Tammy's Tidbits

Sometimes the simplest trips can leave the biggest impression. Patrick and I recently enjoyed a quick getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia, and while it wasn’t extravagant, it was full of the things we love: music, great food, and quality time together.

A Special Connection to Music

Our second date years ago was to a concert, and even though I hadn’t heard of the band at the time (Blackberry Smoke), I was excited to spend time with Patrick. Fast forward to now, and we’ve seen the band seven times together! When we heard the band’s lead singer, Charlie Starr, and guitarist Benji Shanks were doing an acoustic tour, we jumped at the chance to see them perform at the Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville—a venue we’ve come to love.

Exploring Charlottesville’s Historic Downtown Mall

We arrived early enough to check into the Omni Hotel (thank you, American Express points!) and take a stroll through Charlottesville’s Historic Downtown Mall. This outdoor mall spans eight brick-paved city blocks and offers a charming mix of 150 shops and restaurants. There’s something for everyone, from candy stores and casual eateries to boutique shops and fine dining. The historic Jefferson and Paramount Theaters add even more character to the area.

Dinner and a Show

After some exploring, we grabbed dinner and drinks at The Whiskey Jar, where we met fellow Blackberry Smoke fans and swapped concert stories. Then it was time for the main event: the acoustic show at the Jefferson Theater. This historic venue, built in 1912, felt intimate and special—like a private concert just for us. As always, the band didn’t disappoint, and Patrick happily added another T-shirt to his ever-growing collection.

Snowy Mornings and Coffee Breaks

It had just started snowing when we walked back to the hotel, and while the night’s sleep wasn’t ideal (hotel noise is no joke), we made the most of the morning. Coffee is my favorite, so we walked to Mudhouse Coffee for a light breakfast before heading back to the hotel lobby to pass the time. The Omni’s decor is stunning, and while Patrick tried his best to take some photos of me for my blog, we realized hiring a professional photographer might be the way to go. At least we had some good laughs!

A Winter Wonderland at Trump Winery

Our final stop was Trump Winery, about 20 minutes outside of Charlottesville. Leaving politics aside, the property is stunning, especially with acres of untouched snow blanketing the grounds. We shared a wine tasting flight and some delicious snacks—hummus with flatbread and pimento cheese with toast—and even found a wine we both loved (a rare occurrence!).

The winery staff was friendly, and the setting was breathtaking. We’re already planning to return in the spring to fully enjoy the outdoor views.

The Best Part

As beautiful as the surroundings were, the best part of the trip was simply spending time with Patrick. Whether we were talking about future travel plans or just laughing over failed photo attempts, I felt so happy and grateful for our little adventure.

Now back at home (and eagerly anticipating a good night’s sleep in my own bed), I’m already looking forward to our next adventure—whatever and wherever that may be.

What are some of your favorite quick getaway spots? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for inspiration!