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Carpe Donut: The Hole Truth

May 10, 2013 By

A donut might seem like a simple thing to make, but Virginia residents know that there’s a world of difference between the delectable pastries you get at Carpe Donut and the run-of-the-mill donuts from a grocery store. In 2007, Matt Rohdie and his wife Jenn Downey had a vision that Charlottesville needed a place to get hot, fresh donuts made from scratch using organic ingredients. They soon turned that vision into a reality. After myriad test runs, they had the signature donut that would make them famous. Crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy on the inside and boasting a slight twinge of apple cider flavor, these donuts have people driving for hours. They’re cooked in 100% soybean oil with no trans fats. Unlike supermarket donuts, these need to be refrigerated soon after cooking, so don’t leave them out. They also serve organic coffee, Italian hot chocolate and mulled hot cider made fresh from their charming little cart.

Carpe Donut
1715 Allied Ln
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 806-6202
http://www.yelp.com/biz/carpe-donut-charlottesville

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Main Street Arena: Hit The Ice

April 2, 2013 By

Main Street Arena is a hub of Charlottesville’s sporting community, with a packed schedule that attracts skaters from all over the region. With a facility of nearly 40,000 square feet, it’s a multi-use space that works for a variety of purposes. The rink is used for a wide variety of winter sports. Their skating school is exceptional, welcoming students at all skill levels. The Arena also hosts the Charlottesville figure skating club’s practices and performances, as well as a surprisingly well-stocked curling league. And, of course, there’s hockey. The ice rink is the main attraction, but they can cover the rink and warm the interior as well, and it’s been used to host fashion shows and other events. A local roller derby league also calls the Arena home. Outside of the rink area, there’s an impressive bar and lounge area featuring a half-dozen large-screen TVs and eight beers on draft, as well as tasty food.

Main Street Arena
230 W. Main Stree
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 817-2400
http://www.yelp.com/biz/main-street-arena-charlottesville

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Charlottesville City Market: Shop Fresh

March 5, 2013 By

The resurgence of the traditional farmer’s market has completely changed the way many  families do their shopping, and Charlottesville residents are proud to have one of the country’s best. The Charlottesville City Market runs on Saturdays from April to December from 7 AM to noon, with local growers and producers bringing in their best and freshest for a crowd of well-informed shoppers to choose from. Some of the most popular vendors are the ones providing baked goods – the traditional Bosnian pastries are impeccable, as are the scratch-made donuts. Area farms produce a wide variety of produce as well, from staple crops to more obscure offerings like lime leaves, scotch bonnet peppers and just about every herb you can imagine. Prepared foods are also popular, with an excellent Mexican vendor serving great tacos and tamales. Prices are fairly reasonable across the board, and it’s a short walk from the UVA campus, or you can catch the trolley there.

Charlottesville City Market
http://www.yelp.com/biz/charlottesville-city-market-charlottesville

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nTelos Wireless Pavilion: Concerts on the Lawn

February 5, 2013 By

Few things are better than enjoying a great concert at an outdoor pavilion under the stars. nTelos Wireless Pavilion is just the spot to do it in Charlottesville. Artists like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, Widespread Panic and Allison Kraus have graced the venue, which includes assigned seating as well as general admission on the lawn. Bring your own picnic, or partake of the food and drink from the pavilion’s vendors, which includes beer and wine. Stop by for Fridays After Five, a free event that happens every week from the end of April through mid-September. It’s a fun time for all ages, with music, food and drink. Concession sales from Fridays After Five go to support local non-profits. 

321 E. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 817-0220 
 

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Bikram Yoga Charlottesville

January 8, 2013 By

Stretch, sweat, tone and invigorate at Bikram Yoga Charlottesville. If you’ve never done yoga in a room heated to 105 degrees, you’re in for a special experience. Why so hot? Bikram aficionados say the purpose of the heated room is to improve flexibility, stimulate mental clarity and promote detoxification. They also claim the intense heat increases muscle flexibility and decreases the incidence of injury. The trained staff of certified Bikram instructors is there to guide you through the poses as you twist yourself into invigorating pretzel shapes. Yoga mats and towels are available and the studio is clean and comfortable. A small boutique sells stylish yoga wear, yoga mats and accessories. Daily class start-times range from 6:15 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Classes last for 90 minutes. 

