Boar's Head

After a renovation in 2019 that included major changes to the restaurant, lobby, and main entrance, as well as the Birdwood Golf Course, home to the University of Virginia's men's and women's teams, Boar's Head dropped Inn from its title and added Resort. Central Virginia is rich in scenery and historical sites, including Monticello, which is only a short drive away, as well as numerous vineyards. This country getaway is just under three hours from Washington, DC.

Davis Love III oversaw the course redesign, which opened to positive reviews this spring. Love and his team improved the walkability of the course by rerouting it through the Virginia hillsides to take advantage of the terrain while avoiding up and down climbs. The hotel also added a fun Par 3 Course and a putting course, which are becoming increasingly popular at all hotels. For beginners, the Par 3 and putting courses are excellent starting points. Guests at the hotel will benefit from the improvements and new offerings, which include nature walks and paddleboarding.

The rooms at Boar's Head are simple, clean, and welcoming, paying homage to the Inn's history as well as the University of Virginia. The bathrooms are clean, and the beds are comfortable, despite the cramped quarters. If you want to see the foliage of the Blue Ridge Mountains during college football season, book a weekend when the crowds are gone.

Location: Charlottesville, VA

Typical starting/peak prices: $199/$425

Cost of Golf: $85-$135 and $35 for the Par 3 Course
Number of Courses: 2: Birdwood (home of University of Virginia) and the Par 3 course, as well as a putting course.
Best for: Families
Booking: https://bom.so/cXPO8Z