24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Charlottesville, VA

24 Best & Fun Things To Do In Charlottesville, VA

 

Charlottesville, which residents frequently refer to as C’ville, is a stunning and incredibly historic city.

The independent area is well-known among travelers for its lovely, lush foliage and pleasant climate!

Its vast expanses of mountains, hardwood forests, and farmland have made sure that everyone is aware of how magnificent this area can be.

It is well known that this city, which serves as Albemarle County’s county seat, has a rich history.

Charlottesville, named for Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, has a long and illustrious history.

It is the residence of Thomas Jefferson and several other American leaders.

 

1. Michie Tavern

Michie Tavern is one of the friendliest places to visit in Charlottesville.

It was first set up in Earlysville, Virginia, in the late 1700s, but it has since moved here.

That old place isn’t famous for its cheap food; it’s famous for being interesting.

There is southern comfort food, drinks, and a bed for the night. It’s like going back in time.

There are historic houses and a museum at Michie Tavern that show it is on the National Register of Historic Places.

There is a gift shop, an old-fashioned general store, and a shop that makes metalwork on-site.

Not only that, but all of the staff dresses in colonial clothes from that time!

The tavern has been nicely fixed up and is close to Monticello.

You know where to go for buttermilk biscuits, pork barbecue smoked over wood, or chicken baked in a marinade.

Address: 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

2. Birdwood Golf Course at Boar’s Head

Golf Course Drive leads to the Birdwood Golf Course at Boar’s Head, which makes sense.

This is something you should see whether you like to play or not.

The 500-acre course, which is backed by the Blue Ridge Mountains, was once the site of a wilderness village in 1739.

It has 18 championship golf holes and a brand-new six-hole par-3 course!

The Birdwood Golf Course has won a lot of awards.

Not many people know that golfing is one of the fun things to do in Charlottesville!

You can play golf there, and the University of Virginia golf teams do. The course is fun for golfers of all types.

Events happen regularly all year long, too.

You can do a lot of other things here after your game since it’s part of Boar’s Head Resort.

Stop by Birdwood Grill at the very least to try some sandwiches, salads, starters, and drinks!

Address: 410 Golf Course Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States

3. Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery

Wolf Trap Road is where you can find Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery.

In French, its name means “The Eyes of the World.”

Lyn Bolen Warren made it after getting her Ph.D. in art history, which is what inspired her to make the gallery in her own home.

W. G. Clark built her home on top of a rock, which is now the gallery.

With its glass block and Corten steel construction, the building is already beautiful.

Since its opening in 1995, Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery has been showing modern art by artists from all over the world, including some from Charlottesville.

This is where you can find art by Russ Warren, William Albert Allard, and Anne Harris Massie.

It also collaborates with other art galleries to show a wide range of works and hold artist talks.

It’s always interesting because the exhibits change so that tours are always interesting.

One of the best things to do in Charlottesville, VA, if you love art.

Along with the Second Street museum and the University of Virginia Art Museum, the art museum works with other art space.

The art center does more than just show art. Artists give tours and give talks.

Address: 841 Wolf Trap Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911, United States

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4. Albemarle Baking Company

The goods from Albemarle Baking Company can be found in Charlottesville and at Virginia catering companies.

That’s why it’s one of the best places for food

The fun spot is full of different kinds of baked goods that are ready for you to try.

This place is popular for making tarts, pastries, cakes, bread, and more by hand with good ingredients.

They started Albemarle Baking Company in 1995 while they were married.

It left Downtown Mall in 2001 and became the first shop in Main Street Market.

It has won many prizes for its tasty food and catering services.

It has a pretty wide range of choices, with choices for every day and different choices for each day that change every week.

Time of day changes what kinds of pastries they have!

Address: 418 W Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States

5. Luray Caverns

Want to do some cool things?

You can go to Luray if you’re ready to leave Charlottesville.

The place is pretty close and has one of the best things to do in Virginia for people who like the odd!

The most famous and largest rocks in Eastern America are here, in Luray Caverns.

With more than 4 million years of history, the caves are full of beautiful and dramatic rock formations and natural wonders.

This cave has rooms that are up to ten stories tall.

