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
Meade Park
- Corner of Meade Ave & Chesapeake Ave
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 970-3589
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
5.2 acres in size. Meade is best known for Onesty Swimming Pool. The pool beautifully overlooks a stream dotted with weeping willows. The pool opened to the public in 1975 and is named in honor of ... MORE >>
Michie Tavern ca. 1784 - A Virginia Historic Landmark
- 683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434-977-1234 | Fax: 434-296-7203
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
MICHIE TAVERN, located ½ mile below Jefferson’s Monticello, accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging more than 200 years ago. Today, visitors experience the Tavern’s past through an ... MORE >>
Miller School of Albemarle
- 1000 Samuel Miller Loop
- Charlottesville, VA 22903
- (434) 823-4805
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
The Miller School is one of several legacies of Samuel Miller, a native of Albemarle County who grew up in poverty but went on to become a wealthy investor in Lynchburg. He established The Miller ... MORE >>
Mint Springs Valley Park
- Mint Springs Park
- Crozet, VA 22932
- (434) 296-5844
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
504 land acres, 8 water acres, 2 beach acres. Hours: 7:00am to Dark, all year (6:00am peak fishing times).
Monticello
- 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434.984.9822 | Fax: 434.977.7757
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
No other home in the United States more accurately reflects the personality of its owner than Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's architectural masterpiece and beloved mountaintop home. Monticello is the ... MORE >>
Monticello Wine Trail
- -
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Monticello Wine Trail, the Birthplace of American Wine, provides information about the area's wineries and tasting rooms. Including wine trails and wine tour suggestions, news and special event ... MORE >>
Mountfair Vineyards
- 4875 Fox Mountain Rd
- Crozet, VA 22932
- (434) 823-7605
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Located on the Eastern Slope of the Blue Ridge Mountains near Charlottesville, Mountfair Vineyards crafts small-batch, blended red wines using the classic grapes of Bordeaux: Merlot, Cabernet ... MORE >>
Outdoor Adventure Social Club
- Charlottesville Downtown Mall #420
- 420 East Main St. #3
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- 434-760-HIKE (4453)
Locals and visitors alike enjoy exciting and beautiful outdoor adventures with Outdoor Adventure Social Club.
Locals: our club of over 200 members strong (ages 18 through ... MORE >>
Paramount Theater
- 215 East Main Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 979-1333 | Fax: (434) 979-8460
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
The historic Paramount Theater a Charlottesville landmark built in 1931 offers a wide variety of live art performances. Check their website for performance schedule.
On ... MORE >>
Pine Knot
- 711 Coles Rolling Road
- Keene, VA 22946
- (434) 286-6106
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Pine Knot was the country retreat of Theodore and Edith Roosevelt and their children from 1905 to 1908 during his term as President. The property originally consisted of a simple two-story building ... MORE >>
Pollak Vineyards
- 330 Newtown Road
- Greenwood, VA 22943
- 540-456-8844 | Fax: 540-456-6565
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Pollak Vineyards, a dream of Margo and David Pollak, is a boutique-sized winery on a 98-acre farm in Greenwood, Virginia, just west of Charlottesville. With the goal of making French-style wines from ... MORE >>
Putt Putt
- 1515 Putt Putt Lane
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (434) 973-5509
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Two 18-hole courses. Great place for parties for children. March-November 9:00am-midnight, seven days a week. Please call for more information.
Regal Cinemas 6 Downtown Cinema
- 200 W. Market Street
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 979-7669
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
$5.50 Adult before 6pm, $7.50 after 6pm.
Riverview Park & Rivanna Greenbelt
- 302 Riverside Ave
- Charlottesville, VA 22902
- (434) 970-3589
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Riverview Park consists of 26.6 acres bordering the river. With a large paved parking area, kiosk, playground, grill, two benches and an open field, this park is ideal for picnickers and families. ... MORE >>
Robert E. Lee Monument
- Lee Park
- Charlottesville, VA 22901
- (877) 386-1102
- Region: Charlottesville and Albemarle County
This monument was commissioned in 1917 and completed nearly seven years later. In 1924, the statue was presented to the city during a Confederate reunion held at the park. More information is ... MORE >>