Virginia college trip - suggestions needed!

<p>We are taking S to visit UVA, URichmond and W&M in October over the long weekend. Will fly in and out of Richmond and thought we would base ourselves there as well, although still planning that. We plan to see W&M Friday, UVA Saturday (and maybe catch a football game) and URichmond Monday. Any suggestions on where to stay, any other colleges in the area we should visit, places to eat, things to do, etc. We are from northern new england so are not familiar with the area. Thanks!</p>

<p>Not superfamiliar with area (know Charlottesville somewhat well and Williamsburg as a several-time visitor) but would say do NOT base yourself in Richmond even if you are flying in there. Drive to Williamsburg Friday, see W and M and have a nice dinner in the part of town between the college and official pay-to-enter Colonial Williamsburg. Then drive to Charlottesville after dinner and base yourselves there for Friday and Saturday nights, not because UVa football will be great but because the whole town is so wonderful. Do a thorough visit of the school (is admissions open Saturday)? and if there is no football game to to Monticello–maybe even if there is a football game. Sounds like you have time to spend part of Sunday in C’ville so yo should be able to manage the Monticello trip. then drive to Richmond Sunday afternoon, stay in at some place recommended on the U of R Web site Sunday night to be convenient for your visit Monday.</p>

<p>I live in Charlottesville so am of course a little biased. I’d rather hang out here than in Richmond any day. Don’t know if you’re more of a chain hotel or b&b type, but we certainly have both. The Cville Omni was recently re-done and sits on one end of our downtown pedestrian mall–certainly a must-see (after Monticello, of course–we are very proud of our Mr. Jefferson). The downtown mall has lots of cute shops/restaurants/coffee houses + a movie theater and ice rink. It’s also an easy shot to the University. Don’t know when your trip is but there’s also “Fridays After Five” going into September–free live music at the east end of the downtown mall every Friday. . . well. . . after 5:00.</p>

<p>Williamsburg is about two hours away; Richmond 1-1.5, depending on what part of Richmond.</p>

<p>Schools are another question. You’ve hit all the biggies except Va Tech (particularly strong in engineering) and James Madison University. There are a number of good smaller privates. Lots more info if you can put some parameters on what you’re interested in.</p>

<p>We loved The Cheese Shop in Williamsburg. It’s a casual place for sandwiches etc…</p>

<p>We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express there - it’s fine. Nothing earth-shattering, but it was clean and the staff was nice. </p>

<p>In Charlottesville, we stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn. It was also fine. Just know they have smoking and non-smoking rooms and they put us in a smoking room (after reserving a non-smoking one). The hotel was completely booked and they couldn’t move us. It wasn’t the worst experience of my life, but I would definitely confirm with them several times as to what kind of room you want.</p>

<p>Just a note that W & M’s Fall Break is over the Columbus Day weekend (10/10 -10/13). If you’re seeing campus on Friday the 9th, you should still be able to get a good impression of how the campus feels with many students present. </p>

<p>If you decide to stay in Williamsburg, the hotel most convenient to W & M is the Hospitality House, which is directly across the street from the football stadium. You should be able to get a decent rate ($99 or so), and parking (underground garages and outdoor lots) is included. It’s not what it was 10 years ago, but it’s clean, comfortable, and safe. It’s very nice not to have to worry about finding parking throughout the day, which can be a challenge.</p>

<p>For fun, I’d try to have lunch at the Green Leafe, which is right next door to the Hospitality House and is a definite hangout for the W & M community. It seems fairly grungy, but we’re always enjoyed the bar food here. It becomes kind of raucous at night, though probably less so on Fall Break weekend.</p>

<p>You could also stop in at the Cheese Shop in Colonial Williamsburg. They have a complicated ordering system (you might want to watch how the locals do it for a minute before you jump in), but the sandwiches are amazing and there’s so much fun food stuff to browse through. Aromas is another nice place to grab a bite.</p>

<p>For dinner: Berret’s is pricey but good. My kids like Seasons, though maybe that’s because they’re always starving for restaurant food when we’re around - I don’t think it’s anything special, but it’s casual and less expensive than the other CW sit-down restaurants. We all like Nawab for Indian food and Sal’s for Italian (both in Monticello Plaza about a mile off campus). </p>

<p>I imagine you’ll be doing an official tour, which should hit all the campus highlights. I would be sure to check out the new Rec Center and to go inside the recently renovated Swem Library if these spots aren’t on the tour. I love the campus - we always take pictures on the steps of the Wren Building and in the Sunken Gardens. But the tour definitely won’t miss those!</p>

<p>I would check and make sure they are doing WM campus tours, etc on that Friday of fall break. Most of the kids head out as soon as they are finished with their last class, which could leave them short of tour guides and a limited schedule. I always bring home a carload and we leave town by noon or so.</p>

