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The Visitors Bureau is here to answer all your questions about Charlottesville and Albemarle County!
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Recently Answered Questions
UVA visitor parking
Submitted on 08/21/2010
Question:
Where do you park for an information session/tour of UVA
Where do you park for an information session/tour of UVA
Answer:
Depending on what and where you are touring at the University can determine where you park. The best bet check UVa's Visitor Parking website or call 434) 924-7231 for more information. Wahoo wah!
Depending on what and where you are touring at the University can determine where you park. The best bet check UVa's Visitor Parking website or call 434) 924-7231 for more information. Wahoo wah!
Weather
Submitted on 08/20/2010
Question:
My family plans to come and visit in mid October. Will the trees still have fall colors and what is the weather normally like at that time of the year?
My family plans to come and visit in mid October. Will the trees still have fall colors and what is the weather normally like at that time of the year?
Answer:
Fall foliage is beautiful here in central Virginia however, the exact leaf peak is hard to predict. The weather patterns throughout the year determine how long the leaves will take to change colors, how long they will stay on the trees and how vibrant their colors will be. The Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive) offer websites for checking on the status of fall foliage. Beginning in mid to late September the leaves will start to change so be sure to visit regularly for the most up-to-date reports. Weather during October is usually mild with temperatures at an average of 69° during the day to an average of 48° at night. Precipitation during October is usually low with an average of 2.4 inches for the month. A light jacket or a sweatshirt usually keep you warm enough while enjoying the sites! Note: the temperature on the mountain top can get about 10 degrees cooler. Hope that you and your family enjoy spending your Fall with us!
Fall foliage is beautiful here in central Virginia however, the exact leaf peak is hard to predict. The weather patterns throughout the year determine how long the leaves will take to change colors, how long they will stay on the trees and how vibrant their colors will be. The Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive) offer websites for checking on the status of fall foliage. Beginning in mid to late September the leaves will start to change so be sure to visit regularly for the most up-to-date reports. Weather during October is usually mild with temperatures at an average of 69° during the day to an average of 48° at night. Precipitation during October is usually low with an average of 2.4 inches for the month. A light jacket or a sweatshirt usually keep you warm enough while enjoying the sites! Note: the temperature on the mountain top can get about 10 degrees cooler. Hope that you and your family enjoy spending your Fall with us!
Amtrak station - car rental?
Submitted on 08/20/2010
Question:
Hello, I was wondering if there is any car rental station near the Amtrak station? If not it is it easy/safe to call a cab? Thanks
Hello, I was wondering if there is any car rental station near the Amtrak station? If not it is it easy/safe to call a cab? Thanks
Answer:
While there are not any car rental agencies within walking distance to the Amtrak station, there are Enterprise (Tel.: (434) 974-7488) and Hertz (Tel.: (434) 293-3141) car rental companies in the area that will pick you up. Taxi’s are easy and safe in the Charlottesville area. For a complete list of taxi companies visit the Transportation section of our website. Thanks and safe travels!
While there are not any car rental agencies within walking distance to the Amtrak station, there are Enterprise (Tel.: (434) 974-7488) and Hertz (Tel.: (434) 293-3141) car rental companies in the area that will pick you up. Taxi’s are easy and safe in the Charlottesville area. For a complete list of taxi companies visit the Transportation section of our website. Thanks and safe travels!
River Tubing
Submitted on 08/17/2010
Question:
I would like directions and pricing on river tubing for this coming Saturday..I will be driving from Chester, VA. Please help....Thank you
I would like directions and pricing on river tubing for this coming Saturday..I will be driving from Chester, VA. Please help....Thank you
Answer:
James River Runners and James River Reeling & Rafting are both located in Scottsville Virginia and run rafting trips daily in the summer. Both outfitters can book up quickly so be sure to call ahead and make your reservations and check weather and river conditions the day of your trip. Directions to James River Runners: From points east (Richmond,Tidewater areas - take I64 West) and west of Charlottesville (Waynesboro,Staunton - take I64 East) proceed to exit #121 on I-64 (Scottsville/Charlottesville exit). Take Route 20 South for 17.5 miles, TURN RIGHT onto Route 726 (James River Road). Start following the BROWN HATTON FERRY SIGNS leading to Hatton's Ferry. Go straight through the first stop sign. At the second stop sign turn RIGHT and remain on Route 726 for 3 miles. At the "T" intersection turn LEFT onto Route 625 Hatton Ferry Road go 2 miles and you are here! Directions to James River Reeling & Rafting: From Richmond & Tidewater Area: I-64 west to Charlottesville-Scottsville exit 121-A. Follow directions from Charlottesville. Alternate: Take Rt. 6 west to Scottsville. Turn left on Ferry Street. Located on the corner of Main and Ferry Street.
