What to Do in Charlottesville, VA
My love of Charlottesville, VA could be considered excessive by some, but I just think it is one of the loveliest and most unique places to call home. From the historic Downtown Mall with its many restaurants and shops to the surrounding hiking trails in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there is something for everyone no matter the season.
Charlottesville has a plethora of scenic parks, historical sites, waterways, shopping, dining spots, and even great guided tours. There is so much to do here that it can get a bit overwhelming to narrow it all down when planning your visit. Today I am sharing a round-up of activities I recommend of things to do when visiting this beautiful city of Charlottesville.
What to Do in Charlottesville, VA
Fun Things to Do in Charlottesville
The Charlottesville Ale Trail
Charlottesville has grown to be a big player in the craft beer scene. Chances are you’ve had a beer from Charlottesville – it’s where Starr Hill, Devil’s Backbone, and Three Notch’d all got their start. More great breweries continue to open in the area, including several spots walking distance of one another, and several located near the pedestrian Downtown Mall. It was inevitable an Ale Trail would one day be created! It’s easy to participate – you’ll simply visit their website and download your passport. Every time you visit a spot on the tour, get a stamp. It’s a great way to explore all the great locations while earning a free gift.
My recommendation is to turn it into a walking tour. Figure out which ones are walking distance of one another and hop around. For example, you can start at Starr Hill for a pint, then head on over to Rockfish Brewing, before grabbing another pint with a delicious Pizza at Random Row. This is just one of many fun itinerary options!
Always remember the most important part – be safe! Either Uber or select a designated driver.
Enjoying pizza at Random Row while on the Ale Trail.
The Downtown Mall
The Downtown Mall can be a fun place to just walk around and people watch (something I often do with my puppy Ollie). There are also cute shops to explore, fantastic coffee shops, small art galleries, great restaurants for delicious food, and options for beer, wine, and cocktails – as well as great nonalcoholic options (Tilman’s and Tonic often have fun selections available)!
Enjoying a mocktail on the patio at Tonic.
Progressive Dinner
I love a good progressive dinner, and I feel like downtown Charlottesville is a great location for doing this while out and about. If you aren’t familiar, a progressive dinner is when you go to a different spot for each course of a meal. This is traditionally done at people’s houses, but I like to do this at restaurants to fully experience a location.
I will typically start at one location for drinks and appetizers, head to another for the main course, and then end it for dessert and a nightcap somewhere else.
The biggest thing to keep in mind with a progressive dinner is timing. I’ll usually pick a slower weeknight or weekend (like when students are gone for the summer) and I’ll make reservations for the dinner itself. It’s usually easier to grab a bar seat for the other two courses. For some ideas on where to go, check out my post on the best casual restaurants in the area.
Unique Things to Do in Charlottesville
IX Art Park
IX Art Park is a 24-hour mural and sculpture art park free to the public to roam and explore. There always seems to be something happening here, whether it be the Saturday morning farmer’s market or a specialty fair. A listing of events can be found here.
Additionally, you’ll find The Looking Glass at IX. This immersive art space is a truly unique way to experience Charlottesville. Created by local artists, this enchanted forest allows you to escape the everyday in a magical way. Tickets can be purchased online and are $15 for ages 14 and up, $12 for ages 4 – 13, and free for those 3 and under.
Corner Food Tour
If you want to get a feel for life at UVA, the Corner Food Tour is a fun culinary option. For three hours, you’ll stroll the UVA Corner, which is the spot in Charlottesville where the University of Virginia students spend most of their time outside of class. Learn about the history of the corner while enjoying local food at five different locations.
The tours run Thursday – Sunday from 2:00 – 5:00 PM and cost $75/person. Book your tickets here.
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia
Who knew you could find a museum dedicated to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art outside of Australia – let alone in the middle of Virginia! The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the only way you’ll be able to find this without traveling down under.
The museum is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. While it is part of the University of Virginia, you will not find it on the UVA Grounds (don’t even think about calling it a campus around these parts – I made that mistake once!). Instead, it is housed in a historic house located on the eastern side of Charlottesville at 400 Worrell Drive. Though it is free to visit, reservations are still highly recommended and can be made online.
Romantic Things to Do in Charlottesville
Wineries
What could be more romantic than drinking wine while taking in views of the Blue Ridge Mountains? Considering this is referred to as the birthplace of American wine, it makes sense there would be a plethora of options to choose from along the Monticello Wine Trail (some are award winning!). Some of my favorites are Veritas, Blenheim, and Pollak, but they all have something great to offer! Grab a glass and enjoy!
Charcuterie at Veritas makes for a lovely afternoon at a winery.