<p>There is a nice Courtyard by Marriott at 6400 West Broad that is close to UR. UR is also on Fall Break Oct. 10-14. Are you flying in Friday morning? If so, you could conceivably go to UR and tour there that day. Some of the kids may still be around (Fall break doesn’t start until after classes end on Fri). It is a small campus and wouldn’t take as long to see. </p>

<p>UVA is an hour from Richmond so that would be an easy drive on Saturday- but be aware traffic can get tough on 64 West on game days.</p>

<p>IF you are up to driving a bit, you could see a couple of other good schools: VT is 2.5 from Cville, JMU is 1 hour from CVille and the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg (45 minutes from Richmond, 1.5 from CVille). You could do a loop drive and head back east to Williamsburg on Sunday night- Monday morning for the WM tour. Williamsburg is only about 45- 50 minutes to the RIC airport.</p>

<p>Hope this helps and Good luck in your trip!</p>

<p>I’ve lived close to CVL for most of my life and am headed off to UVA in the fall. The best place to go to eat is the Corner, which is across from the Rotunda. It’s a street lined with shops and restaurants. My personal favorite is the Virginian, which has really great food that’s not too expensive. I’ve heard good things about No. 3, which is right next door (I believe it’s owned by the same people). While you’re on the Corner, make sure to stop in at Mincer’s, which is an off-campus bookstore full of great UVA stuff.
Of course, you could always head to the Downtown Mall (super-convenient if you’re staying at the OMNI). The Nook is a great place for lunch (simple food - wraps, salads, sandwiches, but all very delicious!), and my parents have eaten at Petit Pois (French food) and enjoyed it very much. Of course, there are shops and stuff on the mall, but not very exciting unless you like overpriced clothes… :(</p>

<p>We stayed at the Omni in C-ville, and really liked the location at the end of the pedestrian mall. Lots of choices among the restaurants/cafes in that area, nice rooms, free parking. The Omni has good rates for government employees, if you happen to fall into that category. Be sure to join the Omni preferred guest program if you stay there so that you can get free amenities like juice and coffee delivered to your room with the morning paper.</p>

<p>Food choices depends on your taste and budget. PM me if you have questions - non exhaustive. </p>

<p>Coffee - Mudhouse, Greenberrys (all over), Mermaids (in foods of all nations)
Ice Cream - Chaps (traditional), Splendora (gelato)
Food: Bizou - Nouveau hip, Hamiltons - Nouveau, C&O - Quality tradition, Christian’s - Gourmet by the slice, Bang! - Tapas and martinis, Fleurie - World Class French, Cafe Cubano - Trendy breakfast, Continental Divide - Great Cheap SE Fusion, Blue Moon - Crunchy, greasy breakfast, Orzo - Mid level Nouveau, 12th St Taphouse - Great Beer, pub food is OK, Take it away - yuppie sandwiches, Littlejohn’s - non-yuppie sandwiches, Thai 99 - Great for the price, esp lunch — more out of town if you want to see the countryside (Crozet Pizza, Duners).</p>

<p>So much more of course, as others will add…</p>

<p>You will find yourself along 64 West of W-burg at some point and may want to find Pierce’s Pit BBQ if you are into that sort of thing…</p>

<p>I think the Boar’s Head Inn in C’ville gives you a real feel for both UVa and central Va gentillity. It’s UVa owned too.</p>

<p>frazzled1, sadly, Sal’s (in Williamsburg) had a fire last week and is closed - I haven’t heard yet if Victor is planning to reopen.</p>

<p>^^^ Nooooo!!!</p>

<p>^^^^I know. It’s a sure stop for us when we visit the grandparents. My parents are in mourning.</p>

<p>Just thought I would add a "non- school " suggestion for a fun thing to do: Busch Gardens in Williamsburg. To me it ranks as one of the prettiest theme parks around- including Disney. Fall is a great time to go, too, no lines or heat to contend with. They are open that weekend that you will be here. It is a very easy drive from Richmond if you base there. Enjoy yourselves whatever you do!</p>

<p>I second the Busch Gardens suggestion. My kids actually prefer it to Disney World.</p>

<p>If S likes W & M , he really should check out Univ. Mary Washington in Fredricksburg. It’s not as well known but has a good reputation and a similar campus.</p>

<p>Wow, thank you so much for all of this helpful advice. W&M admissions is closed Sat-Mon so we will do the tour/info session on Friday. URichmond is giving info sessions Monday, and they “think” there should be a student to give a tour. Thank you again for great suggestions.</p>

<p>Unfortunately the Omni is booked. Other suggestions for places to stay in C’ville that are conveniently located. Thanks!</p>

<p>The Courtyard by Marriott is also really near the University. The Hampton Inn on India Road is a couple of miles out of town on Route 29 but perfectly adequate. I think there is also a Hampton Inn in town but not quite walkable.</p>

<p>Thank you Mattmom. Everything is booked. We may have to stay in another town. I guess I should have known better on a football weekend!</p>