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Charlottesville, Virginia, whereas dwelling to one of the prestigious universities within the nation, is greater than only a school city — though the College of Virginia is central to its historical past, tradition, and residential inhabitants. Blue and orange might reign supreme, particularly throughout basketball and lacrosse seasons, however the space additionally boasts quite a few museums, artwork galleries, boutique inns, and farm-to-table menus rivaling among the finest eating places on the planet.
In the event you solely have a weekend in Albemarle County, you will wish to take a complete day to discover Charlottesville’s college and Historic District — assume cobblestones, Nineteenth-century structure, and the nostalgia-inducing hum of a bustling school campus. The opposite day ought to be spent within the nice outside, taking within the resplendent Virginia vistas at one of many many native wineries or from Skyline Drive, a 105-mile drive alongside Shenandoah Nationwide Park.
There is a decidedly particular high quality to this small Southern metropolis with a powerful footprint. To guests, Charlottesville feels concurrently humble but celebrated, groundbreaking however nonetheless related to its roots. For locals and UVA alumni, it maintains a way of dwelling, regardless of how lengthy they have been away. Planning a visit to central Virginia within the close to future? The T+L Charlottesville journey information has every part it’s essential to know concerning the history-rich space — from family-friendly actions to the very best bookstores, cideries, and late-night meals.
>> These trying to forego a typical summer time trip on the seaside can flip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, for contemporary mountain air; scenic biking and strolling trails; vineyards pouring crisp white and rosé wines; and fewer crowds. Learn more.
Sponsored by Charlottesville Albemarle Conference & Guests Bureau
Time Zone
Japanese Commonplace Time
Greatest Time to Go
The most effective time to go to Charlottesville is in the course of the late spring and early summer time. Might, June, and July — when the college just isn’t in session — will probably be much less crowded. Wine festivals dot the social calendar in Might, however you will wish to keep away from commencement weekend, when most lodging will probably be full (and pricier). June is right for exploring the blooming gardens of Monticello, however come the top of July, the muggy Virginia climate will probably be out in full power.
Autumn in Charlottesville is each lovely and busy. Fall foliage blankets the panorama, and school soccer brings crowds from throughout the nation. In the event you plan to hitch the collegial enjoyable of a UVA Homecoming or Household Weekend in October, you will have to guide your lodging months upfront.
Issues to Know
Whereas the official mascot of the College of Virginia is the Cavalier, college students, alumni, and sports activities groups are generally known as the Wahoos, or ‘Hoos for brief. Anticipate to listen to chants of “Wahoowa” whereas rooting on the Cavs.
The Virginia metropolis has been dwelling to many well-known faces over time — together with Georgia O’Keefe, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Tina Fey, and Dave Matthews.
In 1987, UNESCO named the college, together with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a World Heritage Web site.
There are greater than 40 wineries in Charlottesville, to not point out the cideries, distilleries, and breweries within the space.
The way to Get Round
Downtown Charlottesville is actually walkable, however you will wish to have a automobile to discover the higher area, together with the Blue Ridge Parkway, Shenandoah Valley Nationwide Park, or any of the native wineries. These flying into Charlottesville Albermarle Airport (CHO) can hire a automobile on the location — simply be sure you reserve forward of time. Uber and Lyft rides are additionally out there within the space.
The Charlottesville Space Transit bus service is at the moment free to all customers as a consequence of COVID-19; most bus routes start and finish at Charlottesville’s Downtown Transit Station. Charlottesville additionally gives free trolley providers (route map might be discovered here), an excellent choice should you’re trying to discover each the College of Virginia and the Downtown Mall.E-bikes and e-scooters might be rented by means of the Veo app, however be sure you brush up on the city’s rules earlier than taking one out for a spin.