The columns, clear pools, and natural curtains are truly beautiful and amazing.

The Great Stalacpipe Organ, on the other hand, is the real hit.

Geological features, like hollowed stalactites of different lengths and widths, were used to make the instrument.

Soft rubber mallets are used to hit the stalactites, which are spread out over 3.5 acres but all make the same amount of noise.

Address: 101 Cave Hill Rd, Luray, VA 22835, United States

6. The Ivy Inn Restaurant

The Ivy Inn Restaurant is a beautiful restaurant in a Charlottesville building from the 18th century.

The classy restaurant is a great place to relax because it has a warm and friendly vibe and comfortable furniture.

It will be easy to tell that you are in the South and can enjoy its famous friendliness!

There are four eating rooms and a covered patio at the Ivy Inn Restaurant.

American dishes with small twists that make them more cosmopolitan are made with seasonal, locally found ingredients.

It’s likely that having dinner here this weekend is one of the most romantic things to do in Charlottesville, VA. The mood is calm, and the wine list is long.

Do not forget to order cake!

Address: 2244 Old Ivy Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States

7. Bodo’s Bagels

Bodo’s Bagels is a must-see for anyone who comes to Charlottesville.

This place is one of many food-related things to do in Charlottesville!

It has been open since 1988 and is a favorite hangout for University of Virginia students. It is known for having the best bagels in the city.

Bodo’s Bagels has a laid-back vibe, low prices, and a huge selection of tastes and bites.

As soon as you get hungry, it’s fun to stop by this place!

There are different kinds of New York-style water bagels, and they are all made from scratch every day in-house.

Spreads and cream cheese of all kinds make it taste even better!

For those who want something different, there are also sides and soups, and simple drinks can be bought to go with them.

Address: 505 Preston Ave, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States

8. Rivanna River Trail

Want to go to one of the US’s most beautiful spots?

Along the Rivanna River Trail, there are many interesting things to see. It is also a lovely place to visit while you are on holiday in Virginia.

The trail goes around Charlottesville and is 19.5 miles long. It mixes wild vegetation with urban ease in a seamless way.

There are a lot of fun things to do along the way as it takes you through six different parks in the city.

When you walk or ride your bike along the Rivanna River Trail, you’ll see creeks, bridges, streams, hardwood forests, a train trestle, and lots of other visitors.

You’ll even get to walk through various areas.

As long as you know where to start and end your walk, it’s easy to do so!

Address: Charlottesville, VA 22911, United States

9. MarieBette Cafe and Bakery

MarieBette Cafe and Bakery is without a doubt one of the most popular places of its kind in Charlottesville.

It serves delicious food with European influences that will take you on a trip.

This is one of the nicest places to go for lunch or quick pastries and coffee. There are fun, tasty snacks around every corner.

Beignets and croissant breakfast sandwiches are on the menu at MarieBette Cafe and Bakery.

The business sells fresh bread made every day, as well as healthy salads and sandwiches.

Be ready to wait because there is often a line for sit-down food.

Address: 700 Rose Hill Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States

10. Feast!

For people who love food, Feast! is one of the best places to go in Charlottesville.

In some ways, the lively, happy place could be called a food shop and in others, an art gallery.

The unique idea sells all kinds of gourmet foods and even meals, presented in a way that will amaze and wow customers.

Feast! began in 2002 and was run by a married pair.

It came from nothing but had a clear, avant-garde charm, with shades of deep red, bright yellow, and oak.

There was a “olive tree,” or olive oil table, in the middle of the store.

It was a round piece of furniture with steel rods for legs. It held a tree of French bottles with olive oils and vinegar in them.

It didn’t have many kinds of meat or cheese at the time—just 10 or 40.

Feast! has only grown and gotten better since then.

This store is now huge—eight thousand square feet—and has about seventy-five kinds of fine cheese and sixty kinds of deli and cured meats.

You can look for local wines, fresh food, organic oils, foreign condiments, artisanal bread, and specialty vinegar.

They have a lunch cafe with a full menu that serves daily specials, soups, and sandwiches made with the food they sell.

