Curl Up at a Cozy Winery

Experience the Monticello Wine Trail, Wine Enthusiast’s recently-named Wine Region of the Year, during the coziest season! Our 9 Cozy Wineries feature walks you through some of the best spots to visit this winter. Curl up at the fire at King Family Vineyards, make s’mores and sip mulled wine at Eastwood Farm and Winery, enjoy hot fondue at Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard and more.

Plus, mark your calendar for Wine Fest on Sunday January 28th at The Wool Factory! Meet 14 different winemakers and wine projects from across Virginia with more than 30 wines & ciders to try. Food will be available for purchase. Get your tickets in advance here.

Take in a UVA Basketball Game

College basketball season is in full-swing and January is a great chance to catch a game at John Paul Jones arena! Both UVA men’s and women’s teams have tickets available for games throughout the month. Wear your orange and navy blue and get ready to cheer for the Hoos!

Virginia will officially celebrate 50 years of UVA Women’s Basketball on January 28 (at noon) when the Cavaliers host the University of North Carolina.

Embark on a Group Gravel Ride

Take the chance to cycle the beautiful countryside surrounding Charlottesville and Albemarle County with Blue Wheel Bicycles Group Gravel Ride on January 7th .

All abilities are welcome, but riders should be prepared to complete 25-40 miles of unpaved and paved roads. Additional Group Gravel Rides are scheduled for February 4th and March 10th.

Explore more Road & Gravel Rides on our Trails & Outdoor Routes page.

Savor Charlottesville’s Dining Scene

Enjoy the rich and diverse culinary scene in Charlottesville and Albemarle County this winter!

Charlottesville Restaurant Week


Mark your calendar for Charlottesville Restaurant Week happening January 29 – February 4. Choose from a $25, $35, or $45 meal at restaurants like Tavern and Grocery, Restoration, Bizou, Maru, Bang!, and Smyrna.

Plus, book a room at one of our boutique hotels whose restaurants are taking part in Restaurant Week. Indulge in a world-class meal just steps from your room!

The Clifton
| 1799

The Draftsman Hotel
| The Ridley

The Quirk Hotel
| The Pink Grouse


Quirk Hotel Whiskey Dinner

Chef Chuck Adcock and Spirits Expert Joel Cuellar of Quirk Hotel are thrilled to invite guests to experience their collaborative 5-course tasting menu with whiskey pairings on January 20th at the hotel’s restaurant, The Pink Grouse.

Your ticket ($112) includes a 5-course tasting menu, five 1oz. whiskey pairings and a welcome cocktail. Room reservations not required to purchase a ticket to attend this event.

Saturday January 20th | 7 PM

Learn more & reserve your spot.

Step into a Sauna

Take in an authentic, wood-fired sauna experience at Rivanna River Company.

No experience is necessary to enjoy this practice that spans cultures and thousands of years! Book a community or private session in the Finnish-inspired sauna where you will get nice and hot before heading down for a cold river plunge.

Arrive early or stay after your session to enjoy the new tea room, where you can relax with a hot cup of tea or delicious charcuterie board and take in the beauty of the riverfront location. Afterwards, head to Högwaller Brewing for a pint and a bite to eat.

Enjoy MLK Weekend

Take advantage of the special deals and experiences happening around Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

Family-Friendly Tours | Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello | Saturday January 13th – Monday January 15th
Free Family Studio Day | Second Street Gallery | Saturday January 13th
Free Entrance | Shenandoah National Park | Monday January 15th
Community MLK Celebration | The Paramount Theater | Thursday January 25

Book Your Stay

January is one of the most affordable times to take advantage of a visit in Charlottesville and Albemarle County – so book your stay today! Choose from a winery getaway, boutique stay, family-friendly hotel, and more.

Looking for more ideas of what to do during your trip? Check out our Ultimate Winter Bucket list for more.