Stand Up PAddle Boarding in Charlottesville, VA

STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING IN CHARLOTTESVILLE

If you have never given stand up paddleboarding a try, you are missing out on one of America’s fasted growing watersport. SUP, as it is known, will show you just how much you have missed out on when it comes to enjoying the water.

Bring along your paddleboard and traverse across whitewater rivers, increase your fitness level, and even do Yoga!

Paddleboarding was, at one time, an ancient sport in Hawaii, and now has become one of the best and popular outdoor recreational activity. Do not think you are limited to just beaches. If there is a body of water, then hit it up!

Yes, this is like riding a surfboard across the waves of the Pacific Ocean. You will use your upper body strength. Paddleboarding is a great way to exercise and burn off some of those unwanted calories, as well. And it is FUN!

Around twenty minutes away from Charlottesville, you will find Beaver Creek and Walnut Creek. These gorgeous lakes are encased by a beautiful forest, full of largemouth bass, and offer incredible views of the impeccable Blue Ridge Mountains.

Whether you are taking lessons, cruising along at sunset, participating in Yoga, or hanging out for the day, these creeks are the place to be!

If you happen to be experienced, head down to a local river company and hop on a paddleboarding trip. Go anywhere from two miles, up to a little over six and a half, and show your catlike skills to the new folks.

A great place to showcase your skills is the Free Bridge or a hosted excursion down the river to Riverview Park.

Should you have been paddleboarding for what seems like an eternity, meet up with a local company and go from the Free Bridge to Milton Landing. Paddle for around three hours, over some rocky areas, Class ll rapids, and between the Southwest Mountains. You must have had River Skills Trip for stand up paddleboarding should you book a local excursion.

Charlottesville has some of the best and most amazing areas to conquer stand up paddleboarding. It does not matter if you just started SUP today or have been enjoying the adventurer for five years, every day is a different adventure!

Family travel Charlottesville, Virginia

FAMILY TRAVEL FUN IN CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA

Load up the family and head to Charlottesville, Virginia, as you seek some fantastic family travel fun!

Imagine being surrounded by the incredible Blue Ridge Mountains, history, and majestic beauty that is just what Charlottesville brings to the table.

The little tikes will love letting their curiosity run wild inside the Virginia Discovery Museum. Six-thousand square feet of space is on a single level, free-flows, and offers two galleries that house 15 exceptional hands-on play area of fun.

One of the cool interactive fun things that your little family members can enjoy is sorting letters at the Post Office. Match the mail in the bins that are numbered and colored, then head out for delivery.

With no route to follow, let the kiddos explore, however they want and as slow or fast as their heart’s desire. Cognitive, physical, and social skills will be unleashed in this extraordinarily little rule problem-solving museum of adventure.

It is never to soon to think about college. While in Charlottesville, head over to the University of Virginia. See what the buzz is all about at the Rotunda. See how students and faculty come together to interact and learn.

As we continue the learning vibe, take a trip to Darden Towe Path and the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center. Explore, create, and discover as you and the family engage in the exhibits. Lewis was from Albermarle County, and next to the center is where Clark’s family resided.

Take the dirt path down to the river overlooks or enjoy the short hiking trail. The center is an excellent place to explore and learn about history.

A shoppers paradise awaits the family at the Historic Downtown Pedestrian Mall, one of the largest in the United States, at 8-blocks long. Shop as much as you like or find a seat and people watch as the children ride on the carousel.

Visit the galleries, catch a concert at a small venue, or even catch a performance at the Paramount Theater. Free tours behind the scenes are available, so do not forget to ask.

Even a complimentary trolley operated by Charlottesville will make stops at the University of Virginia, the pedestrian mall, and many other downtown areas.

Pack the families hiking boots and hit the Rivanna Trail that circles the city. For 20 miles, your family can explore streets, greenways, and parkland. To keep the walk simple, hit Riverview Park, a segment down along the river.

Crabtree Falls trail is extremely popular, as Crabtree is the Eastern United States longest vertical cascade. Add in a series of other waterfall cascades, and you have a total of 1,200 feet of pure enjoyment!

You will encounter an uphill walk that is steady when you leave the lower parking lot. Do not worry; it is not that challenging. The hike is especially gorgeous when the leaves are changing in the fall.