Greatest Motels
Keswick Corridor
Tackle: 701 Membership Dr, Keswick, VA 22947
Cellphone: (434) 979-3440
A 20-minute drive from downtown Charlottesville, Keswick Corridor reopened within the fall of 2021 after an entire renovation and property growth. With 80 new rooms, a Jean-Georges restaurant, an extra constructing to accommodate a spa, upgraded tennis services, and an infinity pool that appears out onto the property’s golf course, the posh resort is the final word Virginia retreat.
Oakhurst Inn
Tackle: 122 Oakhurst Cir, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 872-0100
Oakhurst Inn had a earlier life as three boarding homes and the house of a college professor. Now, it is a charming 36-room boutique resort that sits throughout the road from the College of Virginia — the perfect location for vacationers who wish to immerse themselves within the ‘Hoos tradition on campus.
The Clifton
Tackle: 1296 Clifton Inn Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Cellphone: (434) 971-1800
Sitting on 100 acres of Virginia countryside, The Clifton feels secluded and peaceable, however its location is a mere 8 miles from the hub of Charlottesville. Company can select to remain within the Manor Home, the Backyard Cottages, the Livery Stables, or the Collina Farmhouse; every affords a choice of non-public bedrooms and entry to the resort’s pool and restaurant, 1799.
Boar’s Head Resort
Tackle: 200 Ednam Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (844) 611-8066
Bigger teams and households will discover one thing for everybody at Boar’s Head Resort — tennis, squash, and pickleball courts, golf programs, a newly renovated spa, and loads of out of doors area and nature trails to absorb the Virginia air. The property has a protracted, wealthy historical past; now owned by the College of Virginia, the land was a part of Virginia’s first land grant, relationship again to 1734.
Omni Charlottesville Lodge
Tackle: 212 Ridge McIntire Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 971-5500
Whereas lots of Charlottesville’s finest inns lean into the pastoral nature of the realm, Omni Charlottesville Lodge blends a contemporary aesthetic — that includes a seven-story glass atrium foyer — into its narrative. A brief drive from UVA, the resort is the proper start line for vacationers who wish to discover each the town and the encircling nature.
Graduate Charlottesville
Tackle: 1309 W Major St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 295-4333
Graduate Charlottesville’s location is unmatched — discover it on Historic Major Avenue, only a 3-minute stroll from The Nook, and throughout the road from the college. The collegiate nostalgia the Graduate resort group embodies goes hand in hand with cheering on the Cavaliers at Scott Stadium.
200 South Avenue Inn
Tackle: 200 West St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Cellphone: (434) 979-0200
200 South Avenue Inn affords Southern hospitality at its most interesting, together with every day continental breakfast and wine and cheese within the afternoon. Unfold throughout two historic houses, the mattress and breakfast has a storied historical past that visitors can uncover upon arrival. The bigger home was as soon as a women’ ending faculty, a brothel, and a boarding home — albeit at completely different instances.
The Draftsman, Charlottesville, College, Autograph Assortment Lodge
Tackle: 1106 W Major St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 984-8000
Enterprise vacationers, households, and potential school college students will discover The Draftsman to be snug and handy for all issues Charlottesville. Together with a central location — near campus and numerous culinary locations — The Draftsman has a dog-friendly coverage, a penthouse health heart, and an on-property restaurant known as The Ridley.
Greatest Eating places
Bodo’s Bagels
Tackle:
1418 Emmet St. (Rt. 29)
Cellphone: (434) 977-9598
505 Preston Ave. (Downtown)
Cellphone: (434) 293-5224
1609 College Ave. (UVA “Nook”)
Cellphone: (434) 293-6021
You’ll be able to’t come to Charlottesville with out having fun with a bagel (or two) from Bodo’s Bagels. There are three places within the space; most college students go to the situation on The Nook. The traces for this Charlottesville staple might be lengthy, particularly on a weekend morning, however they transfer rapidly (and even a small wait is value it for a made-from-scratch bagel smeared with house-made cream cheese).
