A Short Trip to Crozet, Virginia (From AFTON PEAK)
Crozet sits about thirty minutes from AFTON PEAK, and it makes for an easy change of pace. It is small, but it has just enough going on to fill an afternoon or evening without feeling busy. The downtown feels settled and lived in, not like something trying to become a destination. A few good restaurants, a couple of shops, and people moving at an easy pace. It is the kind of place where you park once and walk.
Crozet Pizza is a local staple and stays popular for a reason. The style is a little different, the place stays busy, and it feels like somewhere people have been coming to for a long time. It is an easy first stop and a good way to settle into the area.
Coconut Thai Kitchen is worth going out of your way for. The tom yum soup is the best I have had. It is balanced, bright, and has just enough depth to keep you going back for another bite. The bar is also unexpectedly strong. The bartender is working on a master’s in math at University of Virginia and approaches drink making like a science in all the best ways. Everything feels measured and intentional, and it shows.
Crozet Seafood Supply brings genuinely fresh fish to the mountains. We bought cod and some seasoning here and cooked it at AFTON PEAK. It was fantastic. They also sell food to eat there. It’s great to sit outside and enjoy on nice days.
Crozet Creamery keeps things simple and does it well. The ice cream holds up, and the free sprinkles do not hurt. It is an easy stop that works for just about everyone.
King Family Vineyards sits right nearby and fits naturally into a Crozet stop. If you catch a polo match, it adds something extra. If not, it is still a great place to sit with a bottle and take in the open space.
Pro Re Nata Brewery tends to run later than most places in the area, which makes it useful. There is usually live music, large fire pit areas, and enough space to move around. It is almost impossible to leave without smelling like a campfire. They hang college flags from the ceiling, so there is a decent chance yours is up there if you look for it. Their sweatshirts are solid, and a few cold mountain nights have justified buying one. Fellas, be careful. Your sweatshirt has a way of becoming “our” sweatshirt once your wife or girlfriend sees it.
Final Thought
Crozet works well because it does not try too hard. It gives you a few good places, a reason to get out for a bit, and then sends you back to AFTON PEAK at the right time. That balance tends to make the whole weekend better.
