<p>Buellersmom: I live about an hour from C’ville and my daughter just graduated, so we headed over for a day trip today before she moves to her “grown up” apartment. When visiting in the past, we have stayed at the Omni (very pricey, but convenient) and at a small B&B near the downtown mall - 200 South Street Inn, which we far preferred. Quaint, affordable and a great breakfast. There are certainly other options, but we liked the Inn. </p>
<p>C’ville has tons of great restaurants, from the high end fine dining to casual student on a budget type fare. On the downtown mall, we have enjoyed eating at The Nook (diner type food) and Citizen Burger Bar (a relatively new addition to the Mall). D has mentioned enjoying Bang, Tavola, Mas, and Mono Loco, none of which are on The Corner. Boylan and The Virginian are both popular Corner restaurants. Graduation weekend we ate at the Whiskey Jar, The Local and The Ivy Inn (definitely a special occasion type of place). There are tons and tons of restaurants, literally something for everyone. It is a real food town. Try searching for Dean J’s posts here - she is a real food aficionado! Here’s just a small sample: <a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/10683809-post3.html[/url]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/10683809-post3.html</a></p>
<p>D was not huge into the outdoors, but the Charlottesville area offers great hiking, skiing, tubing and rafting. This might get you started: </p>
<p>[Camping</a> & Hiking, Graduate Guide, U.Va.](<a href=“http://www.virginia.edu/graduateguide/camping.html]Camping”>http://www.virginia.edu/graduateguide/camping.html)</p>
<p>Is your son coming for Orientation, or just to check things out?</p>