Things to Do and Area Attractions in the Charlottesville Area
During your stay at The Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm, you'll discover that there is an abundance of wonderful things to do in this area. For the outdoor enthusiast, there are lots of opportunities to enjoy nature, from hiking in the Shenandoah National Park, to swimming in the Blue Hole, to trout fishing in the Moorman River and much, much more. If shopping is your idea of an adventure, the Charlottesville area is your destination for treasure hunting with its numerous antique shops, specialty boutiques, art and craft galleries, and retail stores. Enjoy the fruit of the land while taking a wine tour and sampling the offerings at nearby wineries. Be sure to check out our Local Attractions page for even more ideas of things to see in Charlottesville, Virginia, including historic sites such as Monticello, Ashlawn Highland, and Montpelier. Of course, you can always choose just to spend the day relaxing in the cozy accommodations of the bed and breakfast – maybe you'll want to stay a day longer to do just that!
Hiking & Nature
1. Sugar Hollow Reservoir Hike into the Shenandoah National Park
Just 2 miles from the Inn we have the Sugar Hollow Reservoir and the boundary to the Shenandoah National Park. At the reservoir, there are 2 trails that will take you to the top of the Blue Ridge, to the Appalachian Trail. The trails border the Moorman River and are named the North Fork Trail and the South Fork Trail. There is free access into the Park and it is about a 4 hour round-trip hike. We have specific directions for you and extra water bottles!
2. Shenandoah National Park
Free access to the park and hiking trails just 2 miles from our front door. www.nps.gov/shen
Shenandoah National Park lies astride a beautiful section of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which form the eastern rampart of the Appalachian Mountains between Pennsylvania and Georgia. The rolling Piedmont country lies to the east of the park. Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds along the crest of the mountains through the length of the park, provides vistas of the spectacular landscape to east and west. The park holds more than 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail.
3. Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park
Ten minutes from the Inn.
We have a new hiking/biking/jogging trail near our Inn. The new forest preserve park in Blackwells Hollow was created by her family in honor of Patricia Ann Byrom.
On the 600 acre preserve you will find over 6 miles of trails for hiking, biking, running and equestrian use bordering the Shenandoah National Park. This is just one of many ways to enjoy the outdoors and beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, right from Sugar Hollow.
4. Ivy Creek Natural Area (ICNA)
ICNA is a 215-acre preserve. With assistance from the Nature Conservancy, ICNA was founded by local citizens who valued this former farmland on the Rivanna Reservoir for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife habitat, and watershed protection. Located off of Hydraulic Road on Earlysville Road, just 2 miles north of Charlottesville, the Natural Area is a mix of pine and hardwood forests, old fields, streams, natural springs, and 2 miles of shoreline. Six miles of walking trails and a 3/4 mile paved trail (for visitors with special needs) are open free to the public every day from 7:00 a.m. to sunset.
5.Ragged Mountain Natural Areaand other great Charlottesville area hikes
6.Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls has the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River. It features a series of five major cascades and a number of smaller ones that fall a total distance of 1,200 feet. It begins with a gentle paved trail and proceeds to the more adventuresome 3-mile trail to four other overlooks offering spectacular views of the Crabtree Creek Falls and lovely vistas of the Tye River Valley.
7. Old Rag Mountain
The Old Rag Mountain hike in the Shenandoah National Park is one of the most popular hikes in the mid-Atlantic region. With many spectacular panoramic views and one of the most challenging rock scrambles in the park, this circuit hike is a favorite of many hikers. Elevation – 2,500 ft
Shopping for Antiques, Pottery, Artwork, and Handicrafts
The Monticello Artisan Trail
The Monticello Artisan Trail is a regional trailway that connects destinations including craft artisan studios, galleries, agri-artisan farms, and more in Albemarle and Nelson Counties and the City of Charlottesville. Following the Trail, you will discover the beauty of the mountains and valleys that local artisans call home. An exciting place to explore with family and friends for lasting memories.
Over the Moon Book Store and Artisans Gallery, opened May 31, 2010 in historic downtown Crozet, Va., only 10 minutes from Sugar Hollow. Owned and operated by Anne and Laura DeVault, offering new and green (gently re-cycled) books as well as gift items and gallery pieces by local and nationally known artists. Over the Moon, with personalized customer service, is a true community partner and offers many special events including book signings, book-themed gatherings, artist opening receptions, artist talks and demonstrations, and trunk shows. Follow it on Facebook and Twitter!
The Barn Swallow is owned and operated by potters Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burk. Their restored 1800's barn is the venue for displaying their fine hand-crafted ceramics as well as jewelry, glass, textiles, and one-of-a-kind pieces for home and garden, created by new artists and select Virginia craftspeople. One may also purchase online at the Barn Swallow website.
Mud Dauber Pottery features intricately designed botanical stoneware created by Suzanne Crane and other local potters. Other handcrafted items are also available such as tiles, jewelry and ornaments.
P. Buckley Moss Museum and Gallery displays and offers for sale the unique art works of Pat Moss. Her gallery is in the heart of the picturesque Shenandoah Valley in Waynesboro, Virginia, a beautiful 20-minute drive from the Inn. Ms. Moss, with a reputation of painting rural settings and people, often features the serene lifestyle of the Amish and Mennonite people who live and work in the Shenandoah Valley.
Spend the day antiquing all around Charlottesville! Ask for our handout of complete information about Charlottesville area antique shops.
Charlottesville Festivals
Massages
The ultimate de-stressor. Indulge in an hour of pure relaxation by one of Charlottesville's highly qualified and certified therapists for sports and therapeutic massage. In many cases, in-room massages can be arranged. Make your appointment directly with one of these certified massage therapists:
Jessica Tosto at 434-981-8192, Lauri Ross 434-409-5373, Gloria Jean 434-823-5010.
