I SPENT 48 HOURS DISCOVERING BLACK CHARLOTTESVILLE: A DETAILED ITINERARY

Spring 2022 has finally sprung, and you're ready to welcome the season change. There's no better way to celebrate all that will spring forth in this new season than a weekend getaway in historic Charlottesville, Virginia. The getaway is your opportunity to learn new things, see nature in its unique season and disconnect to recharge. Charlottesville, Virginia, is the ideal getaway destination for the spring.

Last weekend, I spent 48 hours in Charlottesville, Virginia. Three words to describe my experience: wine, wine, and wine. The wine tasting was part of my experience, but my 48 hours itinerary was focused on 'Discover Black Cville.' Black Cville is a thriving and diverse community filled with history, wineries, breweries, and farm-to-table dining. I spent 48 hours savoring Black Cville, all while disconnected from my day-to-day. Charlottesville is home to historical landmarks, picturesque gems filled with wine scenes, beautiful accommodations, tasty eateries, and countless opportunities for outdoor recreation. Most importantly, Charlottesville is home to African American history and exquisite black-owned businesses worth visiting, learning about, and exploring.

TRANSPORTATION: Amtrak

I took the Amtrak from Washington D.C. to Charlottesville, Virginia. This was my second time traveling with Amtrak, and I loved it. It took 2.5 hours to arrive in Charlottesville from D.C., and I had the best views of the countryside. Plus, it's fast and efficient.

ACCOMMODATION: The Draftsman Hotel

I had the pleasure of staying at The Draftsman's black-run boutique hotel. The location is ideal, primarily if you want to be central. The Draftsman is near downtown attractions, including the Downtown Mall, a collection of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants housed in historic buildings along Main Street. I walked to Dairy Market for dinner on my first night because the Draftsman is just that central.

Let's talk about the artwork throughout the Draftsman; the details scream elegance and sophistication. The rooms are spacious, and the bath is exquisite. The bath tiles had a white matte finish that gave off poise and luxury — everything I love in a hotel bath.

The Draftsman has a Black-owned restaurant called The Ridley. The dining experience was incredible, especially their brunch selection. The concept of the Ridley pays homage to Dr. Walter N. Ridley, the first Black student to graduate from The University of Virginia and receive a graduate degree from any significant historically white public university in the South.

8 ACTIVITIES TO ADD 48-HOUR ITINERARY

1. Shop fresh produce at the Farmers’ Market in IX Art Park. There's nothing that helps you discover a city like the local cuisine and produce. The Farmers’ Market features Charlottesville Black-owned, locally operated businesses, and multicultural food vendors. One of my favorites was Angelic's Kitchen, a soul food eatery in Charlottesville. The fried fish had me in a chokehold. I can close my eyes and savor the taste once more. I returned home with her exclusive seafood breading and planned to recreate her fried fish recipe. There’s no better way to spend a Saturday morning, so check it out.

2. Learn about the history of African Americans with a walking tour of downtown Charlottesville. The tour is operated by the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, whose mission is to honor and preserve the heritage and legacy of the African-American community of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Also, the Center promotes a greater appreciation for and understanding of the contributions of African Americans and peoples of the diaspora locally, nationally, and globally. The Center features exhibits and galleries that highlight Charlottesville's African American history and culture of the African diaspora. This tour was extraordinary for me because I had to learn about my history as an African American to inform my future positively. Walking around downtown Charlottesville and learning about the history of Black people left me feeling confident about my ability to persevere. It's truly a story of strength, and I recommend that you add it to your itinerary.

3. Immerse yourself in the interactive space at the Looking Glass. I had such an incredible time perusing the interactive exhibition. The Looking Glass is Virginia's first and only immersive art space, featuring a larger-than-life interactive enchanted forest and kaleidoscopic cave. I liked that it pulled me out of day-to-day thoughts and drew me into the enchantment, making it the perfect escape. Add a list of activities that will help you disconnect in Charlottesville.

4. Discover Charlottesville's premier food destination at Dairy Market. Located in the historic Monticello Dairy Building in downtown Charlottesville, Dairy Market is the first market hall concept in Virginia's Central Piedmont. With up to 18 food merchants, Angelic's Kitchen included, Dairy Market is a local gem. The University of Virginia is close to Dairy Market, so the ambiance is one-of-a-kind because the students commune there. You can expect laughter, music, and good eats on Friday night. The market gives a sense of authentic culinary experience with farm-to-fork traditions. I enjoyed dinner at Angelic's Kitchen while conversing with the locals. It adds to your experience when locals are willing to exchange stories with you. That's what makes Charlottesville so unique — its people. A combination worth adding to your itinerary.

5. Take a tour of historic Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. Located just outside Charlottesville in Albemarle County, I went on a history tour of Thomas Jefferson's home. Monticello is a National Historic Landmark, and the only house in the United States designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Monticello is the home of Thomas Jefferson, third U.S. President, author of the Declaration of Independence, and founder of the University of Virginia. On this tour, I learned about my ancestors —enslaved and free—who lived and worked on Jefferson's 5,000-acre plantation. Our tour guide brought to life the stories of my people as we explored rarely seen rooms on the second and third floors of Monticello, including Jefferson's spectacular Dome Room.

I can't find the right word to express the emotions that I felt while walking through Thomas Jefferson's home and listening to the stories of my ancestors. It's a very chilling story, but it speaks to the courage, strength, determination, wisdom, and solidarity of African Americans since the founding of America. To understand more about our heritage, check out Reclamation: Sally Hemings, Thomas Jefferson, and a Descendant's Search for Her Family's Lasting Legacy by Gayle Jessup White. This book is an absolute gem.

The tour guide was phenomenal because to tell the story, you have to understand and imagine yourself in someone else's shoes. His narration elevated Monticello's enslaved and free people. I recommend a guided tour of the scenic gardens and grounds, as you learn about this historic landmark and who built it.

6. Take flight at Eastwood Farm and Winery. Eastwood Farm and Winery has a special place in my heart. Not just for the delicious flights but because of the founders. The winery is woman-owned! Eastwood Farm and Winery is located along the Monticello wine trail and just minutes south of downtown Charlottesville. I had the macaroni & cheese, along with the tomato soup. The small plates were incredible. Add Eastwood Farm and Winery to your itinerary, and delight in award-winning wines and ciders.

7. Enjoy wine'o clock at Blenheim Vineyards. Enjoy a flight of five winery-exclusive selections hosted by a knowledgeable educator while relaxing in the outdoor space. Blenheim Vineyards provides self-guided tasting experiences that include a flight of four wines so that you can take your time and savor the experience. The views of the vineyards are incredible from the outdoor space and add to your overall tasting experience. Virginia is known for many things, including its wine. Add Blenheim to your spring winery bucket list now.

8. Make a bouquet during the Festival of Spring at Burnside Farms. Burnside Farms has been welcoming guests to their Festival of Spring every year since 2012, making it one of the longest-running spring festivals of its kind in North America. They plant more than 200 varieties of tulips and 30+ varieties of daffodils for one of spring's most spectacular pick-your-own events! Depending on the weather, their season only lasts about three weeks, so you don't want to miss this time window!

I'm sure you’re looking into a spring getaway already, so consider Charlottesville, Virginia, if you haven't. This trip was extraordinary because it allowed me to discover the history of Black people in Charlottesville in a new and unmeasurable strength. Also, wine O’clock? Learn more about ‘Discover Black Cville’ passport and Black stories being told here.

Getaways are about disconnecting and learning, and you can achieve both in Charlottesville.

Happy traveling!