A UVA Darden Alumni Guide to Summer in Charlottesville
Heading back to Charlottesville this summer? Explore Darden-connected coffee shops, restaurants, wineries, activities and places to stay curated from alumni recommendations.
Heading back to Charlottesville this summer? Alumni of the University of Virginia Darden School of Business are behind a wide range of area favorites worth adding to the itinerary. Recently collected by the Darden Annual Fund team for Reunion Weekend attendees, these Darden-connected recommendations offer a starting point for your next visit.
Coffee Shops and Casual Meetups
Grit Coffee Brad Uhl (EMBA ’15) and Dan FitzHenry (MBA ’18), owners A Charlottesville favorite with six locations across the area.
Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters Darrell Pacheco (MBA ’23), owner A local roaster with shops on Preston Avenue, Old Ivy Road and at IX Art Park.
The Workshop Coffee & Wine Bar Brad Uhl (EMBA ’15) and Dan FitzHenry (MBA ’18), owners Coffee, pastries and Virginia wine at The Wool Factory.
Restaurants and Brunch
Broadcloth Brad Uhl (EMBA ’15) and Dan FitzHenry (MBA ’18), owners Seasonal Virginia dining at The Wool Factory.
The Ridley Warren Thompson (MBA ’83), owner Breakfast, brunch, dinner and cocktails on West Main Street.
Milk & Honey Southern Inspired Kitchen Warren Thompson (MBA ’83), owner Southern comfort food at Barracks Road.
Breweries
Selvedge Brewing Brad Uhl (EMBA ’15) and Dan FitzHenry (MBA ’18), owners A neighborhood brewery and taproom on Ivy Road.
Wineries and Day Trips
Oakencroft Farm & Winery Dorothy Batten (MBA ’90), owner Small-batch wines, light bites and countryside views minutes from Darden.
Common Wealth Crush Patt Eagan (MBA ’21), co-founder A Waynesboro winery and incubator supporting small Virginia wine brands.
The Market at Grelen Leslie Gregg (MBA ’95), owner and CEO A garden shop, café and trail destination in nearby Somerset.
Things to Do
Blue Ridge Bicycle Tours Saul Yeaton (MBA ’08), owner Guided rides through Central Virginia and the Blue Ridge.
SunPins George Ordway (MBA ’22), founder Duckpin bowling, darts, food and drinks near Grounds.
Wellness
FlyDog Yoga Brad Whiteman (MBA ’09), owner Yoga classes for all levels near Grounds.
Places to Stay
Virginia Guesthouses Megan McGee (MBA ’21), owner Curated vacation rentals and boutique accommodations across the Charlottesville area.
What Did We Miss?
Know of another Darden-connected Charlottesville-area business, destination or local favorite? Share alumni names, business details and links with David Buie-Moltz. Your note may help inform future alumni stories.
About UVA Darden School of Business
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business prepares responsible global leaders through unparalleled transformational learning experiences.
Darden's graduate degree programs and Executive Education & Lifelong Learning programs offered by the Darden School Foundation set the stage for a lifetime of career advancement and impact.