Address: 416 W Main St suite h, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States

11. Virginia Discovery Museum

The Virginia Discovery Museum is a fun and interesting choice with lots of hands-on and interactive displays!

When kids come to this fun place, they will learn a lot about many different subjects.

For kids ages 8 and younger, it’s fun to learn about the arts, history, nature, education, and other subjects.

The Virginia Discovery Museum opened in 1981 and moved to where it is now in 1990.

It started out as a group that took displays on trips across the middle part of the state.

Now, it will stay in Downtown Pedestrian Mall for good.

Kids can work out their brains, use their imaginations, and become more aware of their surroundings by solving problems.

There are some really cool things at the museum for kids to see, like Little C’Ville, A-Mazing Airways, and Pollination Station.

There are also events that happen every year, like the Santa Pancake Breakfast in December, the Boo Bash in October, and the Discovery Dash in May.

You can be sure that your donation will go to a good cause since the museum doesn’t make any money.

Address: 524 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

12. The Glass Palette – Interactive Glass Art Studio

One of the best things to do this weekend in Charlottesville is to visit the Glass Palette, an interactive glass art workshop.

This is the only shop in the state where you can make your own glass art. It’s on East Market Street.

The studio has a lot of different tools, materials, and directions. It also has workshops and classes for people over the age of 18.

You won’t be lost with the Glass Palette!

You can learn from scratch or get better at what you already know in classes for people of all skill levels.

You can take lessons, bring your own alcohol to Glass Art Experiences, book a private party, or attend an event on the weekend.

A lot of the lessons that are given come with drinks and snacks as well.

When your ride is over, you can go to The Glass Palette’s gift shop.

You can buy the hand-made glassworks that are displayed here!

There is something truly magical about the studio, which is run by a mother and daughter.

That’s why it’s one of the coolest things to do in Charlottesville, VA!

Address: 1304 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

13. Blenheim Vineyards

The area that is now Blenheim Vineyards was once a favorite spot for Thomas Jefferson and his wife. Today, it’s one of the best places to go in Charlottesville for drinks!

The winery has been around for a long time, but it wasn’t called what it is now until 2000.

You won’t believe that Dave Matthews from the band Dave Matthews bought this land in Charlottesville!

The famous spot where Blenheim Vineyards is located is both beautiful and historic.

Even though it’s not very big, it has a beautiful tasting room and a deck where you can enjoy good wine.

There is also a wine trail that goes through it.

Address: 31 Blenheim Farm, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

14. Visit A Theater

Jefferson Vineyards is one of the best places in the city to try delicious wines.

People all over Charlottesville know it as a neighborhood favorite. Thomas Jefferson ordered it to be built, and it covers 22 acres.

It’s easy to get to and right in the middle of many great ancient sites in Virginia.

You can grab a nice bottle of wine at Jefferson Vineyards and sit inside or on the porch outside.

The quality of the wine is amazing, and since it first opened in 1774, people have loved its high-end products.

Also, you’re probably used to paying a lot of money to taste wines.

Many people think that coming here is one of the cheapest things to do in the city because the fee is so low.

Address: 1353 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

16. Kemper Park and the Saunders-Monticello Trail

Kemper Park covers 89 acres and is a beautiful place to relax and unwind.

If you want to get away from Charlottesville’s crowds, this is a great choice!

There’s a 2-acre pond, several walks, and an arboretum to check out, making it a great place to relax.

It has a beautiful view, so don’t forget to bring your camera!

The trail that goes through Kemper Park that people love the most is the beautiful Saunders-Monticello Trail, which is 4 miles long.

The path that goes through Monticello is a lovely and fun way to see the sights.

Plus, it’s one of the free things to do in Charlottesville, VA, so it won’t break the bank!

You can see the Blue Ridge Mountains from Carter Overlook.

As you walk, you’ll see valleys, hardwood forests, rustic roads through the woods, simple boardwalks, and gravel paths.

All of it can be reached by wheelchairs and is great for bikers and walking dogs on leashes.

Address: 503 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

17. University of Virginia

The University of Virginia, however, is unique.

It is the first American university to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the pinnacle of Thomas Jefferson’s legacy.

Jefferson, the third president of the United States and one of the founding fathers, was committed to education.

