Do you find yourself frustrated with the mountain of schoolwork that piles up as the semester gets into full swing? FOMO (fear of missing out) is a horrible sensation that we college students feel on the reg. However, there comes a time when we have to buckle down and get work done on the weekends whether we like it or not. I give you a guide to everything fall flavored (shout out to all you pumpkin lovers) in Charlottesville and small ways to treat yo’ self as you try not to cry uncontrollably at the demise of your GPA.
Mudhouse Crozet
Take a break from Charlottesville’s UVA Corner or the overcrowded Alderman Library café and stop by Mudhouse in Crozet. The scenic drive though Albemarle County to Crozet will take you about twenty minutes—but you wont even notice the time as the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, luscious farmland, and falling gold and amber leaves capture attention. Do I smell coffee?
You’ll be in awe at the large glass cases full of gigantic freshly baked cookies, apple and strawberry-rhubarb pie pies, espresso tarts, sausage quiches, peach crumb cake, and best of all—their pumpkin cake.
I made it through my afternoon of studying economics (why did I major in it again?!?!) with a cup of their house coffee and a delicious square of their pumpkin cake with cream cheese frosting (I always make room for dessert).
Their soup of the day was also a must have—a butternut squash and kale soup with a side of cheddar cornbread.
If you’re not up for the drive out to Crozet, or don’t have a car (sorry first years), the Mudhouse on the Downtown Mall is only a quick trolley ride away.
Location: 5793 The Square, Crozet, VA 22932
Hours of operation: Mon-Thurs 7am-8pm, Fri-Sat 7am-9:30pm, Sun 7am-7pm
Milli Joe Coffee
Milli Joe is one of the best places to study if you know you have a long night ahead of you—they’re open until 10 pm almost every night of the week, have great Wi-Fi, a bookshelf full of classic novels and obscure reads (for you procrastinators out there) and a quiet, yet, busy atmosphere.
Their iced-hazelnut latte is my personal favorite—but they have everything ranging from cappuccinos, French press and pour over, kombucha and even beer. Don’t skip out on their house waffle, loaded with green apple slices, Brie cheese and drizzled with honey.
Location: 400 Preston Ave #150, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Hours of operation: Mon-Thus 7am-10pm, Fri-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 7am-10pm
Flora Artisanal Cheese
Stop by Flora Artisanal Cheese who shares the space with Milli Joe. Whether you’re in it for the long haul and decide to splurge for one of their specialty cheese plates put together by the owner (including sausage and a fresh Albemarle Baking Company (ABC) baguette), or if you just want to pick up a few ounces of cheese for the week (I recommend Caromont Farm’s goat cheese), Flora knows what it’s doing. You can even rent a cheesemonger for your next party, because who doesn’t like to pregame with cheese?
Location:400 Preston Ave #150, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Hours of operation: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm
C’ville Coffee
C’ville Coffee features a full breakfast, lunch and beverage menu. I’d recommend their homemade granola (I buy it by the truck load) with bananas and either yogurt or milk.
They have a ton of creative sandwich specials or you can even create your own with fresh ingredients and bread from Albemarle Baking Company. There are three large rooms including a blocked off adult area for more serious studiers and lots of tables. C’ville Coffee even hosts evening performances on Friday and Saturday nights.
Location: 1301 Harris St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Hours of operation: Mon-Thurs 7:30am to 9pm, Fri 7:30am to 5pm, Sat 8:30am to 6pm, Sun 9:30am to 7pm