Bikram Yoga Charlottesville
107 5th Street SE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 220-1415
 
 
 

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The Whiskey Jar

December 4, 2012 By

The Whiskey Jar is a favorite Charlottesville spot to relax with some great music and tasty libation like their signature Moonshine Punch. Craft beers and an extensive wine list are also on hand. It’s also the place to chow down on some tasty down-home southern cooking. If you’re looking for something super-healthy try the Romaine Salad with hearts of romaine, pickled cucumbers, pickled onions, croutons and ranch dressing. Featured sandwiches include Blackened Catfish, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, Hickory Smoked Barbeque, and Roasted Chicken. Dinner gets you some yummy starters, as well as entrees like Fried Chicken with collards, Grilled Pork Chops with tomato bread salad, Pan Seared Catfish with okra stew and Sweet Potato Dumplings with creamed spinach. The Whiskey Jar is open Mondays through Saturdays.

227 W. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 202-1549
 

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Ike’s Underground: Retro Treasures

November 6, 2012 By

Cool vintage clothing and retro treasures from the 50s, 60s, and 70s are what’s happening at Ike’s Underground in Charlottesville. If you’re on the lookout for some fringed suede 1960s go-go boots or a slinky red dress that looks like something Marilyn or Ava might have worn, this is the spot for you. Perhaps you’re in dire need of a pair of Elvis-like blue suede shoes to cradle your tootsies as you groove to "Jailhouse Rock." You just might find all of those things at Ikes, but even if you don’t, you’re sure to discover something equally awesome. It’s the place for fashionable, funky, designer elegant and hippy boho clothing, as well as vinyl, books, magazines, maps and decorative items. Bring cash, as no cards are accepted.

414 E. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 295-6111 
 

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Kenny Ball Antiques: Beautify Your Surroundings

October 9, 2012 By

Need a Louis XV French needlepoint footstool, a Queen Anne walnut side table or a pair of Italian Bassano candlesticks? Kenny Ball Antiques is the place to find them, as well as a splendid selection of other items to beautify your surroundings in high style. Kenny’s been a direct importer of 18th and 19th Century French, English, and Italian antiques for 18 years, supplying individual clients, designers and decorators with an elegant array of furniture and decorative items. Need help putting it all together? Interior design consulting is also available, with expert assistance at furniture placement, paint and fabric selection, art placement, furniture selection, lighting placement and reupholstering. Downsizing or estate sale planning? They can help with that, too.

2125 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 293-1361
 

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Vinegar Hill Theatre: Indie Gem

September 5, 2012 By

Vinegar Hill Theatre has managed to retain its charm and originality since the 1980s. Located near the Downtown Mall not too far from Lakeside Apartments, Vinegar Hill Theatre is the only place in Charlottesville to see current independent movies. On one screen, the current feature typically shows three times on a weekday and four times a day on weekends. Though the interior remains modest, people still flock to Vinegar Hill to watch highbrow movies in a decidedly unpretentious atmosphere. The theater has a well-stocked snack bar, though. Along with independent features, Vinegar Hill also hosts screenings by the Virginia Film Festival every fall. If you’re driving to the theater, arrive early as their lot is small and street parking fills up quickly. You wouldn’t want to miss the previews!

Vinegar Hill Theatre
220 W. Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 977-4911

 

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Jefferson Vineyards: Tastings With A View

August 7, 2012 By

Under the halo of Monticello and the blessing of T.J, Jefferson Vineyards is a lush, rolling vineyard offering wine tastings with a view. History buffs will enjoy strolling through the scenic grape orchards, which were originally planted in 1774, destroyed during the Revolutionary War, then finally re-planted in 1981. The Vineyards now produce 6,000 to 8,000 cases of wine a year, making them a staple of Virginian wine cellars. Their wines include dry white wines, like Pinot Gris and Viognier; dry red wines, like Petit Verdot and Meritage; and semi-dry white, including Johannisberg Riesling and Vin Blanc. There are other speciality wines available at a discount to wine club members. A short drive away from Lakeside Apartments, Charlottesville's Jefferson Vineyards are open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for $10 tastings and free tours of the estate.

Jefferson Vineyards
1353 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 977-3042

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