James River Runners and James River Reeling & Rafting are both located in Scottsville Virginia and run rafting trips daily in the summer. Both outfitters can book up quickly so be sure to call ahead and make your reservations and check weather and river conditions the day of your trip. Directions to James River Runners: From points east (Richmond,Tidewater areas - take I64 West) and west of Charlottesville (Waynesboro,Staunton - take I64 East) proceed to exit #121 on I-64 (Scottsville/Charlottesville exit). Take Route 20 South for 17.5 miles, TURN RIGHT onto Route 726 (James River Road). Start following the BROWN HATTON FERRY SIGNS leading to Hatton's Ferry. Go straight through the first stop sign. At the second stop sign turn RIGHT and remain on Route 726 for 3 miles. At the "T" intersection turn LEFT onto Route 625 Hatton Ferry Road go 2 miles and you are here! Directions to James River Reeling & Rafting: From Richmond & Tidewater Area: I-64 west to Charlottesville-Scottsville exit 121-A. Follow directions from Charlottesville. Alternate: Take Rt. 6 west to Scottsville. Turn left on Ferry Street. Located on the corner of Main and Ferry Street.
Thanksgiving dinner
Submitted on 08/03/2010
Question:
Aside from the Boar's Head Inn, what other places are recommended for Thanksgiving dinner in Charlottesville? With a pre-teen and a teenager, we don't want anything too fancy, but we'd like a nice meal.
Aside from the Boar's Head Inn, what other places are recommended for Thanksgiving dinner in Charlottesville? With a pre-teen and a teenager, we don't want anything too fancy, but we'd like a nice meal.
Answer:
When dining in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, you can't go wrong! The Boar's Head does offer a beautiful spread. The Pointe at the Omni and Savour both do versions of Thanksgiving buffets. Other restaurants providing Thanksgiving dinner options are Clifton Inn, Maya, and Silver Thatch Inn. Please note many restaurants are closed for Thanksgiving so calling ahead to make a reservation is strongly recommended.
When dining in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia, you can't go wrong! The Boar's Head does offer a beautiful spread. The Pointe at the Omni and Savour both do versions of Thanksgiving buffets. Other restaurants providing Thanksgiving dinner options are Clifton Inn, Maya, and Silver Thatch Inn. Please note many restaurants are closed for Thanksgiving so calling ahead to make a reservation is strongly recommended.
wineries
Submitted on 07/27/2010
Question:
I am trying to plan a two or three day wine tasting visit to the Charlottesville area (Afton, Crozet, Charlottesville,etc) What is a reasonable schedule to follow? Thanks.
I am trying to plan a two or three day wine tasting visit to the Charlottesville area (Afton, Crozet, Charlottesville,etc) What is a reasonable schedule to follow? Thanks.
Answer:
We boast a large variety of wineries - and breweries too! You can select those that interest you, add to your Itinerary and have a custom trip guide, complete with driving directions. Scope out My Itinerary for more info. The Monticello Wine Trail has a fantastic website which provides information on five different suggested trail options too. The trails map out wineries that are within in close proximity for easy travel. We suggest four to five wineries a day. We also suggest driving responsibly! Scope out some available Wine Tours, and leaving the driving to someone else...wine tasting to you!
We boast a large variety of wineries - and breweries too! You can select those that interest you, add to your Itinerary and have a custom trip guide, complete with driving directions. Scope out My Itinerary for more info. The Monticello Wine Trail has a fantastic website which provides information on five different suggested trail options too. The trails map out wineries that are within in close proximity for easy travel. We suggest four to five wineries a day. We also suggest driving responsibly! Scope out some available Wine Tours, and leaving the driving to someone else...wine tasting to you!
Itinerary around Monticello
Submitted on 07/21/2010
Question:
What other attractions/stops would you recommend adding to my itinerary if I am planning to visit Monticello in the morning with my family? 2 children, ages 9 and 13.
