comfortable gravel and grassy .45-mile adventure. The cemetery trail is .25 miles and is a moderate grass-covered walk. Muddy Spur is also .25 and grass-covered.

Main Trail is a mixture of gravel, grass, and woodland, thus comfortable, moderate, and challenging. There are also different lengths throughout, so do not worry and bring the kiddos as there are several 0.5-mile sections.

Foxhaven Run is 2.0 miles and includes a mix of moderate and challenging difficulty.

Head outside of Boar’s Head Resort and explore the Charlottesville area with a visit to the Blue Ridge Parkway. Find a great place to park and set off on an adventure to view some sunsets, overlooks, and challenging climbs.

Humpback Rocks Trail is one of those outstanding trails. A one-mile steep climb that goes up to around 700 feet gives you a small challenge. The result, though, is fabulous. Do not forget your camera as The Rocks provide excellent sunsets and sunrises. The Appalachian Trail also crosses this trail, so plan accordingly should you wish to hike a few more miles.

The Saunders-Monticello Trail only has one drawback, and that is that it is pretty darn popular. To achieve an experience, unlike any other when at this trail, it is best to arrive in the early morning. No matter when you decide to visit, this two-plus mile trail is fantastic!

As you wander along the trail, take in the spectacular views of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. If the trees are bare, snap some unforgettable memories of those lavish views.

Another Albemarle County place to head to is Ivy Creek Natural Area. This natural area provides hikers with a variety of mostly flat trails. The kids are welcome here; unfortunately, Fido will need to sit this one out.

Rivanna River Trails are part of a trail system that encompasses the city limits of Charlottesville. There are points to access the spectacular trials about one to two miles from the Downtown Mall. Hikers, bikers, and runners will love the wide, paved trails.

One of the most magnificent trails off Skyline Drive is Riprap Trail. You will be sitting in the Riprap Trail Parking lot from the downtown area in less than an hour. How cool is that! This nonstrenuous hike out to the impressive ridge provides you with a jaw-dropping view of the Shenandoah Valley.

Hiking the entire nine miles takes about 5 or 6 hours, and about 2.5 miles round trip out to the ridge.  There is an entrance fee to Shenandoah National Park, so plan accordingly. This fee grants unlimited park access for a week.

Boar's Head Resort Weddings

EXPERIENCE THE MOST MEMORABLE DAY – YOUR WEDDING- AT BOAR’S HEAD RESORT

Picture the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, and a 500 plus acre resort where contemporary and classic meet. Throw in some superb southern hospitality and modern amenities, and you have the makings of a fabulous location to experience the most memorable day – your wedding.

It does not matter if you are looking for a grand gala extravaganza or a small, simple reception. The Boar’s Head Resort can provide elegant indoor and outdoor venues, such as the UVA Foundation Lawn, Arbor Courtyard, or two incredibly unique ballrooms.

With a variety of wedding packages available, no details are unnoticed. Go all out with the Premier Package that offers five hours of celebration or the elopement package for when you want to be intimate.

Add on some extraordinary experiences such as a golf outing, luncheon for the bridal party, or a breakfast post-wedding to any of the customizable packages Boar’s Head Resort has to offer.

Sit back and relax and let the incredible resort staff take care of everything. Your wedding coordinator handles those special moments, such as your first dance or making sure you receive all your wedding gifts.

They will also confirm all details with vendors and ensure your rehearsal ceremony goes off without a glitch. You will be on an emotional roller coaster, so let them assist you with your memorable day.

Your wedding coordinator even helps with securing one of Charlottesville’s most amazing photographers. They have featured vendors, and each will provide you with memories you will cherish forever.

Outstanding food and drinks are a big part of your special day. The catering manager will walk along with you as you decide on and estimate the cost of your food and drink, take care of the banquet space, and provide you with some superb breakfast, lunch, dessert, and snack selections. There is also a wine and alcohol list should you need those extras.

