Best Things to Do in Charlottesville this Summer: 7 Days of Heaven

“Best Things to Do in Charlottesville this Summer: 7 Days of Heaven”

 A local’s guide to Charlottesville’s best things to do this summer for every day of the week.

Looking for the best things to do in Charlottesville this summer?  As a local, it is easy to fall into the trap of monotony: doing the same thing every weekend.  But with this 7-day guide, you can find a slice of heaven every day in central Virginia:

MONDAY // Sugar Hollow, County Lakes

Sugar Hollow’s Blue Hole is a popular swimming hole located 40 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. The surrounding trails provide beautiful mountainous scenery all while breaking a sweat. Beat the weekend crowds by hiking the trails and taking a dip in this popular local spot during the week.

Alternate / Not looking to drive that far? Take advantage of one of Albemarle County’s four lakes where you can canoe, swim, lie on the beach, hike or bike miles of trails, fish, and even take your furry child to the dog park.

TUESDAY // Hot air balloons, Geeks Who Drink Trivia

The end of spring brings hot air balloons rising over the horizon to a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Do not just soak in the view, take a part of the fun by taking a ride.  There are many local companies that offer flights.   

Alternate / Not ready to take flight or want something to eat afterwards?  Enjoy the mountain views from Blue Mountain Brewery while playing their weekly Geeks Who Drink Trivia.  Do not forget to order their fulfilling pretzels and locally sourced thin crust pizzas.

WEDNESDAY // Sunset Pass, Michie Tavern, Ash Lawn-Highland, UVA

Touring Monticello, one of the best things to do in Charlottesville, gets even better with the option to visit during sunset; try seeing it from a different perspective. Looking to make this an all day historic visit? Eat  Michie Tavern’s southern fried chicken before touring James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland.

Alternate / Take the other historic route by walking the University of Virginia Grounds, perfect for a picnic or dog play date while the students are away. Enjoy a slightly less crowded Mellow Mushroom Trivia Night to take your best chance at winning.

THURSDAY // Thursday Night Sunset Series, Saunders-Monticello Trail

Carter Mountain Orchard’s Thursday Night Sunset Series not only provides an excuse to eat one too many apple donuts, but also a chance to relax after work while watching the sunset disappear behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy listening to local musicians, dinner, wine tastings at the Carter Mountain Wine Shop, and sweets from the bakery for purchase.

Alternate / Looking for a relaxing walk? Try the Saunders-Monticello Trail, a well-graded, 2-mile trail between the trailhead on Route 53 to the Monticello ticket office.

FRIDAY – Fridays After Five, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Fridays After Five, a Charlottesville classic, continues to provide a family friendly atmosphere while appealing to all audiences, creating a sense of community.  From live music to beer and food trucks, this event never disappoints. 

Alternate / On the other hand, if you are looking to escape the city, watch the sunset from Ravens Roost Overlook or Humpback Rocks off the Blue Ridge Parkway, or hike one of the many trails in Shenandoah National Park.

SATURDAY – Riverview Park, City Market, Downtown Mall, Brewery/Winery Tours

Wake up in time for a relaxing run on the Riverview Park trail before heading to the City Market downtown for a cup of joe and, oddly enough, tacos from the very popular Mexican Tacos. Continue your shopping on the Downtown Mall.

The view from King Family Vineyards.

Alternate / Grab a group of friends and hire transportation to enjoy a brewery and/or vineyard tour.  

SUNDAY – Polo, Star Hill Brewery Tour, Tubing on the James River

If you need a reason to wear a sundress and floppy hat or picnic while sipping on one of the best Virginia wines, then head to King Family Vineyards Polo. Follow it up with a brewery tour at Star Hill by 4 pm.

Alternate / Tubing on the James River is an equally relaxing trip. Bring a cooler for food and drinks and waste the day by floating in a tube. For bookworms, sink into a comfortable chair and relax in the Alderman Library McGregor Room, or more commonly known as “the Harry Potter Room.”

