March in Charlottesville & Albemarle County: Spring Blooms, Local Flavor & More

March in Charlottesville and Albemarle County brings the first hints of spring, with longer days, early blooms, and more opportunities to explore the outdoors.

Whether you're here for a weekend getaway or looking for something longer, March is a great time to discover local wineries, enjoy the area's food and arts scenes, and enjoy annual events.

One blog couldn’t possibly capture everything that’s happening in Charlottesville and Albemarle County! Head over to our upcoming events page to stay up to date on all the latest happenings in the area.

1. See the First Signs of Spring

As winter gives way to spring, Charlottesville and Albemarle County bloom with opportunities to adventure into the outdoors. Hike a wooded trail, explore a local park, or plan a scenic drive through the county. Seasonal farm experiences, such as pick-your-own flowers, also make for a memorable outing -- bloom time varies, so check current updates before planning your visit.

2. Treat Yourself to Charlottesville's Local Food Scene

With plenty of local flavor to discover in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, March is a delicious time to try something new or revisit your favorite spots! Start your morning with coffee and a pastry, plan a leisurely lunch, or spend an evening exploring restaurants and bars on the Downtown Mall. Plus, with longer days and warmer(ish) weather, why not enjoy some outdoor dining? Here are 10 places with heated outdoor seating to get you started.

-- *BONUS* Celebrate International Waffle Day | March 25th --

In our opinion, waffles are best admired one way... by eating them of course! Celebrate this important holiday by enjoying brunch (with waffles of course) at one of the many restaurants in Charlottesville, including The Fitzroy, Brookville Biscuit and Brunch, Hamiltons’ at First & Main, and of course, Iron Paffles & Coffee.

3. Sip Your Way Along the Monticello Wine Trail

What better way to celebrate Women’s History Month than by celebrating the women of the Monticello Wine Trail? Their creativity, collaboration, and diversity in style amongst women winemakers exemplify the qualities that garnered Charlottesville the “Wine Region of the Year” Wine Star award from Wine Enthusiast in 2023.

4. Discover March Events and Festivals

Whether you're looking for an event to plan your entire trip around or for a fun-add to your itinerary, these happenings offer a great way to connect with the community!

5. Explore Art, Books, and Culture

The Fralin Museum of Art

Located right on UVA Grounds, the Fralin Museum of Art is free and open to the public Tuesday through Sunday. Keep an eye on their events calendar for engaging, community-focused offerings including screenings, artist-led discussions, sensory experiences, and more.

Virginia Festival of the Book

This beloved annual tradition brings together writers and readers to promote book and literary culture. The festival always includes a stellar slate of authors and events, bringing out the best in poetry, children’s literature, fiction and non-fiction.

McGuffey Art Center

Located just off the Downtown Mall, McGuffey Art Center is a creative hub with something for everyone -- age and experience level! They offer a wide range of classes including dance, watercolor, animation, and improv. Head to their website for a full list of classes and events.

DIY Craft Classes

Do you have a creative young mind? We recommend checking out The Art Bar, Scrappy Elephant, and Rose's Inspiration Station (Crozet). Drop in and do a craft or sign up for an instructor-led class!

6. Discover Local History

Visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop home, or explore James Monroe's Highland to learn more about the area's presidential history and the lives of the people who lived and worked on these properties, including enslaved people. Both sites offer opportunities to engage with the region's complex history and landscape.

Closer to downtown, explore the University of Virginia's historic Grounds, stroll Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, tour the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, or discover local landmarks and historic neighborhoods. Some of these attractions offer guided tours, so be sure to check operating schedules and tour availability before your visit.

One day is never enough to experience everything Charlottesville & Albemarle County has to offer. Extend your adventure with an overnight stay and wake up ready to explore award-winning wineries, historic sites, mountain trails, local restaurants, and unique shops. Browse our Places to Stay page to find the perfect accommodations, then visit our Guides and Itineraries page for even more ways to build your ideal trip.

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