Things To Do
Charlottesville is best known as home to movers and shakers in our nation's history, welcoming visitors eager to see Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello and his lasting academic legacy at the University of Virginia.
And while it's true that a walking tour of downtown Charlottesville offers a deep look into early-American history, the destination offers far more than just historic sites.
A respite and retreat for handfuls of accomplished musicians, authors and actors, Charlottesville has developed a rich, sustained arts and entertainment scene, especially when it comes to live music. Downtown marquees with famous names in lights pack historic theaters for legendary blues artists, rockstars and internationally acclaimed musicians who bridge genres from folk to classical.
In contrast, just beyond the city, Albemarle County has diligently preserved vast swaths of undeveloped forest and fields around pockets of rural life. The resulting scenic drives are unlike anywhere else in the country, with miles of gentle roads winding over hills and low mountains, opening suddenly to dramatic vistas of open space.
Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the same sites from a different perspective, kayaking the James or Rivanna, hiking miles of wilderness trails or pedaling miles of bike trails and quiet country roads where farmers work land that's been in their families for generations.
Residents and visitors alike love the orchards along those roads, flowing into the fields at harvest times throughout the year to wrap their fingers around strawberries, and cherries, peaches and apples.
At the same time, those passionate for another fruit - the grape - enjoy tours and tastings at more than 20 vineyards along the Monticello Wine Trail, and hops-lovers taste still another side of the area's award-winning small-batch breweries that make up the Brew Ridge Trail
Featured Listings
Blenheim Vineyards
- 31 Blenheim Farm
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434.293.5366 | Fax: 434.293.9983
- Visit Website
The rich history of the Blenheim property goes back to the 1730’s; it is said that Thomas and Martha Jefferson rested here during a snowstorm while traveling to Monticello. The modern history of the vineyard begins in 2000, when it was established by owner Dave Matthews. Today, Blenheim Vineyards is a family-operated winery located 20 minutes southeast of Charlottesville, and is on the National Register of Historic Places. With two vineyard sites growing five European varietals, the goal at Blenheim Vineyards is to make high quality wines that reflect the climate, soil and beauty of the surrounding piedmont landscape. The vineyards are open 7 days a week for wine tastings, 11 am – 5:30 pm, at $5 per person. Hour- long private cellar tours & tastings, accompanied by Blenheim’s winemaker, Kirsty Harmon, are available by appointment, as are group tastings in the cellar for 20 people or more. The history of Blenheim – and the tasting room, deck and upstairs patio –are available for private & corporate events. MORE >>
Alakazam Toys & Gifts
- 100 E Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 29902
- (434) 971-1717 | Fax: (434) 971-1717
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
WE ARE A LOCALLY OWNED TOY STORE...
opened in the spring of 2005 by us, a couple of California girls who landed in the south after a whirlwind tour of the universe. We knew in our ... MORE >>
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
- 200 Second Street, NE
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 296-1492 | Fax: (434) 296-4576
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Founded in 1940, the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society seeks to study, preserve and promote the history of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Virginia. The Society strives to ... MORE >>
Albemarle County Courthouse
- 501 East Jefferson Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 972-4083
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
The courthouse is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. There is no admission fee. Closed for state and federal holidays. Court Square buildings are visible from the street at all ... MORE >>
Albemarle County Fair, Inc
- 4990 Plank Road
- North Garden, VA 22959
- (434) 293-6396
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Albemarle County Fair, Inc., a nonprofit, regionally based corporation, has as its primary mission to annually sponsor the Albemarle County Fair. This Fair is primarily focused on serving the ... MORE >>
Albemarle Vintage Limousine
- P.O. Box 5371
- Charlottesville, VA 22905
- (434) 531-5802
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Albert and Shirley Small Special Collections Library
- 160 McCormick Road
- Charlottesville, VA 22904
- (434) 243-1776 | Fax: (434) 924-4968
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Special Collections administers over 12 million manuscripts, 2.5 million items in the University archives, and 300,000 rare books, as well as approximately 4,000 maps, over 4,000 broadsides; more than ... MORE >>
AMF Kegler's Lanes
- 2000 Seminole Trail
- Charlottesville, VA 22906
- (434) 978-3999
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Bowling, pool tables, video games, brew pub & lounge. A great place for a fun family outing, holiday party or corporate event. Full service catering, meeting room and audio visual available. ... MORE >>
Apple Harvest Festival
- 1435 Carters Mountain Trail
