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Virginia is for Lovers?Romantic CharlottesvilleBy Rochelle BrownI read the press kit. In bold letters, it read, “Virginia is for Lovers”. Boy, was the Virginia Tourism Corporation right! Especially about Charlottesville. Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, great food, relaxing spas and wonderful, friendly people. Only 70 miles west of Richmond, it is a very charming, quaint town that opens its arms to you from the moment you arrive. One of the first things I like to do when I touch down in a new town is to start asking questions. The first thing I wanted to know was where to shop for great bargains. After asking two people, I had names of shops and directions, too. At a red light, I asked directions back to my hotel and guess what? The nice gentleman said, “Follow me!”
Too, bad I had a spa appointment!
After a brief rest, it was back to shopping. This time to the Pedestrian Mall near the university. This I loved. It seems that what once was a six-block section of City Street had been closed and converted to an enchanting strolling outdoor mall. There were all sorts of vendors selling scarves, jewelry, food, and other beautiful items. They were surrounded on each side by terrific boutique-ish stores with more great things to buy. I was in heaven. I felt like Ali McGraw in “Love Story”, all bundled up in the cool weather, but without my Ryan O’Neal. (That’s Ok, I’m not sure he liked to shop anyway!) Also, there were two movie theaters, one with artsy movies the other with first- runs. Whoever designed Charlottesville, deserves an award.
The staff was most accommodating. The dinner was absolutely fabulous and the chef, Doug Knopp, actually came out to say hello. He was handsome and a great cook!! What more could a girl ask for? My last day in Charlottesville was spent at a very unusual lunch at the Michie Tavern near Monticello, the home and final resting place of Thomas Jefferson. I must say, Michie Tavern served the best fried chicken, with all the fixings, I’ve ever eaten in a restaurant. And believe it or not, you have a bottomless plate with servers offering more and more food during your stay. Also, you can buy the great tasting coating mix, the luscious wines and other tasty items to take home. The waiters and waitresses were darling dressed in 19th century garb including bonnets for the ladies and knickers for the guys. I would make this a regular stop in Charlottesville. So, as the line goes, “Virginia is for Lovers” and may I add loving. So, smooches, Virginia! I love you back. FOR MORE INFORMATION: |
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TM
Lucky for me, I was invited to spend a night at the Boars
Head Inn. The Boars Head Inn is a beautiful, rustic resort that caters
especially to the tennis set, which I’m not, and the Spa champions, which I am.
I did venture to the Club Grill to have a cobb salad that was delicious. As I
ate, I noticed all of the tennis celebs that have been there for tournaments.
Quite interesting. If I played tennis, I thought, I would certainly want to play
a tournament here. As I looked around, I noticed that the club offered lessons,
too.
Then, it was on to the Boars Head Spa. I loved the
tranquility of the facility and the gracious staff and the gentle inviting aroma
that greets you as soon as you walk through the door. And I have to say this.
For all my plus size “sistahs”…THEY HAVE ROBES AND FLIP FLOPS LARGE ENOUGH
without our having to ask! And best of all, you are not made to feel
uncomfortable because you’re a 14 or 24 and not a 4. The layout of the spa was
very inviting with the steam room very near the changing area and shower. A
good steam makes for a great beginning or end to a spa treatment.
While at the spa, I received a very, very relaxing Swedish
massage. The masseuse asked if I wanted firm. I wasn’t quite sure since I was
recovering from a bout with sciatica (lower back and leg pain), but he had a
very lengthy conversation with me before laying a hand on me. And oh, what hands
he had. The touch was firm, but gently direct on my trouble spots. I must say,
it may have been one of the best massages I’ve had and because he was aware of
my back condition, it actually felt better. I would have been in heaven to have
him come home with me, but he said he was “taken” and most of all he liked his
job at the spa. Oh well, I’ll just have to go back to visit.
Then, it was to my room. Ah-h-h, the room! It was very well
appointed and very comfortable with windows and a door that leads you to an
open-air patio. The view which overlooks a golf course (near my room) was
positively beautiful, very tranquil yet private. The room is fully equipped with
first class amenities, internet connection and room service. 
After a couple of hours shopping, it was time to get back
to Boars Head Inn for dinner. I had heard that dinner at Boars Head was a dinner
to remember. I was traveling with a very good friend, female unfortunately, but
we were seated right in front of a vintage fireplace with a roaring fire. How
romantic! I think we both wished for a couple of good looking hunks to lock eyes
with, but by the time the food arrived, our thoughts were strictly culinary.