Guests can experience all that Boar’s Head Resort offers when they book accommodations in a fabulous suite or room with breathtaking lake and landscape views. The resort rooms come with balconies, upscale furnishings, modern amenities, and lots more.

Resort suites provide king or queen beds, a sitting area, balconies, fireplaces, and a host of other amenities. Enjoy hanging out in the living room with other wedding attendees as you look forward to the main event.

For the bride and groom, special wedding night accommodations are available in the wedding packages, making this one less thing you need to worry about on your special day.

Whether it is before or after you, say I Do, suit up for some laps at the Junior Olympic swimming pool or hang out with your bridal party and catch some rays. For those who enjoy a morning swim, the pool opens extremely early, giving you some alone time before your special day.

For a wedding to remember, Boar’s Head Resort goes above and beyond to ensure that your memorable day is more than you could imagine.

Corporate Events at The Boar's Head REsort

5 Reasons to Choose the Boar’s Head Resort for Your Next Corporate Event

Head to Charlottesville, Virginia, for your next corporate event and enjoy a top-notch resort and an abundance of space. Some of the amenities for your group to indulge in include fine dining, outstanding golf courses, excellent team-building opportunities, and so much more!

Outstanding mountain views and exceptional staff also await your arrival at this exquisite 600-acre Blue Ridge Mountain resort.

Should you still have a hard time deciding whether the Boar’s Head Resort is the perfect place, let us check out some of the fantastic reasons that this is the best place for your next corporate event.

1. LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION.

Found just a couple of hours from Washington, DC, Boar’s Head Resort sits at the foot of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. An airport is nearby, as is the University of Virginia. Downtown Charlottesville is also close for additional shopping and nightlife.

2. ABUNDANCE RECREATION

Hopefully, your corporate meeting will not run longer than 8 hours, so that those attending can enjoy some recreational fitness and fun. Fitness buffs will love the view from the treadmills, ellipticals, bikes, and free weights, as they continue their fitness regimen or start a new one at the Charlottesville fitness center in The Sports Club.

Personal trainers are also available to assist you with any goals or questions that you may have. Pilates, rock wall climbing, and basketball are a few of the other options for fun.

Should squash be your jam, head to the McArthur Squash Center and enjoy playing on a single or double course. Not sure how to play, no problem, there is a professional squash coach on-site to help you out.

Do not forget to pack your swimsuit so that after your meeting you can hit one of three outdoor pools.

Play a round of tennis, learn how to play, or watch a match of either the women or men’s University of Virginia teams.

If you were fortunate to bring your golf clubs along, hit some balls on the driving range, or pick up some digs at the Pro Shop. Do not forget to try your hand at the newest golf experience at Boar’s Head Resort, a partnership with Davis Love III that offers 18-holes, a putting course, and six-hole par-3.

As you are packing for your corporate event, throw in your favorite pair of hiking shoes. Five hiking trails range from .25 to 2 miles for you to enjoy and recharge.

Grab some of your coworkers and head out with Boar’s Head Outfitters to enjoy a friendly on-site scavenger hunt, or down to a close river for some guided paddling. Whichever you pick, you are going to make amazing memories!

3. DINING OPPORTUNITIES

Fine dining, snacks, and cocktails will satisfy everyone in your group. You will find these options at the Mill Room restaurant located on-site where you can endure some excellent local Virginia cuisine. Spend time on the veranda, the glass-backed bar for a quick drink, or in the 4-diamond restaurant for a dinner to remember.

4. LUXURIOUS ACCOMMODATIONS

Southern meets modern in the elegant suites and guest rooms that you will find at Boar’s Head Resort. Historic décor highlights the southern and coffee makers bring in the current. Spend some time on the balcony, patio, or curled up in front of the fireplace as you enjoy your terrycloth robe and plush bedding.

Another excellent accommodation perk includes having your room or suite viewing the lush landscape or the resort lakes. What a way to wake up!