After a fun-filled adventure of exploring Charlottesville, head to your room at Boar’s Head Resort for a great night of sleep before starting your fantastic outdoor excursion again.

Charlottesville Escape Room

ESCAPE BOAR’S HEAD–Escape Room

After your annual meeting has come to an end, gather up a few coworkers and stay another night at the Boar’s Head. Check out all the amenities this famous resort in Charlottesville has to offer. While there are recreational activities such as a scavenger hunt, geocaching, and kayaking, think outside the box and head to the Escape Room.

What is an Escape Room, you ask? Well, it is pretty much a game where a group of players come together and solve puzzles with the clues they uncover. The tasks may occur in more than one room, and there is a certain amount of time that you must finish. Yes, the goal is to escape from where you are.

Do not worry if you get stuck at any time. Your team can ask for hints. Escape Room is a game that requires everyone to work together.

What makes the Escape Room at the Boar’s Head unique is that it is not just a room; it is a house known as A Cabin in The Woods. Should you go along with local legend, this old home experienced some black magic rituals and practices of the occult back in the day.

For one hour you and your group will be responsible for helping your friend, a journalist, escape. Solve riddles, endure brain teasers, and riffle through clues of the occult as you try to find a way out.

Remember that the clock is winding down, so the clues need to be solved quickly so that your group can move to the next challenge. You will be using your thinking cap and biting your nails to see what lies in the next clue.

Will you make it out, or will time be your enemy?

This incredible journey of trust, teamwork, and communication is among the many outdoor recreational available from Boar’s Head Outfitters. Call and book your Escape Room adventure if you dare!

BIKING IN CHARLOTTESVILLE

Charlottesville is a biking mecca, thanks to being near the mountains. Numerous locations in the city, and destinations a bit further away make this an ideal Virginia Blue Ridge biking base.

Follow along as we highlight a few of these incredible biking locations.

PREDDY CREEK

Located in Albemarle County, this multi-use trails system consists of an outer loop with trails weaving through the center. More than eight miles of rocky, technical, and flowing trail await your wheels.

There are a few things to consider when biking Preddy Creek. E-bikes are not allowed, a lift service is not available, there are no restrooms, and drinking water is not offered.

WHETSTONE RIDGE TRAIL

For those bikers with advanced skills and well-formed technical skills, looking for a more challenging place to ride, this trail up by the Blue Ridge Parkway sections of Nelson and Rockbridge Counties is just for you.

This incredibly powerful trail system offers many unmarked trails, so a guide may be of service here.

GEORGE WASHINGTON NATIONAL FOREST

George Washington National Forest is the crème de la crème of mountain biking in Virginia. At least that is what this national forest is called by the Charlottesville Area Mountain Biking Club.

Some intense, well sought-after trails found in the national forest and spread across five ranger stations include,Lookout Loop, Camp Todd, and Tearjacket Trail.

North River Ranger District includes Brandywine Recreation Area, which houses Brandywine Lake. Along with a jam-packed adventure area, a host of hiking and mountain biking trails are available.

Over in the Mount Rogers National Recreation Area is Beartree Recreation Area. This peaceful domain provides solace, rest, and recreation to all that visit. After you hit the trails, enjoy lunch in the picnic area or cool off at the beach.

Families will love spending the day hiking along the Pig Iron Trail, learning how iron was made. Put on your helmets and cruise along any of the trails that you encounter with the kids. When your biking adventures are done for the day, learn about some history as you find your way across a swinging bridge to check out the cabin full of history.

Pandapas Pond Day Use Area in the Eastern Divide Ranger District gives bikers 17-miles along the Poverty Creek System to enjoy all day long. Difficulty levels range from easy to most difficult and are anywhere from .3 tenths of a mile, Woods & Fields to 7.2 miles, Poverty Creek.

WALNUT CREEK

Hit the trails at one of the gems located in Albemarle County, Walnut Creek. Fifteen miles are friendly and multi-use for mountain bikes and bikes. Spread throughout the area are single tracks, with fast climbs for the intermediate to advanced skill level riders.

Be extra careful when utilizing these trails as rocks become loose, and roots add more edge to this already tricky climb.

