Nestled in a tiny residential enclave just steps from Charlottesville’s University of Virginia, the twenty-seven-room Oakhurst Inn marries urban sensibility with European luxury via stylishly appointed suites set within renovated historic structures. Libraries stocked with sparkling water, espresso machines, and classic reading material (plus cozy fireside seating from which to savor it all) anchor each floor. Attention to detail doesn’t stop there: knowing full well that a pillow can make or break a night’s sleep, the owner sought advice from several head hospitality honchos before settling on the Canadian brand that—with or without the freshly baked ginger cookies that appear on them nightly—are positively dreamy.

Eat-In Options

Oakhurst Inn Café and Espresso Bar

The aroma of buttered and griddled blueberry muffins and thick, just-pulled espresso shots serve as potent wake-up calls. Whether you are cozied up with a paper in their bright, airy bistro or dining al fresco out on the stone patio, you’re in the hands of talented Chef Jeanette Peabody. With her commitment to all things local, that’s a very tasty place to be. Breakfast and lunch options consist of inventive takes on Southern favorites, with slight detours into French and Irish comfort foods. After a leisurely breakfast, be sure to stop by the pocket-sized espresso bar, a darling coffee shop that’s about as sweet and swoon-worthy as it gets.

What to Order

• To Drink
  Zing! Fresh-pressed Carrot-Ginger Juice. Good morning, sunshine.
• For Breakfast or Brunch
  The savory slant on Steel Cut Irish Oatmeal unites roasted beets, black beans, housemade harissa, and avocado in a dish with a humble genesis (random leftovers), but a holy outcome (YUM).
• For Lunch
  The Duck Hunt features a duck leg with applewood-smoked bacon, Caromont Farm fresh chèvre, arugula, and a housemade sweet-and-sour cherry jam to tempt your tart side.