vol. 5 / here & there

Each week, Here. delivers three ideas on cool happenings in Richmond, straight to your inbox.

VOL. 5   /  HERE & THERE Welcome to our first Here & There! As much as we love Richmond, we love adventure more. And sometimes you’ve just gotta get out of town. We scout neighboring areas for their best day trips or long weekends — all within driving distance. Here & There newsletters will occasionally replace our weekly Richmond content. As the leaves turn, head west to Charlottesville. Road trip! Wine Country There’s just something about strolling the grounds at Veritas Vineyard & Winery, wine in hand, vistas of the Blue Ridge in every direction. Maybe the relaxed, friendly vibe stems from the family who runs the winery so personally.  During your tasting, pay special attention to Veritas’ Viognier and Petit Verdot grapes that thrive in Virginia. Veritas does offer food on-site, though you’re welcome to pack your own. You could even stay on the property, at their intimate bed-and-breakfast, The Farmhouse at Veritas. There is a handful of rooms left for the season.   Vitals: veritaswines.com veritasfarmhouse.com Climb On Picking up the pace, the season just begs for a brisk hike. How fortunate are we that picturesque trails are just an hour away? Skip the mob scene at Old Rag. For an approachable challenge, the 9-mile Riprap Hollow tops off with a vista payoff at Chimney Rock. White Oak Canyon/Cedar Run is a similar length, winding by a series of waterfalls.  For something less athletic, Blackrock Summit has a worthwhile 1-mile circuit. Or you could always cruise the overlooks down Skyline Drive.   Vitals: hikingupward.com/SNP/RiprapHollow hikingupward.com/SNP/WhiteOakCedarRun theoutbound.com/virginia/hiking/hike-to-blackrock-summit-shenandoah-np Good Eats Narrowing Charlottesville’s bright culinary reputation to a few essentials: LUNCH / Whether your destination is a winery or a mountain, stock up on elevated sandwiches, cheeses, charcuterie and bread at Feast! Also consider pie from The Pie Chest. DINNER / A cozy gem of a restaurant, The Alley Light is indeed tucked in an alley. You’ll find French small plates and a healthy wine and cocktail list. You can’t order wrong. BRUNCH / Soak up sins from the night before with tasty diner fare from Bluegrass Grill & Bakery, the perfect brunch dive.   Vitals: feastvirginia.com thepiechestcville.com alleylight.com bluegrasscville.com