Trails can be combined, so extending out your rides are an option. Come for an intense ride and finish with an easy one.

Stand UP Paddle Board

10 Tips for A Safe SUP Trip in Charlottesville

SUP, which is Stand up paddle boarding, is an excellent way to have fun on the water, and as a bonus, get a workout-a full-body one! An advantage of standing up on your board offers the opportunity to see what’s swimming around under you. Plus, a fantastic view of the horizon!

If you have never conquered SUP, it is good to know something about the gear you will use, and basic techniques. To have an excellent adventure and want to return, you will need to know a few things.

How do you get suited and geared up to SUP? Well, of course, you will need a paddleboard.

A couple of first time SUP tips. Also great for those who have not been out in a while.

GEARING UP TO SUP

1. STAND UP PADDLE BOARD: Should this be your first time out, consider borrowing a board from a close friend or renting one from a reputable company. Renting or borrowing will help you determine what kind of board is your style and fit. Also, to help determine which cool board to get, consider where you will be using and the local conditions.

Not all boards are created equal! Some are specific to a discipline, like surfing, racing, SUP yoga, and recreational paddling in areas like a lake. Renting a SUP will give you staff that will guide you in the right direction.

2. PADDLE: Having a properly sized paddle is also essential. The paddle looks almost like a canoe paddle that has meet stretch Armstrong, with a blade that comes forward to help you achieve your maximum paddling efficiency. Keep in mind that a proper paddle will reach your wrist when standing in front of you and raise your arm.

3. PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE: You will need a personal flotation device or PFD on board. Your stand up paddle board is a vessel according to the U. S. Coast Guard if you travel outside of designated surfing or swimming locations. While an adult does not have to have the PFD on, a child must. Check out the age regulations for Virginia before heading out to save you potential trouble.

4. LIGHT AND SAFETY WHISTLE: Another requirement from the U. S. Coast Guard is a safety whistle. This whistle allows you to warn other boaters that you are near. Should you be out after dark, some type of light should also be on board. You would not want to end up stranded in the water because you did not see that large rock in the water.

5. CORRECT CLOTHING: While you may be able to wear a swimsuit or shorts during the summertime months if, on warm water, there is always the possibility of those sunny conditions turning cooler. So, plan accordingly. Should you decide to SUP in an area where temperatures are much cooler, such as the mountains, where you could experience hypothermia, consider wearing a wet or dry suit.

FIRST TIME ON THE SUP BOARD OR BEEN A WHILE

Whether you are a beginner, first time SUP user, or have not been out on a board in a while, consider these helpful techniques to ensure that your time on the board is enjoyable.

1. Pick a lake, pond, or stream that is small and calm. Ensure that the body of water is free of obstacles such as large visible rocks, larger boats, or buoys.

2. Go out on a sunny day that is not windy.

3. Head out on your SUP with a buddy so that each of you can help the other if needed.

4. Paddle for about 60 minutes. The short time will help you ease your way into SUP and not get overly tired.

5. Check out a sandy beach so that you can wade in and not struggle when launching your SUP.

CONCLUSION

Stand up paddle boarding (SUP) in Charlottesville can be an exciting outdoor adventure. Consider hitting up the Rivanna River or Beaver Creek Lake. For those looking to travel a lit bit, head up to the gorgeous James River.

Downtown Mall Charlottesville

3 UNIQUE SHOPS IN DOWNTOWN CHARLOTTESVILLE

When you seek out a unique and unusual shopping experiences, Charlottesville is the place to be. Whether it is a birthday, birth of a baby, anniversary, or another special event, these 3 unique shops are ready to offer you some spectacular gifts.

DAEDALUS BOOKSHOP

Book lovers will rejoice in three floors and 100,000 books! The bookshop is so large that they even provide you with a map. This unique booklover paradise does not even have a computer, so you will need to do it via telephone if you need to reach them.

The shop is open five days a week, so call ahead for operational hours, so you are not disappointed.

ROCKBRIDGE GUITAR COMPANY

Should you or a member of your traveling party be a hard-core musician, then you, are at the perfect spot. With only 60 guitars produced each year, there is serious attention to detail in each one.

Since 2002, Rockbridge Guitar Company has been operated by a four-man crew that is serious about the things they create. Named for Rockbridge County, the shop is proud to call downtown Charlottesville home.