MarieBette Café and Bakery
Tackle: 700 Rose Hill Drive Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 529-6118
MarieBette is a European-inspired cafe within the Rose Hill neighborhood, with breakfast, lunch, and weekend brunch menus alongside espresso and a wide range of pastries and baked items. In the event you solely have time for a grab-and-go, make certain to get the cafe’s brioche feuilletée, a flaky pastry that many describe as a cross between a donut, croissant, and a brioche.
C & O
Tackle: 515 E Water St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Cellphone: (434) 971-7044
It could have a humble exterior, however the within C&O is kind of cozy and romantic. The menu is French, so you possibly can count on a beautiful wine record to spherical out your meal, with most of the varieties grown within the Virginia wine area.
Citizen Burger Bar
Tackle: 212 E Major St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Cellphone: (434) 979-9944
Because the identify implies, Citizen Burger Bar is thought for its regionally sourced burgers, finest paired with their french fries and an area craft beer. In the event you do not see a burger mixture that speaks to you on the menu, you possibly can create a novel masterpiece along with your alternative of bun, cheese, and toppings. In the event you’re feeling peckish after late-night cocktails, make your option to the Downtown Mall location; the kitchen is open till 10:30 p.m. in the course of the week and 11:30 p.m. on weekends.
The Virginian
Tackle: 1521 College Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 984-4667
The Virginian claims the title of “Charlottesville’s oldest restaurant,” with its doorways first opening in 1923, and it continues its legacy of Nook tradition. The meals may not be Michelin-starred, however that is not what The Virginian is about; it is concerning the historical past, the custom, and the well-known made-to-order “Stumble Down Mac N’ Cheese,” topped with a cheddar potato cake.
The Native
Tackle: 824 Hinton Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Cellphone: (434) 984-9749
Appalachian fare is on the menu at The Native, which, true to its identify, serves a wide range of dishes made with regionally sourced components. Crispy fried trout, “Buffalo Creek Beef” Quick Ribs, and the Gnocchi Bolognese prime the record of must-eats, and guests can wash all of it down with an area cider, wine, or one of many seasonal cocktails.
Public Fish & Oyster
Tackle: 513 W Major St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 995-5542
Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar
You will discover oysters on the half shell, moules frittes, and contemporary fish at Public Fish & Oyster, a dinner-only restaurant on Charlottesville’s West Major Avenue. Reservations are really helpful, however bar seating is first-come, first-serve. Followers of lobster will wish to cease by for joyful hour and indulge within the lobster roll, which is barely out there till 6 p.m.
Tackle: 416 W Major St, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 975-6796
The Mediterranean menu at Orzo Kitchen & Wine Bar is a welcome reprieve from the heavier burger-and-a-beer vibe of lots of Charlottesville’s culinary institutions. A few blocks from the Downtown Mall and inside Major Avenue Market, Orzo serves up dishes with French, Italian, Greek, and Spanish flavors — with the added aptitude of regionally grown and sourced components.
Issues to Do
Tour the College of Virginia Campus
Tackle: 1827 College Avenue, Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
Cellphone: (434) 924-0311
You’ll be able to’t come to Charlottesville with out strolling across the UVA campus. Start your tour on the Garden, a grassy space designed by Thomas Jefferson to be the middle of the college. The Garden is surrounded by tutorial and residential buildings relationship again to the early 1800s. To at the present time, college students of their remaining 12 months can reside in among the authentic buildings on the Garden — a prestigious honor. On the north finish, you will see the Rotunda, one of the recognizable buildings on campus. Throughout the tutorial 12 months, tours of the Rotunda are provided daily at 11am.
Guests must also take the time to see the Memorial to Enslaved Laborers (MEL) at the University of Virginia, only a quick stroll east of the Rotunda. Accomplished in spring 2020, the memorial honors the estimated 4,000 enslaved people who constructed and maintained the college over 4 many years.
In the event you proceed north, you will come throughout Beta Bridge on Rugby Highway. Due to its passionate alumni, UVA has numerous traditions, one in all which is portray the bridge with messages of help, activism, love, and remembrance. Messages continually change — a lot in order that the bridge has developed a thick layer of paint over time — however most college students give every new message at the very least a day earlier than portray over it.
