Easy Cheesy Quesadillas

Looking for a quick and easy dinner? Try these easy cheesy quesadillas. They taste delicious and creamy!

What you need:

• Campbell's Cheddar Cheese Soup
• ¾ cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese
• 1 Green Onion
• ½ Bell Pepper
• Chicken breast from Rotisserie Chicken
• 4-5 flour tortillas

Chop green onion and bell pepper and then sauté until soft. Mix onion and pepper with all of the ingredients and put an even layer on half of a tortilla—then fold over.

Bake in oven at 350⁰ for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Wineries

Another fun day trip or even side trip from hiking is to stop at one of the many wineries nearby!

• Jefferson Vineyards: Good wine and close to Charlottesville. http://www.jeffersonvineyards.com/
• Kluge Estate: This is a fun trip to take—enjoy a large tasting in a serene setting outside. http://www.klugeestateonline.com/
• Blenheim: Just down the road from Kluge. Great wine, casual atmosphere. Bring back your glass for a free wine tasting! http://www.blenheimvineyards.com/
• White Hall Vineyards: Stop by after you go to Sugar Hollow and try these wines—then head over to Crozet Pizza! http://www.whitehallvineyards.com/
• Veritas: Probably my favorite wine tasting so far—although a little expensive the setting is amazing! Can’t wait to try Starry Nights. http://veritaswines.com/
• Barboursville:  One of the best!  For a only $5 you're in for a real treat!  Check out our visit Plus, you'll learn some history along the way.
• Cider! For something a little different try Albemarle CiderWorks! http://www.vintagevirginiaapples.com/AlbemarleCider/

Charlottesville 360⁰

Moving from the Midwest to Charlottesville, Virginia, I have become a tourist in my own backyard. From hiking, to historical sites, to wine tasting - there is so much to do! I’m determined to enjoy my time off before I have a new job so I know what to share with family and friends who visit. I also enjoy the a sense of pride knowing what beauty is just beyond my front door!

Things to do:
Hiking
Shop Local

Wineries

Hiking

Sugar Hollow/Charlottesville Reservoir:

We love Sugar Hollow (Near the Charlottesville Reservoir). This is an easy hike a little long—where you can bring the dogs. There are a number of different hikes to take from here. If you take the hike from the first parking lot you can make your way to the Blue Hole. To find some smaller but great swimming holes take the road to the second parking lot and take the trail from there. Our favorite spot is the second set of swimming holes. You cross the river a second time and follow the river bed up just a short distance. There is a large rock and small swimming hole beneath.

Follow the directions here to get to Sugar Hollow: http://www.swimmingholes.org/va.html#SUGAR%20HOLLOW

Monticello/Carter MountainCarter Mountain is a very close hike. Just follow the signs to Monticello and park in the first parking lot. There are a few different hikes from here. You can take the Monticello trail up or split off one of the smaller but well maintained trails. The Thomas Jefferson Parkway has an arboretum and pond, lookout point. http://www.monticello.org/parkway/overview.html

Carter Mountain Orchard Hike:From the Carter Mountain lookout you can follow the trail to the top of Carter’s Mountain to the Carter Mountain Orchard.

There are amazing views at the top – plus fresh fruit and slushies! http://www.cartermountainorchard.com/



Crabtree Falls

Beautiful falls and a gorgeous view! Crabtree Falls is beautiful!  Don't miss it.  We visited in September.  Check out our trip!

My Dish on Local Dishes

Not sure what to eat?  Time to go out!

= FAVORITE

Farmers Market
Charlottesville and surrounding towns are great for local produce! We love going to the Saturday Farmer’s Market in downtown Charlottesville. The market is on Saturday mornings from 7:00 a.m. to noon. Find local wine tastings, fruit, veggies, meat, crafts and even pasta! http://www.charlottesvillecitymarket.com/index.html

Charlottesville Restaurants
So you can tell by this growing list that I love to eat.

Feast: A market and sandwich place—yum! All local food. http://www.feastvirginia.com/

Orzo: Located in the same City Market complex as Feast, Orzo is delicious. Mediterranean style bistro and wine bar! http://www.orzokitchen.com/

Felini’s #9: Great atmosphere, romantic and relaxing. Good pasta and wine selections. http://fellinis9.com/

Mas Tapas:  A C-ville favorite.  Mas is located in Belmont.  Delicious food to share with friends and the Sangria is a must!  http://www.mastapas.com/

Tavola: Perhaps my favorite new place to eat!  I'm an italian food lover and the dishes here are wonderful!The food is awesome and has great atmosphere!
http://www.tavolavino.com/

Bang!:  Holy cool!  Check this place out for fun asian inspired appetizers and trendy cocktails. http://bangrestaurant.net/

Siips:  Need a quick and not too expensive lunch?  Head to Siips, Wine and Champagne Bar.  Great wine selection.  http://www.siipswine.com/

Mono Loco: Fun, not by favorite latin food, but good atmosphere and great location.
http://www.monolocorestaurant.com/

Zocolo:  Expensive...but good cocktails.  I recommend the Mr. T. 
http://www.zocalo-restaurant.com/



Coffee
It's hard for me to get away from Starbucks, but when I do, I've ventured here to these coffeehouses.

C-ville Coffee: Great coffee, play area for the kids, quiet zone for those without little ones, and big breakfast sandwiches: http://www.cvillecoffee.com/
Greenberry's: A local favorite, Greenberry's Coffee and Tea is good, but they don't serve hot breakfast sandwiches on Sundays... http://www.greenberrys.com/
Corner Cup: In the craziness of the Corner near U.Va. campus, great Chai tea, small and a little messy, but tasty.