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- 434-977-1833 | Fax: 434-979-6277
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Celebrate harvest season in the mountains! Pick your own apples, enjoy a hayride, and spread a blanket to listen to the bluegrass music, all while enjoying the gorgeous views of the Blue Ridge ... MORE >>
Arcady Vineyard
- 1376 Sutlers Road
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 960-0820
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Arcady Vineyard, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, provides private tours of the area's best wineries. Private tours take no more than 2 couples per van. Group tours can take up to 10 in two ... MORE >>
Ash Lawn- Highland, Home of President James Monroe
- 1000 James Monroe Parkway
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 293-9539 | Fax: (434) 293-8000
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Restored home of the 5th president of the United States and close friend of Thomas Jefferson. James Monroe's 550- acre estate recreates the atmosphere of a working farm, with strutting peacocks, ... MORE >>
Azalea Park
- Azalea Park
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 970-3589
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Azalea Park consists of 23 acres of level land. On the north side of the property are trees and natural buffers which separate the park from neighborhood homes. On the south side is ... MORE >>
Birthplace of Meriwether Lewis Historical Marker
- intersection or U.S. 250 & Owensville Rd
- Ivy, VA 22945
- (804) 367-2323x122
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
One of many Virginia Highway Markers that commemorate people, events or other historic resources within the Commonwealth. Visible from the road 24 hours a day.
Half a mile north ... MORE >>
Buck Mountain Church
- 4133 Earlysville Rd
- Earlysville, VA 22936
- (434) 973-2054
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
This house of worship is a rare surviving example of the simple wooden Anglican parish churches scattered through Virginia in the colonial period. Erected to serve Frederick Parish, the ... MORE >>
Camryn Executive Transportation & Limousine
- 101 Free Bridge Lane
- Charlottesville, VA 22911
- (434) 990-9070 | Fax: (703) 997-0543
Welcome to Camryn Executive Transportation and Limousine. Camryn provides ground transportation based in Charlottesville. Black car service, luxury stretch limousines, 14-person vans, comfortable ... MORE >>
Cardinal Point Vineyards
- 9423 Batesville Road
- Afton, VA 22920
- (540) 456-8400 | Fax: (540) 456-8442
- Region: Regional - Nelson County
Family owned and operated, Cardinal Point Vineyard and Winery lies in the beautiful foothills of the Blue Ridge, in the shadow of Afton Mountain. Paul and Ruth Gorman invite you to come and visit ... MORE >>
Carmike Cinema 6
- 1803 Seminole Trail
- PO Box 8023
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 973-4294
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Carter Mountain Orchard
- 1435 Carters Mountain Trail
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- 434-977-1833 | Fax: 434-979-6277
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Established in 1974 in an old apple barn, Carter Mountain Orchard’s retail business has grown into one of the most recognized farm markets in Virginia. Open early July through Thanksgiving (and ... MORE >>
Center for Politics
- 465 Crestwood Drive
- Charlottesville, VA 22904
- (434) 243-8468 | Fax: (434) 243-8467
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
The Center for Politics was founded in 1998 by Larry J. Sabato at the University of Virginia to overcome the notion that politics thwarts the proper function of government. We think politics makes ... MORE >>
Charlottesville City Market
- Water Street & First Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 970-3371
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
The City Market offers a place for farmers, gardeners, bakers, and craftspeople to sell their products to the general public. All goods must be homegrown, home baked or homemade. ... MORE >>
Charlottesville Ice Park
- 230 West Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434.817.2400
The Ice Park offers public skating, freestyle sessions, hockey leagues, drop-in hockey, stick and puck sessions, plus skating and hockey classes and lessons for young and old. Birthday parties and ... MORE >>
Charlottesville Pavilion
- 700 E. Main St.
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434-245-4910 | Fax: (434) 817-0219
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Located on the east end of the historic downtown mall, the Charlottesville Pavilion is the city’s premier outdoor venue for live performance. Open since July of 2005, it features premium seating, a ... MORE >>
Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce
- 5th and East Market Streets
- P.O. Box 1564
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 295-3141 | Fax: (434) 295-3144
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Catering to business and relocation needs in the Charlottesville Region.
Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival
- Lee Park
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 979-1200 | Fax: (540) 832-7485
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Join us in September for the largest vegetarian/animal rights/ecology festival on the east coast. Voted one of the top two outdoor events in Charlottesville with 6,000-8,000 visitors annually. Fun ... MORE >>