Fishing
Our Moorman River is a primo Trout Unlimited Stream, and Beaver Creek and Lake Albemarle are great for bass and bluegill.
Click here for excellent area-wide fishing information.
Birdwatching
We have a wealth of species of woodland birds such as bluebirds, indigo buntings, scarlet tanagers, sharp shinned hawks, and pileated woodpeckers in our fields and forests, or you may wish to visit the nearby Ivy Creek Natural Area for a guided birdwatch or nature hike.
For those of you who like to stay connected, check Ebird.org (developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audobon) for the best and latest birding information.
Butterflywatching
We have numerous butterfly bushes and other flora to attract dozens of varieties of butterflies each season. Our guests are often amazed at the large number of butterflies that visit our garden, to name just a few – giant fritteraries, yellow swallowtails, red admirals, question marks, and in late summer, the beautiful monarchs. In addition, we have all types of beautiful moths, including the rare and beautiful green luna moth.
Ballooning
Escape on a romantic and adventurous scenic flight, high over the majestic and tranquil Virginia countryside. Contact one of our local ballooning companies:
1) Scott Cohrs, licensed pilot. Bonaire Charters 434-981-5260
2) Jim Haseltine, licensed pilot. Blue Ridge Balloon Co. 434-589-6213.
3) Mandy Basken, licensed pilot. Monticello Country Ballooning 434-996-9008
4) Rick Behr, licensed pilot. Bear Ballooning Corp 800-476-1988
For all of the horseback and ballooning phone numbers you may have to leave a message. They are usually good about calling back.
Horseback Riding
Brookhill Farm – only 30 minutes from the Inn.
Trail and arena riding. Expert staff.
2067 Scottsville Rd.
Charlottesville, VA 22902
www.brookhillfarminc.com
Contact Lynne Beegle-Gebhard at (434)906-5049
The horse enthusiast finds at Brookhill Farm a beautiful landscape in which to enjoy a wonderful riding experience. The open, rolling pastures and wooded riding trails are typical of Central Virginia and are the perfect setting for a lovely morning or afternoon ride. While Brookhill Farm specializes in Hunger-Jumpers and Fox Hunting, they welcome and are happy to accommodate riders of all ages and abilities.
Graves Mountain Arena Guided Trail Rides. One hour, half day, and full day trips, and Horse and Carriage rides at Graves Mountain Lodge, Rt. 670, Syria, VA 22743 (Madison County). 540-923-4231. www.gravesmountain.com
Oakland Heights Farm Guided Trail Rides. David and Sally Lamb. 17110 James Madison Highway, Gordonsville, VA 22942. 540-832-3350. www.oaklandheights.ova.net.
Biking
Along country roads, paved and unpaved, but remember to bring your bike! Beautiful biking routes near the Inn. Bike rentals are available nearby at Extreme Sports. Call them for details!
Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Park
Ten minutes from the Inn.
A new hiking/biking/jogging trail near our Inn. The new forest preserve park in Blackwell Hollow has over 6 miles of trails for hiking, biking, running and equestrian use bordering the Shenandoah National Park, just one of many ways to enjoy the outdoors and beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, right from Sugar Hollow.
Nearby Walnut Creek Park has 15 miles of single-track, high quality, responsibly designed, multi-use mountain bike trails. During the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) there is a small park entrance fee and the rest of the year the park is open free of charge. The park is open from 7:00 a.m. to dark. Please park in the fishing lot parking area.
Canoeing, Rafting, or Tubing
Have the time of your life spending that relaxing day on the scenic James River that courses through the wooded foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with James River Reeling and Rafting or James River Runners, both located in nearby Scottsville
Golfing
Play on various courses in the area:
Old Trail Golf New state-of-the-art course just 7 miles from Sugar Hollow.
Nature has truly set the course for this outstanding public golf facility in beautiful western Albemarle County. Golf professional and course designer, Jerry Kamis, has created a course that strives to conform to the highest standards of environmental stewardship. Set in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this challenging 18-hole par 72 course offers a unique experience for golfers of all skill levels.
Birdwood Golf UVA's course at the Boar's Head Inn 434-293-4653
Designed by Lindsay Ervin and first opened in 1984, Birdwood has been rated by Washington Golf Monthly as one of the Mid-Atlantic's top 100 courses. Golfers praise the 18-hole championship course for its spectacular vistas and challenging terrain. Nature lovers marvel at the abundant wildlife and the serenity of its 500 acres.
McIntire Park City of Charlottesville's course 434-977-4111
Devil's Knob Golf Course at Wintergreen Resort 434-266-2444
Devils Knob at 3,850 feet is the highest course in the State of Virginia and known for its cool summer temperatures and outstanding course conditions. 18 holes-designed by Ellis Maples. Greens and tees are bentgrass and fairways are bluegrass with surprisingly level mountaintop terrain.
Laurel Ridge Golf Club 434-589-3730
18 championship holes. Practice areas include a large driving range (grass and mats) with target areas, a pitching area, two pitching bunkers, and a putting green. Laurel Ridge is a soft-spike only course.
Meadowcreek Course at Penn Park 434-977-0615
A short but challenging par 71. 18 holes, driving range, club house. Daily fee. Fairways are Bermuda, greens are bent grass. The terrain is rolling and hilly. Tee times are made 48 hours in advance. Additional features driving range, practice green, practice bunker, pull carts, locker room, showers, club rental, lessons, and snack bar.
Snow Skiing
At Wintergreen Resort, about 45 minutes from the Inn.
Scenic Driving
Rent a classic convertible at Sports Car Rentals, Inc. 434-823-4442. Perfect for scenic driving along the Blue Ridge!
