As a healthcare traveler, you may find yourself looking for a travel assignment in Charlottesville, Virginia known for its historical sites, natural breathtaking scenery, outdoor adventures, and passion for food.
Lucky for you, one of our traveling Histotechnologists, Nicholas was on assignment at the University of Virginia Medical Center and spent months exploring the beautiful city and documenting his favorite places. Nicholas has graciously shared his experiences, and reviews of his top food and hiking recommendations with us to help you make the most of your time in Charlottesville.
Dining Experiences:
OK food and beer. Awesome scenery and the venue makes it worth the stop. They also have a pet-friendly patio so that you and your pet can enjoy the view.
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Really good beer and pizza. Warehouse setting with TVs and projection screens with what seems like secondhand store seating. Some outdoor picnic tables on cement.
Nice place. Quality beer. About twenty selections on tap, including ciders and NA beer.
THIS PIZZA IS LEGIT. That’s the review. Get some.
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TVs. Excellent drinks. Killer burger. Also, outdoor seating in the pedestrian mall.
Fanciest theatre I’ve ever been to. Beer and wine plus normal movie snacks. Theater seating is all right. Cheap tickets at $10!
Got an iced coffee every week with Honey bunches, a small oat, and a honey nugget. The Turkey Lurkey sandwich was delicious: smoked turkey, goat cheese, sprouts, and cucumber. Nice wine selection. Super friendly staff.
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Powerlifting gym with 24hr access which also offers group classes. The best thing I did here was get a membership immediately. Coach Justin is the most welcoming and friendly guy you’ll ever meet. Don’t let the stigma of gym bros scare you away!
Hiking Experiences:
Dark Hallows Falls and Rose River
5.1 miles. 3.5 hours. Moderate to hard. Pretty waterfalls. Busy at the falls. Was tough coming back up the last mile! No pups are allowed on this hike.
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5.4 miles. Easy. Great view. Two hours out and back. Would be great for visitors. Took my 68 and 74 yr. old parents. Several safety valve stops along the trail if someone needed to quit. The best time to visit is April-September.
7.8 miles near Grottoes, VA. Pretty tough distance with the elevation changes. Needed my trekking poles on the way back. Challenging Trail in Shenandoah National Park.
Easy. Mostly flat. Not particularly scenic. Forest. Public lake with a small beach at the start. Some trails are through the disc golf course. Top 4 trails: Wilkins Way Loop, Jungle, Luke’s, Wilkins Way and Chimney Loop, The Blue Wheel, and the Outer Loop.
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10.0 miles. 4h 45m. Going clockwise for the quick rise in elevation and rock scramble first. Excellent choice. Pretty strenuous, but not overwhelming. Recommend carrying more than 2L of water or bringing a filter for the stream in the second half. Fun, but long. Especially the walk back down the fire road.
Humpback Mountain and Humpback Rock
6.5 miles each way. Very manageable inclines. Very few steps bigger than 16”. Best views require a short climb up a steep rock face. The challenging route takes about 6 hours and 33 mins to complete. Good for backpacking, camping, and hiking.
5.0 miles. Most of the trail is relatively easy. It’s a steady climb the whole way. The last mile at the end of the loop is pretty tough scrambles and rock face climbs. Climbing the tooth requires some serious cahonés.
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3.5 miles. Whole trail is trying to twist your ankles. Incline is very manageable. Then comes the marbles. SO MUCH FUN. Very strenuous. Need strength and stamina. Trail back is poorly marked and equally treacherous for the ankles. Might be my favorite hike yet.
What a tremendous guide to Charlottesville, VA courtesy of our very own traveler, Nicholas! Now that you have the ins and outs of the city keep in mind as you start to look for your next travel assignment, the best time to visit Charlottesville, VA is August through October making it a perfect destination for a Fall travel assignment! Whether you're seeking moments of tranquility in nature, indulging in delicious food, or immersing yourself in the historical city, Charlottesville has something for everyone. Check out our current job openings in Charlottesville, or apply here to start your travel career with LRS Healthcare!
