I realize that watching and reading the news right now can be a bit depressing (even some of our latest stories). Well, let 
me prescribe you some relief. Everyone knows pets make you feel better and provide a bit of their own therapy. Why would I suggest a puppy or kitten? Everyone knows they can be pets and just where to get them. I suggest a CHICKEN! Didn’t know they were thought of as pets did you? There is even a local site for chicken lovers alike.
Get the heck out of town! While Charlottesville is AMAZING, our lovely little area has so very much to offer outside of town. We have compiled what we think is our local area’s best…check it out and PLEASE let us know of anything that may have missed the AMAZING list (we will try it and add it to our next Out of Town Suggestion Post).
North Garden:
Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie – I said it once, I’ll say it again…incredible pizza and excellent atmosphere (checkout our review).
Afton:
Blue Mountain Brewery – obviously we all know (from comments on the site and personal experience) this place is terrific (yes, I am bringing terrific back-use it at your leisure). Get the sampler – it is yummy and will help you figure out just what one of their brews makes you swoon. Also, excellent view and satisfying pretzel.
Afton Mountain Vineyards – This place has location, location, location. It is a beautiful place with some good local wine. Mmmmm…wine. Two French guys that make the wine their were at the cvillain pub crawl, they were pretty cool and knew their stuff when it came to wine.
Waynesboro:
The Purple Foot – Yes, you should eat at a place with FOOT in the name. This place 
makes potato salad that will knock your socks off (your feet!). Stop by and grab some sandwiches and potato salad for a picnic. This place is only open until 2pm–sorry no dinner for you. Waynesboro has a great park called Ridgeview Park, perfect for a quite picnic.
Ridgeview Park – This park is great for a mellow afternoon or a warm evening. While, this is no Gypsy Hill Park (more to come on GH Park), it is green and relaxing. The park offers “Movies in the Park” during the summers months as well as an Annual Summer Extravaganza – July 12 & 13, 2008. I have been to this park for an afternoon picnic and let me tell you, it screams romantic.
Ridgeview Movie Schedule:
September 26- Meet the Robinson’s
Artisans Center of Virgina – This is VA at it’s finest. They have beautiful art from all over the state displayed and for sale. Everything in site is gorgeous. Great place to get some relief from the summer heat or the winter chill.
Write Here.
(This is Scowly’s Care Taker-Lucky Bird)
I know “the rules” and while I am itching to discuss politics at length – I don’t want to do it here. However, a discussion of voting is another story. Just exactly what will you be doing on November 4, 2008? I am hoping whatever your answer might entail voting is involved.
Some might believe their vote does not count and will not march themselves down to the polls November 4th. Unfortunately, they will probably pass this thinking along to their children, who will pass it along to their children. Thus America’s low voter turn out.
While this election will change American politics forever, I am hoping it will also bring about a record voter turnout. You can step into that voting booth and write in Mickey Mouse for president, as long as you step in the booth. There will be more than the presidential election on your ticket. Every vote is noticed in smaller areas such as YOUR state.
Voting should become a habit and eventually something you truly come to care about and appreciate – hopefully enough to get informed about just what it is you are voting for or against.
There are many uneducated voters out there. I can see why some people think voting is pointless, but why give the majority to the uneducated voter? If you know what is going on in America, your state, your city, and your county tell them what needs to be done and who needs to do it.
America should work harder to educate every voter – even if it involves proposition coloring books. In the mean time those of us that know what is happening in our community and country should use this knowledge for good (not waste).
The polls are open ALL DAY (8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.) on November 4, 2008. If you know that you will not be in your voting district on election day – I have attached an absentee ballot request. Absentee Ballot Also, check out the VA voter registration page if you are NOT registered to vote. It does not matter who or what you vote for, just vote.
P.S. Thor’s timing is impeccable.
A school bus had a little accident around 4:00 p.m. yesterday. The bus was navigating narrow Hangers Mill Road when it 
drove in a ditch and ran into a tree. Hmmm? Wild ride home anyone? The kids were all okay and the driver is not being sited or charged. I find this odd. If you crashed my baby into a tree I would want you charged with something. Details about the cause of the accident were not disclosed. (This is NOT an Actual Photo from the Accident)
It is official, summer is over. School has started, football has started, you need a sweater at night, Starbucks has pumpkin spice lattes (according to Tuesday), and this is the last Fridays After Five of the year. Yup, summer has ceased. Give it a great going away weekend and be sure to stop by Fridays After Five.
