For those seeking to delight their taste buds, Fluvanna County offers many enticing choices.
From Virginia’s finest local barbecue to its sweetest homemade candies and ice cream, this quiet small town jewel has something to please nearly every food lover.
Local Eats
Local Eats seeks to encompass a spectrum of edible cravings, mostly created in and around the area.
Female owned and operated, the Lake Monticello adjacent venue has been specializing in local goods, with vegan options and farm-to-table dishes, since 2017.
The general store is known especially for its wide selection of sandwiches and fresh produce, including meats, cheeses, vegetables and wine.
Breakfast is served until close, and grain bowls are available for those seeking a healthy high-fiber diet.
Open at 7:30 a.m., Local Eats serves the community six days a week, as Sunday is reserved for rest.
Please visit https://www.localeatsva.com for more information.
Wahoo BBQ
Also located just outside the gates of the Lake Monticello community, Wahoo BBQ is a relative newcomer to the area that has quickly garnered a respectable following due to its consistently yummy Southern fare.
Already known for its brisket, the award-winning establishment is only a few years young, but the owner learned home-cooking from the best– his parents.
Along with brisket, pork barbecue and ribs, the restaurant features daily specials, burgers, chicken, a variety of mouth-watering dessert options, beer and wine.
Homemade sides and appealing appetizers complete the robust menu.
Open at 11 a.m. every day except Sunday, the establishment serves until 9 p.m. during the week, and 11 p.m. on weekends.
Additional information may be obtained by visiting https://www.wahoobbq.com.
Papa Jim’s
This highway 15 institution near the Troy Post Office has only been around for a little more than a decade, but it feels like much longer.
Locals welcomed Papa Jim’s old- fashioned style service and frozen treats to the area immediately when it opened in 2012, and its popularity has only grown with time.
While part of Papa Jim’s charm lies in its vintage aesthetic, the key that keeps customers coming back for more lies in the business’ clever mix-ins, using grass-fed dairy products and natural ingredients to produce one-of-a-kind flavors.
The results are smooth, creamy, indulgent frozen treasures for the taste buds.
Open seven days a week from noon until 9 p.m., Papa Jim’s is a must-stop destination after dinner or on the way home from work or play.
Find out more about this local business at http://www.papajimsicecream.com.
Sweet Art
More than just a destination for local culinary products, Sweet Art Emporium is a unique Fluvanna operation because it offers such a diverse array of inventory created in the Central Virginia area.
Showcasing the work of more than 80 local artisans, 90% of which are from right here in Fluvanna County, this town gift shop seems to truly have a little bit of everything to satisfy any customer’s needs or desires.
The store features the area’s best variety of locally-made candies and sweet treats like the famed Fluvanna County-based Red Rocker Food line.
Items from Cville Candy Company, Allen’s Shortbread of Charlottesville and Forbes Taffy from Virginia Beach are also included in the inventory.
Charlottesville’s Gearharts Chocolates, James River Chocolate Co. and Found Shortbread round out an impressive selection of locally made treats, while Herbert’s Wine Jelly is an interesting additional edible feature.
Locally crafted original artwork, such as paintings and wall decorations, ceramics, woodworking, basket weaving, mixed media and sculptures are all also available at this elaborate small town emporium.
Jewelry, bath and body products, stationary and seasonal items round out the extraordinary selection.
Located off US highway 53 in Palmyra, Sweet Art Emporium is open Tuesday- Friday 11-6 and Saturday 11-3.
Please visit https://www.sweetartemporium.com for more information.
The Pub at Lake Monticello
Located within the gated community but open to the public, The Pub at Lake Monticello is the place to be for fun, drinks, and delicious comfort food. Whether you start your day with a southern-style Sunday breakfast, or gather with friends for drinks after playing a round on the Lake Monticello golf course, you’re in for a good time at The Pub.
The Pub makes everyday feel like the weekend with their daily events. Monday is wing night, Tuesday is kids’ night and trivia, Wednesday is burger night, Thursday offers half-off appetizers, and Friday finishes up the work week with live music. Be sure to visit The Pub on your birthday, where your discount is your age! If you dine on your 50th birthday, you’ll receive a 50% discount on your entree.
The Pub is located at 51 Bunker Boulevard in Palmyra, and operates Monday through Thursday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
For more information, please visit https://www.lakemonticellogolf.org/restaurant
Gia Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Formerly known as Sal’s, Gia Italian Restaurant has been owned and operated by Giacomo and Claudia Cracchiolo since 2012. For over a decade, the Cracchiolo’s have served authentic Italian cuisine with the perfect touch of Sicilian flair to the community. With delicious sauces made from scratch and fresh dough prepared daily, Gia Italian Restaurant is always ready for your order, whether it be dine-in, takeout, or catered. Located at 198 Turkeysag Trail in Palmyra, Gia is open 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Gia is closed on Tuesdays. To learn more, please visit https://giaitalianrestaurant.com/.
Red Rocker Candy
If you’re looking for a tasty treat, look no further than Red Rocker Candy. Offering a variety of snacks from sweet to savory, there’s something to cure every craving. Red Rocker mixes their delicious creations by hand in small batches, lending their treats that nostalgic, homemade touch.
From seasonal sweets like Caramel Brownie and Lemon Burst, to zesty snacks like Cheddar Cheddar Tang Tang and Taco ‘Bout Taco Tuesday, each Red Rocker mix is a delight to the senses.
Made with love since 2002, you can enjoy your own batch of Red Rocker mix by ordering from their website (https://redrockercandy.com/) and selecting curbside pickup at the 170 Industrial Drive, Troy location. Red Rocker Candy can also be found in local businesses, such as Sweet Art Emporium.
Blue 53
Looking for a place to enjoy the game with cold beer and tasty wings? Check out Blue 53 located at 265 Turkeysag Trail in Palmyra! Opened by Giacomo Cracchiolo and his family in 2017, Blue 53 offers fresh, never frozen wings and burgers, wraps, sandwiches, and, of course, ice-cold beer.
Blue 53 has over 30 televisions showing nearly every game of the day, and is home to the largest television in Albemarle and Fluvanna County at a whopping 130 inches!
Open 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday, Blue 53 is the place to be on game day.
For more information, please visit https://blue53sportsbar.com/.
Amo Gelato Caffe
With delicious gelato, Italian sodas, and flavorful coffee, Amo Gelato Caffe is a must-do on your next trip to Fluvanna. Located at 265 Turkeysag Trail in Palmyra, Amo is the perfect place to find a special treat for yourself. The friendly cafe also hosts fun events throughout the year, including live music and kids’ events with face painting, games, and more. Open everyday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Amo Gelato Caffe is the perfect pick-me-up for anyone with a bit of a sweet tooth.