What other attractions/stops would you recommend adding to my itinerary if I am planning to visit Monticello in the morning with my family? 2 children, ages 9 and 13.
Answer:
Glad you're planning a family visit! We have many things to keep the whole family entertained, educated and energized while visiting. After Monticello a hearty lunch at Michie Tavern, will be very satisfying. Servers and hosts are in period clothing, the food is all-you-can-eat and it’s served in the unique atmosphere of the Ordinary Tavern restaurant. After lunch, tour the tavern where the family will enjoy interactive dancing, games and adventures. Once finished at Michie Tavern you can either head to Ash Lawn-Highland, or to the Historic Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Ash Lawn-Highland is the home of President James Monroe. Ash Lawn even has workshops with candle making, paper quilling, ornament making and archeology as the topics. They also include a house tour. Downtown parking is available in the Market and Water Street garages with 2 hour validation available at the Downtown Visitors Center and many other merchants downtown. While downtown, you can shop, write some thoughts on the Freedom of Expression wall, visit The Glass Palette for a walk-in project, stop by the Downtown Visitors Center to pick up a self-guided Historic Downtown tour book or if you’re in town on Thursday evening you can head to the Albemarle Historic Society at 5:30 pm for a guided Court Square Walking Tour. You can even catch a Ghost & Mysteries Walking Tour of downtown, with a gentleman in a top hat, at 8 pm. on Thursday-Saturday evenings in front of Marco & Luca’s Dumpling Shop. There is also a free trolley ride from the downtown transit center to the Rotunda at UVA. The Rotunda offers free tours at 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm daily. If you're still not sure what to do, give us a call toll-free at 877.386.1103. We'll be happy to suggest more!
Glad you're planning a family visit! We have many things to keep the whole family entertained, educated and energized while visiting. After Monticello a hearty lunch at Michie Tavern, will be very satisfying. Servers and hosts are in period clothing, the food is all-you-can-eat and it’s served in the unique atmosphere of the Ordinary Tavern restaurant. After lunch, tour the tavern where the family will enjoy interactive dancing, games and adventures. Once finished at Michie Tavern you can either head to Ash Lawn-Highland, or to the Historic Downtown Pedestrian Mall. Ash Lawn-Highland is the home of President James Monroe. Ash Lawn even has workshops with candle making, paper quilling, ornament making and archeology as the topics. They also include a house tour. Downtown parking is available in the Market and Water Street garages with 2 hour validation available at the Downtown Visitors Center and many other merchants downtown. While downtown, you can shop, write some thoughts on the Freedom of Expression wall, visit The Glass Palette for a walk-in project, stop by the Downtown Visitors Center to pick up a self-guided Historic Downtown tour book or if you’re in town on Thursday evening you can head to the Albemarle Historic Society at 5:30 pm for a guided Court Square Walking Tour. You can even catch a Ghost & Mysteries Walking Tour of downtown, with a gentleman in a top hat, at 8 pm. on Thursday-Saturday evenings in front of Marco & Luca’s Dumpling Shop. There is also a free trolley ride from the downtown transit center to the Rotunda at UVA. The Rotunda offers free tours at 10 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 3 pm and 4 pm daily. If you're still not sure what to do, give us a call toll-free at 877.386.1103. We'll be happy to suggest more!
One Day Itinerary
Submitted on 07/16/2010
Question:
We will be in Charlottesville for one day and are interested in seeing the historic sites. What is a reasonable itinerary for a one day trip?
We will be in Charlottesville for one day and are interested in seeing the historic sites. What is a reasonable itinerary for a one day trip?
Answer:
With the wealth of history and heritage in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, there are many ways that you could spend many days busy exploring, learning and appreciating the historical assets that our regional offers! For your single day trip, scope out our suggested one-day itinerary. You could also build your own itinerary, and get suggested driving routes and driving times with the Trip Builder. Thanks for choosing to Visit Charlottesville!
With the wealth of history and heritage in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, there are many ways that you could spend many days busy exploring, learning and appreciating the historical assets that our regional offers! For your single day trip, scope out our suggested one-day itinerary. You could also build your own itinerary, and get suggested driving routes and driving times with the Trip Builder. Thanks for choosing to Visit Charlottesville!