Hot Air Ballooning
Literally sweep your partner off their feet and into the clouds with a hot air balloon ride. You’ll spend 45 minutes soaring over the city of Charlottesville, and the event even includes pictures and a traditional champagne (or celebratory NA drink) toast.
Dinner and a Show at the Paramount Theater
The historic Paramount Theater is in the heart of the Downtown Mall, making it a perfect option for constructing a romantic night out. Ever since the theater was restored and reopened in 2004, they have been busy hosting concerts, the ballet, comedy shows, and more. Be sure and check out their events here.
Be sure and make a reservation at one of the many restaurants in town for before your show to make the night even better. One of my favorite things to do is grab a glass of wine at Crushpad Wine Bar, where you can also order some pasta from Luce. Another fun option is cocktails and tapas at one of their sister restaurants, Bang! - though they don’t take reservations.
Rooftop Drinks at Quirk
My prize for best rooftop drinks in Charlottesville goes to the Rooftop at Quirk. The panoramic views are amazing and the setting is fun. As it is located on Main Street only minutes from the Downtown Mall, you’ll be near lots of dinner options, but the rooftop also offers great appetizers and a variety of pizzas. I personally love the olives with halloumi or their shishitos.
Another great thing about the rooftop is several of their cocktails can be turned into mocktails – something this pregnant lady very much appreciates! If you are imbibing, you won’t be disappointed with those offerings either.
Quirk is also a perfect option for where to stay when you come to visit Charlottesville, as it is centrally located and absolutely lovely. I stayed here with my puppy Ollie and you can read all about our adventure here.
Things to Do in Charlottesville with Kids
Dairy Market
Dairy Market is a fantastic food destination for families because there are a ton of options available. This is great if you have a hard time pleasing everyone with one spot. You’ll find GRN Burger for your vegetarian/vegan crowd (the Make it Hot Burger is my personal favorite) and Citizen Burger Bar for your carnivores. Enjoy a cocktail with a twist at Milk Man’s Bar while your kiddos enjoy ice cream from Moo Thru, located in the same area of the food hall. If your kids love to dance and listen to music, why not head over to Starr Hill Brewery and enjoy a pint while supporting local musicians?
Dairy Market is also always hosting fun events, so be sure and check them out here. You can also learn more about the history of the Dairy Market and their vendors from an earlier post of mine.
My personal favorite: Cake batter ice cream with rainbow sprinkles.
Discovery Museum
Discovery Museum is one of the top places in Charlottesville to take kids. This nonprofit is an interactive and educational museum just for kids located on the Downtown Mall. Open Monday – Saturday from 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM, it’s a flat rate of $10/person whether child or adult (only kids under 1 get in free).
Check out what their two main galleries have to offer in terms of exhibits here. You can also check out their programs here, but note that many of these are paid or require registration.
Carter Mountain Orchard & Country Store
Carter Mountain is such a fun spot for the family. What could be more wholesome family fun than eating hot apple cider donuts before picking apples yourself from the very same orchard? Plus, there are beautiful mountain views.
You can even make a whole day out of it by heading on over to Michie Tavern for a family friendly lunch and to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello for a tour afterwards, as they are all located right next to one another. However, you’ll find there is plenty to do at Carter Mountain if you prefer to stay in one spot
Outdoor Things to Do in Charlottesville
Hiking
No matter your skill level, you’ll be able to find a hike for yourself in the Charlottesville area. If you are looking for lowkey, I highly recommend the Saunders-Monticello Trail (keep in mind this one is not dog friendly), but if you are searching for stunning views, take a drive in Shenandoah National Park and take advantage of the many trails they have to offer (over 500 miles!).
Farmer’s Markets
A great way to get a true taste of Charlottesville while also supporting local vendors is hitting up the Farmer’s Markets. Gathering almost every Saturday morning of the year, these are held just off the Downtown Mall and in the nearby IX Park (though there are other offerings throughout the county as well). It’s a fantastic way to grab locally sources produce, jewelry from Charlottesville artisans, and so much more.
Explore Monticello Gardens
The gardens at Monticello are an interesting sight to see. From flowers to edible plants, it shows you what a huge operation was (and remains) in place at this historic site. The Gardens & Grounds all day pass is $22 for adults, $8 for youths 12 – 18, and free to those under 12. It does not include admittance into the house. You can purchase your tickets here.
Fridays after Five
From mid April to early September, enjoy the free outdoor concert experience known as Fridays After Five. Held in the Ting Pavilion at the end of the Downtown Mall on Fridays from 5:30 – 8:30 PM, you can enjoy free music. There are also plenty of food and drink vendors onsite where you can purchase food, wine, beer and more. You can make a whole night of it by heading out to eat afterwards or just enjoy your time at the Pavilion.