When you are seeking a guitar with versatility, consider the SJ. If a remnant of a 1930’s model Gibson thrills you, then the Smeck is your best bet. While originally designed originally for slide playing, fingerstyle and flatpickers will love it as well.

CVILLE SMOKE SHOP

What a great gift a cigar, pipe tobacco, or one of more than 125 tins would make.

Fine Cigars from hard to find and major brands are offered at Cville Smoke Shop. Located here is central Virginia’s largest walk-in humidor. Purchase your cigar here and enjoy some time in the smoking lounge for free. While relaxing and talking with friends, you can utilize the free Wi-Fi and premium satellite TV.

There are more than 75 types of bulk pipe tobacco, with an excess of 150 tins. Pipe tobacco lovers will be in awe of the aromatics that include Virginia, Latakia, and a lot more.

One cannot indulge in pipe tobacco without a proper pipe, and Cville Smoke Shop has just that. There is something for everyone here, from new and estate sale pipes to accessories such as filters, pipe tools, and stands.

Those of you that prefer cigarettes will find American Spirit, Al Capones, and other Premium cigarettes. Should you like to roll-your-own, Cville Smoke Shop provides those as well.

Whether you choose to relax in the front lounge or back lounge, there is lots of space to relax and enjoy.

Charlottesville, Virginia

3 AWESOME TRAVEL BLOGS FEATURING CHARLOTTESVILLE WORTH CHECKING OUT

Who does not love an excellent travel blog? Especially ones that focus on a charming, unique, diverse, fun-filled city like Charlottesville.

ERIK the TRAVEL GUY (www.erikthetravelguy.com)

Erik, the Travel Guy, loves to travel, and his blog creates an incredible list of fast facts, how to get there and see what is around, the best times to go, where to unpack your suitcase, and a long list of other great travel information.

Erik suggests visiting in the summer. After all, this is a college town. The city is hopping in the Spring and Fall. Plus, with fewer students and functions, you can score a great deal on lodging.

Yes, this is a college town, so do not forget to visit the University of Virginia. The campus is a staple of the downtown area, and the grounds offer a lovely landscape to stroll through.

SOUTHERN STYLE (www.asouthernstyleblog.com)

Hit the road for a girlfriend’s adventure with A Southern Style Blog. After arriving from Raleigh, four hours away, these three best friends hit the town and Albemarle County.

The three best friends unloaded their car at The Oakhurst Inn and then scoured out Neroli Spa & Beauty Lounge for their prescheduled appointments. They then venture off to UVA grounds before enjoying dinner, which this night was at Brasserie Saison.

The Oakhurst Inn is a boutique hotel found on the University of Virginia and even has a penthouse. This robust Inn once served as homes for UVA professors, how cool is that. The girls had the whole main buildings second floor and loved every minute of it.

At Neroli Spa & Beauty Lounge, this awesome group opted for different types of pampering. Facials seemed to be a hit.

Recap their dinner with them and learn about what the self-proclaimed picky eater tried.

This three-day adventure occurred Monday thru Wednesday, and they packed a boatload into each day. They even made time for lunch before heading back to North Carolina!

SWEET SAUCE (www.sweetsauceblog.com)

Embark on a fascinating adventure from a local gal who uses Sweet Sauce to highlight how she spent her life visiting Charlottesville; she grew up only an hour away in Louisa County. How cool to walk through the city streets and eateries from an insider.

It seems the Downtown Mall is the place to be. This city center landmark has been providing folks with a shopping experience since 1974. Stores such as J. Fenton Too and Derriere De Soie await every fashionista, and the book lovers will enjoy New Dominion Books and 2nd Act.

Sweet Sauce’s choice of accommodations is The Graduate, which is down on Main Street. She recommends Sheepdog Café’s breakfast menu. This unique location also has a rooftop bar and restaurant, perfect for an evening drink. Oh, do not forget about the incredible views.

Those of you that enjoy a good winery or distillery hit up Jefferson Vineyards or Ragged Branch Distillery. Venture through this incredible distillery as Sweet Sauce takes you through the tasting room.

She also offers up brunch, lunch, and supper destinations to taste all that Charlottesville offers.

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.