Carter Mountain Orchard: Thursday Evening Sunset Series

We're back from our honeymoon and while I have a ton of Hawaii pictures, I'm saving them for a special project to be published on my new site (containing my excitement!).  I couldn't help but share a few pictures from Carter Mountain Orchard's Thursday Evening Sunset Series tonight.  If you haven't been, write it down on the to do list.  This free event features live music, food and wine (for purchase) and most importantly, an amazing view of the sun setting over the Blue Ridge Mountains and Charlottesville; it runs from May 15 through September 25. 

Local Feature: Michie Tavern

....and I'm still inundated with wedding planning - 1 month left!  After our honeymoon, it'll be back to normal blogging, especially since I have so many sessions to feature.  It's been a busy Spring.  Until then, here are a few film shots from Michie Tavern. 

Cheers!

Processed and scanned by Pro Camera.

The Natural Bridge of Virginia

My mom, Aspen and I headed to the Natural Bridge of Virginia, a ~500 million year old geological formation made of limestone, located just outside of Lexington, Virginia.  It was recently sold to a conservation group who dropped the normal cost of around $20 to $5 per person (which they're doing again this weekend).  The well manicured trails include bridges, streams, waterfalls, and brick walls.  While the Natural Bridge is near the entrance, the trail runs another 1/2 mile or so to Lace Water Falls. With its relatively flat walking grounds and short distance, I'd recommend this to anyone looking for a nice walk. 

UVA - #cavalanche film pictures

Sorry I haven't been posting on my blog as much.  Work, working out, wedding blogging and planning are taking over my free time!  I post on my Facebook page more often so Like my page to stay updated.  Here are a few film throwbacks from Pax.  Looks like we might get more snow on Monday!

Upper Body Workouts to Look Great in that Dress!

Fast, athletic and beautiful. That is what I remember of my fellow high school field hockey teammate and friend, Angie. And based off of that memory, it's no surprise that she's a personal trainer now. I asked Angie for advice for brides wanting to build muscle (aka tone) in the gym for a recent Borrowed and Blue post (link coming soon).  My post also highlights other amazing fitness programs so definitely check it out, try them out, and learn what works best for you (and what you enjoy most!).  

Since I also workout religiously and am a huge proponent of women weight lifting, I had several requests for the best exercises to tone/trim sizes/etc. so I'm posting sporadically on the topic with a few athletic/knowledgeable friends (e.g., personal trainers, track runners, etc.) willing to pose and provide tips based off of their experiences. I should note that I'm not a personal trainer (although I'm thinking about starting the process for certification after the wedding), and you won't see results from exercising without good nutrition (research eating clean). 

The following exercises will tone your upper body (perfect for just about every wedding gown!), and each exercise is first shown with the start position:

Tricep Pushdown (or pulldown) - Triceps

You can really see how it works the triceps in the picture below.  Remember to squeeze the triceps at the bottom and pause (to feel the burn!) before returning to the start position. 

Standing Biceps Cable Curl - Biceps

Again pause at the top before returning to the start position.

Standing Military Press - Shoulders

Remember to stand straight. You might want to start with a seated military press (a bench with a back) for stability if you're new to this.

Skullcrusher - Triceps

I like having someone spot me on this exercise because when you reach muscle failure, the last thing you want is a barbell to the face! Michael likes super setting these with a close grip bench press to focus on the triceps and not the chest. I basically want to chop off my arms after one superset.

One-Arm Seated Cable Rows - Back

Remember to keep your back slightly arched, chest sticking out and abs tight (I like to think a very proper up tight seating position).

Upright Barbell Row - Shoulders/traps

I think I messed up on taking a picture at the end of this exercise but the bar should go as high as your chin with your elbows above your shoulders (on a vertical line).

Would love to hear any feedback or requests you might have for exercises.  I hope this is helpful and happy exercising!