February 9, 2010

A glance across the room or a funny remark, from such sparks, love can ignite. Dan started his singles bars journey at Boylan Heights on the University of Virginia Corner. The restaurant & bar generally plays host to a college crowd, and several nights a week, students stop by to let loose.

"When you're that age, you're going out to drink with a purpose, and that usually involves getting inebriated," said Jeff Mattie.

That inebriation often kicks the hormones into overdrive, and as the night goes on, Mattie says the scene at Boylan starts to change.

"The casual talk turns into a whisper into each others ears and the occasional embarrassing public makeout, which inevitably does happen in this industry," said Mattie.

However, since it's college, these hook-ups usually aren't the start of a lasting relationship. Nonetheless, it's all part of the experience.

For those people whose college years are behind them, there are alternate options on the Downtown Mall. Blue Light Grill and Raw Bar still boasts a young crowd, but one that is a little more mature than college students.

"We get a pretty good mix. It's a lot of professionals and people that work downtown and live downtown... Belmont Area," said Joshua Tracy.

And the Blue Light crowd likes to mix it up; Tracy says he sees new couples forming every weekend. However, he agrees that using your friends is better than going at it alone.

"Charlottesville is kind of a small enough town that people that you meet through friends of friends tends to work out a lot better than just the meat market approach," said Tracy.

If you're single and looking for an older, more quiet crowd, Siips Wine and Champagne Bar is a short walk up the Downtown Mall from Blue Light. Siips features several events - like wine tasting - that can be a great place to meet that special someone. The bar's general design allows patrons to talk to several people at once.

"The people that don't know each other start talking to each other just because they have access to 4 or 5 people around them. They start talking and become friends, and start buying each other drinks," said George Benford.

If a strong start turns into something more, Siips is also a great place to seal the deal. Benford says he recently helped a man set up a proposal in the front window one snowy evening.

"About five minutes later, he comes running out and says 'she said yes, she said yes!' She comes running out with her ring showing everybody, and the staff that was here that day started applauding. It was a fun feeling," said Benford.

At the end of the day, meeting people isn't easy. However, there are a few places in Charlottesville to do it, whether you're looking for one night or until death do us part.