Christmas Things to do in Charlottesville
I love Charlottesville during the holidays! This is from my puppy Ollie’s first Christmas.
Winter Wander at the Boars Head
Winter Wander is presented by UVA but held at the Boar’s Head Resort and it is honestly one of the best ways to feel the holiday cheer. It’s also a great way to get lost in nature, as you’ll experience the best light display in Charlottesville while on a magical lakeside stroll.
After your stroll, be sure and check out the holiday vendors at their market or grab snacks and a seasonal cocktail before settling down on the cozy patio equipped with fire pits. As a pro tip – also make sure to grab one of their boozy hot chocolates before taking the chilly stroll by the lake!
Winter Wander usually starts in November and runs through early January, so be sure and keep an eye on their website for tickets. They sell fast!
Veritas Illuminated
As I mentioned before, I love Veritas. It’s one of my favorite wineries in the area and it makes you feel like you are in a Christmas movie around the holidays.
Veritas Illuminated is a ¼ mile walking path where you can stroll through the illuminated woods and vines for a unique light display experience. After getting lost in the holiday magic, you can then toast to the season with one of their delicious wines!
Veritas Illuminated runs from mid-November through early January, so be sure and purchase tickets ahead of time. In 2022 they were $15/adult and $10/child.
The Brew & Buddy Run at the Paramount Theater
I participated in the Brew & Buddy Run back in 2019 and it was a ton of fun. Starting off at the Paramount Theater, you will run to different breweries in town (locations TBD), where you will receive a free pour at each. From there, you’ll run back to the Paramount to enjoy a showing of Elf (and $1.00 off a beer purchase at the theater).
Tickets for the movie and the run in 2022 were $25/person and I suggest getting them early (you do have the option of only purchasing the movie ticket as well). You will also need to sign a waiver before you receive your wristband.
Historical Things to do in Charlottesville
Tour the Presidential Homes
There are three presidential homes located in the Charlottesville area: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland, and James Madison’s Montpelier. They’ve done a great job at all three of restoring the properties, as well as creating tours to highlight all aspects of their history.
Probably the best known of the three, Monticello also offers the most tour options. There is the Highlights Tour, several family friendly tours complete with scavenger hunts, and the interactive From Slavery to Freedom Tour just to name a few. Prices vary depending on tour.
I’ve visited Monticello several times with out of town guests and I always find something new and interesting so I definitely recommend it if presidential homes are of interest.
General admission tickets to Highland grant you access to new interior exhibits in the 1818 guesthouse, as well as allowing you to explore the outdoor spaces. Tickets are $18 for 13 and up, $13 for kids ages 7 12, and free for those six and under. There is also an option for a private guided tour exclusive to small groups visiting.
Guided tours of the house are offered from Thursday - Monday every 30 minutes from 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Cost for adults is $36, youths 12 - 17 are $16, and under 12 tour for free. If you prefer to do self guided, you are able to purchase a grounds only pass Thursday - Monday from 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. The cost is $13 for adults, $8 for youth, free for children under 12.
Explore the University of Virginia
It isn’t surprising there are a ton of interesting and historical things to see at the University of Virginia itself. Established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “Public Ivies” of the United States. Here are few highlights to explore:
This national historic landmark is probably one of the most recognizable buildings on university grounds and is the center of what is known as Jefferson’s “Academical Village”. Modeled after the Pantheon, it was the last item to be finished on what is known as the Lawn back in 1828 and is definitely a site to see.
Consisting of nearly 14,000 pieces of art located in the historic and restored Thomas H Bayly Memorial Building, The Fralin is a great to way to explore and appreciate various types of art, from European to American Indian and beyond. Admission is free (though donations are welcome) and it is open Tuesday - Saturday from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM and Sundays from 12:00 - 5:00 PM (closed Mondays).
While these eight foot walls look really cool in terms of asthetics, they are actually symbolic of the University’s dark past. These walls were built in order to conceal the presence of the enslaved laborers at the University who were responsible for hauling water, building fires, preparing meals, and more. You can learn more about their construction, as well as more about the enslaved African Americans at the University of Virginia using the Walking Tours of the Grounds App.
The author and poet was briefly a student at the University of Virginia back in 1826. His room has been restored to show what it would have looked like during his time here. You can view it through a glass partition, as well as listen to audio discussing his time at the University.
There you have it - this is just a sample of the many things to do while visiting Charlottesville, VA! I hope you enjoy taking in the sites.
Until next time, cheers and happy exploring!