Go to a Charlottesville Vineyard
Wine tasting at a Charlottesville winery or wine competition is mainly a ceremony of passage. In spite of everything, it would not get extra stress-free than sipping a glass of sauvignon blanc whereas taking within the bucolic scenes of the Virginia mountains. The Monticello Wine Trail has an in depth record of wineries — all inside a 25-mile drive of Charlottesville — to go to. In the event you’re trying to simply hit one or two vineyards, although, Blenheim Vineyards, Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, and Veritas Vineyards and Winery are all fashionable picks.
Drink Virginia Cider at Fortress Hill Cidery
Tackle: 6065 Turkey Sag Rd, Keswick, VA 22947
Cellphone: (434) 296-0047
In the event you do not love the style of wine, there’s at all times cider. At Fortress Hill, visitors can order their Virginia-made cider by the flight, glass, or bottle. Pair it with a charcuterie board and the Sage Apple Crumble Ice Cream, and there is not a extra idyllic afternoon in all of Charlottesville.
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Tackle: 1050 Monticello Loop Charlottesville, VA 22902
Cellphone: (434) 984-9800
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is open for guests to discover his home and gardens and study concerning the historical past of each Jefferson and the enslaved people who lived and labored on the plantation. Buying tickets upfront is very really helpful, with a number of choices of excursions, together with a self-guided tour, the Hemings Household tour, and a Gardens and Grounds tour. As soon as you have completed your tour, make certain to cease by Michie Tavern, a historic tavern positioned a half-mile from Monticello — sure, the servers are in interval apparel, and sure, you will need a couple of of their biscuits.
James Monroe’s Highland
Tackle: 2050 James Monroe Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Cellphone: (434) 293-8000
Highland, fifth president James Monroe’s dwelling, sits two and a half miles from Monticello. Now owned by the Faculty of William & Mary, Monroe’s alma mater, Highland is open for each excursions and occasions. Highland not solely permits guests to study extra about Monroe, but additionally concerning the enslaved individuals who lived and labored on the property.
Carter Mountain Orchard
Tackle: 1435 Carters Mountain Path, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Cellphone: (434) 977-1833
Enjoyable for the entire household, Carter Mountain Orchard is open year-round, however the choices do change by season. Guests trying to choose their very own apples or take pleasure in fresh-pressed apple cider and apple cider doughnuts have from mid-August till mid-December to cease by the orchard.
Hike Outdated Rag Mountain
Outside fans visiting Charlottesville cannot cross up a hike by means of the majestic Shenandoah Nationwide Park. A kind of hikes is Outdated Rag Mountain (or “Outdated Rag” for brief), a well-liked but difficult loop path. It actually is not for the faint of coronary heart, however the 360-degree views that reward hikers once they’ve reached the summit are definitely worth the sweat. Most want a full day to finish the hike, because the 9.5-mile loop often takes round 5 hours. For very best situations, plan to hike Outdated Rag between Might and October — simply be sure you choose up each your park entrance pass and your Outdated Rag day-use ticket beforehand.
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Artwork Assortment of the College of Virginia
Tackle: 400 Worrell Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Cellphone: (434) 244-0234
With greater than 2,200 artifacts, work, and sculptures, the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Artwork Assortment is the one museum in the US solely dedicated to Australian Aboriginal artwork. Housed at Pantops Farm, as soon as owned by Thomas Jefferson, the gathering is free to go to, and excursions are provided every day. It’s, nevertheless, really helpful to make a reservation for a particular time, as solely eight individuals can go to the museum without delay.
Greatest Buying
Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall
Tackle: 108 fifth St. NE Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
Cellphone: (434) 295-9073
Greater than 120 retailers and 30 eating places might be discovered within the historic buildings alongside Major Avenue. The Downtown Mall has a number of artwork galleries, like C’ville Arts, and jewellery shops — cease in Angelo Jewelry and Tuel Jewelers — in addition to a number of guide shops; bibliophiles can take their choose from New Dominion Bookshop, 2nd Act Books, and Daedalus Books.