Checkout the tastings at: Crush, Market Street, and Beer Run on Friday evening. Forget something? Let us and your fellow villains know. As always have a great weekend everyone!
P.S. Please checkout our brother/sister sites: MUSE and STYLE for more weekend events!
On August 1, 2008 Byard posted “What’s your new late night hangout in Charlottesville?” It was an unpleasant reminder that our beloved OXO was gone and that nothing had quite taken its place. After being OXOless for more than two months I believe we have finally moved on. The crowds have spread out, but no one seems to be aimlessly wandering the streets. My assessment?
Ventana has become a favorite for a few late nighters. X-Lounge has added some ex-OXO patrons (and why wouldn’t it – it has our very own B yo and shenanigans and now uva non-douche). Last, Cassis with its new $5.00 cover has seemed to squeeze itself into the late night weekend scene.
This brings me to the very purpose of my post. Did we not see a spike in OXO attendance after they enacted their $5.00 cover. Are you more inclined to hang out at a place that charges you just to enter?
It was rare to see a crowd in Cassis three months ago – now the place is packed. You can catch people dancing on tables, groups hanging around outside and there has even been the occasional line to get in. Dancing, music, what? Before OXO’s death and their $5.00 cover Cassis was just a dinner spot that you rarely even remembered. Talk of a sale or even a permanent closing of its doors was the word on the street until now. Business seems to be booming.
No one from Cvillain has posted on their experience at the new late night hangout. Hopefully that will change soon (hint, hint). The scene seems very OXOish. Is it true does a cover create a hotspot?
Just as long as we are on the sterotyping…
While I did not write this–I know it is so true. I am very guilty of “fine”. I never mean that, if I say “fine” I am far from it and whoever is at the receiving end of it won’t be “fine” for long either. Why don’t women just come out and tell you what we are really thinking? Chances are we don’t think you will listen anyway. Sorry guys. Can I explain it? Nope.
9 WORDS WOMEN USE
(1) Fine: This is the word women use to end an argument when they are right and you need to shut up. This can also be an emotion. It is a woman’s way of telling you she is not “fine”.
(2) Five Minutes: If she is getting dressed, this means a half an hour. Five minutes is only five minutes if you have just been given five more minutes to watch the game before helping around the house.
(3) Nothing: This is the calm before the storm. This means something and you should be on your toes. Arguments that begin with nothing -usually end in fine.
(4) Go Ahead: This is a dare, not permission. Don’t Do It!
(5) Loud Sigh: This is actually a word, but is a non-verbal statement often misunderstood by men. A loud sigh means she thinks you are an idiot and wonders why she is wasting her time standing here and arguing with you about nothing. (Refer back to # 3 for the meaning of nothing.)
(6) That’s Okay: This is one of the most dangerous statements a women can make to a man. That’s okay means she wants to think long and hard before deciding how and when you will pay for your mistake.
(7) Thanks: A woman is thanking you, do not question, or faint. Just say you’re welcome. (I want to add in a clause here – this is true, unless she says, “thanks a lot” – that is PURE sarcasm and she is not thanking you at all. DO NOT say “you’re welcome” … that will bring on a “whatever”).
(8) Whatever: A woman’s way of saying up yours!
(9) Don’t worry about it…I got it: Another dangerous statement, meaning this is something that a woman has told a man to do several times, but is now doing it herself. This will later result in a man asking “What’s wrong?” For the woman’s response refer to # 3.
Yes? Tis the seasons of beer, face paint, and no parking on Saturdays. That is right college (and pro) football season is in full swing (two games deep). I have listed all the dates and locations of UVA AND VTech games for this season. I know we are a Cville site (hello UVA), but it only seems fair to our VTech alum to include both schedules. The UVA/VTech face off for the year will go down in Blacksburg (UVA held it last season).
I know everyone on this site isn’t a sports lover, but for those that are…grab your cushy bleacher pads, your cooler of beer, and your favorite team’s jersey, it’s game time. (I honestly tried to put the schedules side by side but they refused to fit).