In 1819, he established the first nonreligious university in the country, the University of Virginia.

It is well-known for both its enduring influence on American education and its exquisite surroundings.

Along with a variety of historic buildings and institutions that are available to the public, there are ten pavilions and many gardens to explore.

One enjoyable choice for free activities in Charlottesville is to visit the university.

During class hours, tours of the Neoclassical architecture are free and a real treat.

The stunning Rotunda, the university’s central building and modelled after Rome’s Pantheon, is where each tour begins.

There are some interesting features in the Rotunda as well, such the secret chemical hearth that might have been a component of the nation’s first educational science lab.

The fire that destroyed the exterior that concealed the hearth led to its unintentional discovery!

The Raven Society uses The Raven Room, which you should also see while you’re visiting the campus.

A stuffed raven, a stone bust of Pallas, and a sofa from Poe’s own house are among the objects and items that adorn the room, which was originally his dorm.

Additionally, there is the Columbarium and Cemetery.

The headstone of Anna Anderson, who claimed to be Her Imperial Highness Grand Duchess Anastasia throughout her life, is visible here.

Additionally, there’s another thing to watch out for.

Numerous strange and inexplicable symbols, such the number “7,” the letter “Z,” the alpha and omega symbols, and the infinity sign, may be found around the campus.

The Seven Society, a covert charitable organization that provides the institution with enigmatic gifts that contain the number 7, is represented by these symbols.

The quest to locate these symbols is akin to a miniature treasure hunt!

Additionally, that could keep you occupied long enough to stay until the sun sets.

Regular public programs take place in many campus facilities at night!

Address: Charlottesville, VA, United States

18. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

To go to Charlottesville and not see Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is practically a crime.

The Founding Fathers established his homestead, plantation, and operational farm here.

Constructed in 1772, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Landmark.

Monticello stands out right away due to its architecture, which draws inspiration from Paris and Italy.

The grounds, which cover 5,000 acres, are simply breathtaking.

The mansion’s first floor is visited by guided tours, which also provide in-depth historical teachings about the American Revolution.

You can view Jefferson’s papers, books, furnishings, and letter copying machine here.

Extra charges apply for tours of the upper floors.

Through the perspectives of both the past and present, tours of the grounds give you a more complete understanding of Monticello and its harsh reality.

Learn about the 400 enslaved people who toiled on the plantation and how slavery was utilized to create America.

At least six of Jefferson’s children were born to Sally Hemings, an enslaved woman, according to the Hemings Family Tour.

Remember to stop by the fruitery and vegetable garden while you’re here.

These are some of America’s most beautiful culinary gardens.

Over 70 heirloom vegetable species in 330 variants can be found in the 2-acre vegetable garden.

With 400 trees and 170 historically significant kinds spanning 30 fruit species, the fruitery occupies 8 acres.

It’s simple to understand why Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is ranked among the top ten things to do in Charlottesville, Virginia, given its historic significance and natural beauty!

Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

19. Historic Downtown Mall

Most people don’t think of shopping malls as interesting places to visit, but the Historic Downtown Mall is one of the best places to visit in Charlottesville and a famous tourist attraction.

The area is only for pedestrians and has more than 30 restaurants and over 120 shops.

All of these places are within a seven-block area that is made up of only historic buildings.

The streets are made of brick and have trees along them.

The renovated buildings in the Historic Downtown Mall will amaze you as you walk around it.

Restaurants with tables outside feel more romantic, and fountains make the setting even better.

There are also theaters and movie theaters where plays, movies, and other events happen.

You should go here even if you don’t plan to spend any money. Just to look around!

Take a stroll through the mall this weekend in Charlottesville for some easygoing fun, or go on a Saturday to check out the Farmers Market.

Address: E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

20. Carter Mountain Orchard

There are lots of things to see in Carter Mountain Orchard, which is on the Carters Mountain Trail.

There are lots of family-friendly things to do there from April to November.

You are welcome to pick the fresh fruits that are there for you and enjoy the beautiful views.

There will be strawberries, apples, peaches, nectarine, and many other veggies.

Carter Mountain Orchard also has a unique event called the Evening Sunset Series every Thursday.