5. MEETING SPACE GALORE

If the 600-acres, dining, recreation, or accommodations have not swayed you into the Boar’s Head Resort, how does the sound of 22,000 square feet of meeting space sound! That is right; all this space is at this charming resort nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

It does not matter if you prefer a U-shape, hollow square, classroom, or conference style seating as it is covered here.

Executive Boardroom is 47 feet x 23 feet, 1,081 square feet-12-foot ceilings, and can accommodate a maximum -100 folks in theatre-style seating.  The maximum for the room if your meeting is U-shaped is 30, while a classroom setting holds up to 50.

The Pavilion holds up to 630 in theatre-style seating, and 270 in 6 people crescent rounds. The room is 111 feet x 53 feet and has an amazing 19-foot ceiling height.

Should your corporate event be small, then check out the Rogan Room. At 544 square feet, this 24’ x 32’ room is excellent for 17 when U-shape seating, and 22 in a conference.

Do not forget the reception! Gather 600 of your closest colleagues and hit the Pavilion room again. Too big, then the Pavilion 1 will hold up to 189, and if that is still a lot of space, consider the Albemarle Room at 754 square feet.

There is also a Ballroom that is 3,458 square feet that holds 350 for a reception, 72 in a U-shape seating environment, and 220 in the classroom style.

These are only a sampling of the 22 rooms spread throughout the Boar’s Head Resort available for your meeting or corporate event. Another plus is that audiovisual equipment is available for rent to help ensure your event goes off flawlessly.

UVA Rotunda

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA AND BOAR’S HEAD RESORT

How cool would it be to stay at a university five-star resort on 600-acres nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains close to Charlottesville, Virginia? Well, you do not have to imagine any longer when you stay at Boar’s Head Resort.

This lavish, charming, exquisite resort is proudly operated and owned by the University of Virginia Foundation. Boar’s Head Resort and the foundation’s partnership are incredibly close, and that shows with facilities for athletics shared. The closeness is evident when watching the Men’s and Women’s tennis teams while enjoying time at the resort.

University of Virginia alumni, employees, and students have access to some outstanding rates at the Boar’s Head Resort created just for them. What a fantastic perk of being a UVA student!

The land that the Boar’s Head Resort resides on goes back to the era of Thomas Jefferson. After all, the glamourous merging was after all part of the state of Virginia’s first land grant. Talk about some astonishing countryside to call home.

University of Virginia graduate John Rogan, with the assistance of John Rhea, in 1959 built the Boar’s Head Inn. The two of them took a gristmill from Birdwood property next door, dismantled, numbered each of the pieces, and put it back together at the present location.

Knowing that they had a piece of Virginia history, the pair took the utmost care of this outstanding gristmill and helped shape what is known as today, Boar’s Head Resort.

Fast forward 40 years, and the University of Virginia Foundation acquires the property, which is Charlottesville’s only one AAA Four Diamond resort, as a gift! What a resort it is! Indulge yourself at the luxury spa, enjoy a round of golf with friends, attend an event at one of the multiple meeting rooms, or enjoy the plush bedding as you relax by the fireplace in any of the 168 rooms and suites.

The University of Virginia Foundation had already acquired the Birdwood property in 1967. Along with this additional property, the resort became a 600-acre paradise!

The resort is an excellent location for the University of Virginia faculty or alumni to hold a conference, meeting, or entertain. Should you be thinking about attending the University of Virginia, be sure to participate in a recruiting event held at this lavish resort, you will not be disappointed.

A unique community-oriented event that benefits the University of Virginia Children’s Hospital that Boar’s Head Resort participates in annually is the Turkey Trot. Each Thanksgiving, a mix of a 5K race, costume party, and a baby jogger parade bring close to 1,400 Charlottesville residents together for some exciting fun and to benefit an outstanding charity.

No matter the reason you are on the University of Virginia campus, carve out some time for exploring all that the Boar’s Head Resort has to offer alumni, students, and faculty. Let the catering team assist with event planning and trust the group sales team to ensure your event and stay are memorable.