The Nook
Tackle: 1501 College Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903
The Nook is a busy intersection and enterprise district throughout the road from the college; it is also the middle of off-campus pupil life. Seven blocks of eating places (together with Bodo’s Bagels) and retailers, The Nook options 65 completely different companies, together with Mincer’s UVA Sportswear, Ragged Mountain Running Shop, and Heartwood Books.
Charlottesville Metropolis Market
Tackle: 100 E Water St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Cellphone: (434) 970-3371
Open April by means of November, Charlottesville Metropolis Market lays declare to the title of “Charlottesville’s oldest open-air market.” Right here, you may get a style of every part Charlottesville — from artisan bread to contemporary fruit and doughnuts. Moreover, there are a number of distributors (discover the total record here) who promote crafts and souvenirs of your time in Charlottesville. One factor to notice is that the Metropolis Market is for the early risers. In the summertime months, it is open till midday, and within the fall, it closes at 1 p.m.
Barracks Highway Buying Middle
Tackle: 1117 Emmet St N, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Cellphone: (434) 227-5170
For a extra typical shopping center expertise, Barracks Highway Buying Middle is the place to go. Greater than 80 retailers and eating places might be discovered on the heart — which is only a 10-minute drive from Downtown Charlottesville — together with Warby Parker, Ulta, Madewell, and Athleta.
Neighborhoods to Know
College of Virginia: The middle of campus, the place you will discover each the Rotunda and The Garden, serves as its personal neighborhood, although the college extends into different components of Charlottesville. Surrounding neighborhoods embrace Venable, Jefferson Park Ave, Poplar Glen, and tenth & Web page.
Charlottesville Historic District: Many Charlottesville neighborhoods have “historic district” of their official titles, however should you hear somebody point out the Historic District, they’re almost definitely speaking about this brick-paved neighborhood and the Downtown Mall. It is right here the place the town’s first taverns and retailers opened, and the place each college students and guests come to eat, drink, store, catch a film, or take pleasure in reside music.
Belmont: Inside strolling distance of the Downtown Mall, the Belmont neighborhood is quieter and extra residential. Belmont sits southeast of the town and combines two neighborhoods in a single, Belmont and Carlton.
Barracks/Rugby: As its identify suggests, Barracks/Rugby is made up of a number of neighborhoods. Situated within the north-central a part of the town, this neighborhood is made of scholars, professors, and households. The Barracks space, on Barracks Highway, options slim residential roads and chic houses. Rugby Avenue connects Downtown to the college — right here, you will discover one finish of the well-known Rugby Highway, a road lined with beautiful buildings and houses, many housing the varsity’s fraternities and sororities.
tenth & Web page: tenth & Web page was developed by John West, a previously enslaved man who purchased the land and divided it amongst Black households within the late Nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. At present, tenth & Web page is generally residential, and it is named for one of many intersections close to the neighborhood’s heart.
Rose Hill: The Rose Hill neighborhood sits in the course of Charlottesville, between North Downtown and tenth & Web page. The world contains Booker T. Washington Park, a public recreation space with fields, courts, an outside pool, and a playground.
Climate
Charlottesville is a real four-season metropolis, with spring bringing rise to daffodils, azaleas, and rhododendrons and summer time ushering in humidity with the longer days. In autumn, crisp temperatures arrive within the metropolis, and the occasional snowfall happens within the winter months.
The next are common Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.
January 30°-47°
February 32°-50°
March 39°-59°
April 48°-69°
Might 56°-77°
June 64°-84°
July 68°-87°
August 66°-85°
September 59°-79°
October 49°-69°
November 40°-59°
December 33°-50°
Apps to Obtain
Virginia Wine: occasions, promotions, and itineraries for Virginia Wine Nation
iOs | Android
ETA Spot Cellular App: transportation
iOs | Android
VEORide: transportation, e-scooter, e-bike, or bike
iOs | Android
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