It’s one of the city’s most beautiful things to do!

You can eat dinner on lawn chairs and snack while you watch the sun go down with a glass of wine or cider.

There are also many events that happen every year, like the Peach Festival, the Apple Harvest Celebration, and the Easter Egg Hunt.

During certain times of the year, you can even ride a hayride or see a show!

Address: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

21. James Monroe’s Highland

James Monroe lived on a farm called James Monroe’s Highland. He was the fifth president of the United States and a founding father.

This part of the state has a lot of ancient sites to see, and one of the most important ones is near Monticello.

The lovely house has been kept in great shape and is now both a working farm and a museum.

Highland is home to 535 acres and was finished in 1793. It is on the National Register of Historic Places.

When you walk around the land, you can learn about Monroe’s life and how things were in the world back then.

You can enjoy looking at a number of different buildings, such as the hotel built in 1818 and other rebuilt buildings.

There is a smokehouse, a farmhouse, a cabin for the overseer, a house to store ice, and slave rooms.

Monroe bought the land for $1,000 an acre, but he had to sell it in 1825 because he owed money.

The setting is meant to look like the property did when it was at its peak, with beautiful scenery and sobering truth.

Monroe owned more than 250 slaves during his lifetime, even though he wanted to end slavery.

Reading the stories of the slaves who lived at Highland will help you understand the lives of those people.

Address: 2050 James Monroe Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

22. Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection

On the grounds of the University of Virginia is the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection.

One of the coolest and most unusual free things to do in Charlottesville, VA.

It is located at Pantops Farm, which was once owned by Thomas Jefferson.

The art museum is unique because it is the only one in the United States that only shows Australian Aboriginal art.

It has a big collection, one of the best in the world!

The collection was given by John W. Kluge in 1997, and it is now known as the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection.

The museum opened in 1999 and has more than 1,700 different things on show, such as paintings, sculptures, and artifacts.

Aboriginal culture is one of the world’s oldest still going strong, but the art on show is modern and deals with many of the problems that the Aboriginal people face.

There is something you should not miss if you are on holiday in Charlottesville!

Address: 400 Worrell Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22911, United States

23. Fralin Museum of Art

The Fralin Museum of Art is another place that people come to visit on the University of Virginia grounds.

In particular, it’s in the Thomas H. Bayly Memorial Building, which was built in 1935.

It is home to an amazing collection of about 14,000 different works of art.

The items on display are from very old times all the way up to the present day.

You can see sculptures from the last five hundred years, art from the old Mediterranean, and photography by famous artists at the Fralin Museum of Art.

There are important Native American works as well as works from America, Europe, and Asia.

This gem can be learned more about on tours led by docents. Each visit is different because of the talks, special events, and changing exhibits.

If you like art, this place in Charlottesville will be fun for you!

Address: 155 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22904, United States

24. Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park

Looking for things to do in Charlottesville when you’re there in your own car?

Skyline Drive is the best way to see Shenandoah National Park fast. Take a nice drive down it!

The road is a National Scenic Byway, a National Historic Landmark, and a place on the Register of Historic Places.

It’s clear that this is a famous drive!

From the city, Skyline Drive is easy to get to, and there are many places to stop along the way.

In the background, you’ll be able to see the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can also stop and go climbing in Shenandoah National Park.

There are many lookout places that give you more reasons to stop and enjoy the view, either with your eyes or a camera.

Skyline Drive is the only public road in the 200,000-acre national park. It is 105 miles long.

You might see black bears, deer, or birds crossing the road if you’re lucky.

Just make sure you don’t go over 35 mph for your own safety!

Address: VA, United States

25. McGuffey Art Center

For people who really like art, the McCuffey Art Center is one of the best things to do in Charlottesville, VA.

It is the home of many modern works of art, mostly ones made by artists from Charlottesville and other nearby areas.

It was started in 1975 and is run by artists from Virginia. It offers many workshops, activities, and training programs led by experts.

The McGuffey Art Center is in a building that used to be an elementary school.

Anyone can go there, and every month there are new free shows.

It will be possible to visit artists’ offices and watch them work.

Address: 201 2nd St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States

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