The Omni provides very easy accessibility to the Downtown Mall's west end. It is also only one mile from the Amtrak station

Another form of lodging you may wish to consider is The South Street Inn. The Inn is a couple blocks from the downtown mall. The Inn is comprised of two antebellum houses and provides a very traditional southern exterior. A gourmet-style continental breakfast is a bonus of your stay at The South Street Inn. There is also wine tasting and cheese sampling offered in the afternoon. The only stipulation is a two day minimum on weekends.

The town of Charlottesville is fairly easy to access. You may fly into Charlottesville at Albemarle Airport which is off Route 29 North of town or into Richmond International Airport. Charlottesville is approximately one hour away from the Richmond International Airport. So as you can see, reaching your weekend destination is easy as you have several options of which to select.

Now that we have demonstrated accessible routes as well as sleeping accommodations into the city, it is time to provide a rundown of many of the unique sites and shops in store for any weekend visitor to the city.

First it is important to note, the day to “weekend” shop in Charlottesville is on Saturday as on Sunday most of the unique and quaint shops where you want to visit are closed.

Initially you will want to begin your day with a great cup of “java.” Such a cup of brew may be readily attained at the Mudhouse conveniently located in the Downtown Mall's west end. The address of the establishment is 213 West Main Street. Remember to place it on your Saturday morning itinerary. Also, you might as well grab a muffin while you are visiting the Mudhouse location as a nice compliment to your coffee.

The next stop is Quince located just four blocks south of Mudhouse. There you are in store for a terrific selection of “Mitchell Gold” and “Bob Williams” fabrics and furniture. The preceding items may be ordered through the store. The shop also offers “Dransfield and Ross” pillows for the shopper who likes “plushy” comfort: You'll find pillows accessorized with fur buttons and decorative trim. All in all, the fine furnishings and accessories offered at Quince have a contemporary look and theme.

2 French Hens is decorated in revamped and revitalized 20th Century furniture. This is the charm of the store. Here you may find a delightful display of French-inspired antiquities and furnishings. In addition, there are 1920s and 30s inspired French fonts that may be used for the purpose of especially monogramming the store linens that you may purchase. You'll find the store located in a renovated warehouse at 310 Second Street Southeast. Also, before you take your trip to Charlottesville you may want to peruse their website.

Sun Bow Trading Company was established just a little over twenty-five years ago and offers Turkish and Asian Rugs and Fabrics. The items are hand selected from villages in Turkey and Asia. There are hand woven offerings as well as vegetable dyed floor coverings. The selection is unique as well as diverse and the visit is well worth it. You may find the shop conveniently located in Charlottesville at 110 South Street West.  

Artifacts, as the name suggests, provides the shopper with antique finds as well as out-of-the-ordinary accessories. The visit will serve to enhance your overall shopping experience. You may find them at 109 First Street South in Charlottesville.

Lushlife can be found while you are traveling on the east end of the Downtown Mall. There you will find the “Tricia Guild” line of home accessories and “Pine Cone Hills” vintage look linens for the bed. There are nine bedding lines offered at the shop including Anichini and Fig. In addition the location displays accent tableware and very “cool” pottery items. The address is located at 309 East Water Street.

The New Dominion Bookshop was established in 1924 and specializes in architectural books. There are also book signings by various authors. You may request a “signed copy” of John Grisham's latest novel as he lives just outside of Charlottesville. There are also many offerings of literature for the children in your life.  When visiting Charlottesville they are located at 404 East Main Street.

After shopping for awhile, you may enjoy some contemporary American fine dining at Hamiltons at First and Main. The crab cakes are highly recommended.

Rock Paper Scissors shows wares of stationery, gift wrap and desk accessories. You will not be disappointed with this visit. The establishment is located at 110 Second Street, N.E. 

If you happen to be a fashion-minded shopper then Elsie Garden is the place to visit for Women's clothing items and accessories. The shop displays items before most looks become fashionable. The address is: 219 West Main.

La Bastides is another retailer you may wish to consider when visiting Charlottesville. The shop is located at 2214 Ivy Road. Here you will find gifts not found anywhere else. Items include hand blown glass from Vermont's Simon Pearce and Scotland's Lindean Mill. There are also leather journals for travel and entertaining. 

Kenny Ball Antiques is a shopping choice of many D.C. and New York designers. The shop replaces European furnishings often as a result of frequent buying trips to the location by many well-known designers. The address of Kenny Ball Antiques is: 2125 Ivy Road.

And George follows an international theme. You will need to travel several miles west down Ivy Road in order to reach the retailer. The address is: 3465 Ivy Road. 

The Barn Swallow located at 5726 Ivy Rose Lane and is filled with accessories such as: pottery, blown glass, jewelry, primitive antiques and unusual furnishings. Check out their unique wares here.

Now it is time to head back downtown for cocktails-that is should you enjoy a before dinner cocktail. A great place to indulge in a libation or two is the Blue Light Grill and Raw Bar. The establishment is conveniently located at 120 East Main Street.

Dinner may be taken at C & O Restaurant located at 515 East Water Street. The brick façade is reminiscent of the building's railroad origins; however, a top-rate dining experience is to be found once inside.

Timberlake's Drug Store is another “historical type” site located in the downtown area. The Downtown pharmacy has a real lunch counter in the back.

If you are looking for the best local “dive,” then look no further than Riverside Lunch. Stop here if you have a “hankering” for burgers and beer.

The best place for vintage-type items in the area is Circa. The retail store offers a variety of antiques. The address is 1700 Allied Street in Charlottesville.

In conclusion, Charlottesville, with all of its charm, unique shops, restaurants and offerings is one weekend you will soon not forget.