1309 West Main Street
Charlottesville, Virginia 22903
(434) 295-4333
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Friday: Welcome Back to Charlottesville
Get Here and Get Checked in at Your Hotel
Stay close to the action at one of Charlottesville’s walkable hotels near UVA Grounds! Check-in times can vary, with some allowing for early check in and/or luggage drop-off. Call ahead and confirm!
Gear Up & Wander Grounds in the Late Afternoon
Start your homecoming weekend with a stop at the UVA Bookstore to pick up the latest Cavalier apparel. While you’re there, take a look at this season’s promotional schedule to see if your game falls on a special theme weekend – you might need to buy some game day gear!
Once you’ve got your new blue and orange, spend a few hours wandering Grounds. Grab lunch to-go from your favorite nearby spot and enjoy a picnic on the Lawn, admire the Rotunda, and revisit your favorite study spots. You may even discover a few lesser-known gems – like the Pratt Gingko tree or the Pavilion Gardens where you can pick-your-own fruit!
Explore Charlottesville’s Dining Scene for Dinner
The dining scene has evolved tremendously in the past few years and there are plenty of restaurants worth checking out! Stay within walking distance of the University and try:
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If you're feeling nostalgic, cap off the evening with a drink at a Corner classic like Boylan Heights, Trinity Irish Pub, or Ellie’s Country Club (formerly the Biltmore) before calling it a night!
Saturday: Game Day
Grab Breakfast at Bodo’s Bagels (duh)
Game times vary on Saturdays, but no matter what you’ve got to start your morning with breakfast at Bodo’s Bagels. Will you get your go-to order? Will you try something new? This one is up to you!
Attend Game Day Festivities
Head towards Scott Stadium several hours before kickoff to enjoy everything that makes UVA Football Saturdays unforgettable. Set up your own tailgate (just like the good old days) and reconnect with old friends, classmates, and the next generation of Hoos. Don’t have a tailgate planned? Stop by one of these community tailgates for a mix of games, live music, food, giveaways, and more!
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UVA football also offers group ticket packages and fan experiences all season long. Spots are limited though, so make sure to plan ahead.
Return to a Charlottesville Classic for Lunch or Dinner
Post- or pre-game, you can’t go wrong grabbing a bite at one of the restaurants that have become local institutions! Choose from favorites like:
Cheer on the Hoos at Scott Stadium
There’s nothing quite like hearing the Good Old Song echo through Scott Stadium! Arrive early to get concessions, grab your seats, and catch the team’s grand entrance onto the field.
Celebrate Like the Old Days
Win or lose (but probably a win), continue the post-game tradition by heading to one of Charlottesville’s classic gathering spots:
Sunday: Choose Your Own Adventure
Grab Breakfast Before Hitting the Road
If you somehow skipped Bodo’s Bagels on Saturday, now’s your chance. Otherwise enjoy a leisurely brunch at:
Explore More of Charlottesville and Albemarle County
Before heading home, spend a few extra hours re-discovering your go-to spots or finding some new favorites!
- Stroll the Historic Downtown Mall
Walking and shopping on the Downtown Mall is an excellent opportunity to experience the creativity and community that make Charlottesville so special. Browse locally owned boutiques, specialty shops, bookstores, and more. If the weather agrees, enjoy lunch on one of the many outdoor patio spaces! - Attend a Roseland Polo Match
Cap off your weekend with a free Roseland Polo match at King Family Vineyards. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket or lawn chairs, and settle in for a timeless sporting tradition! Polo season ends November 1st. - Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Did you visit Charlottesville if you didn’t also visit Monticello? Get tickets to a tour of the mansion or purchase a Grounds tickets for some solo exploration. If you like hiking, take on the Saunders-Monticello trail! - Visit Shenandoah National Park
Take in the iconic Blue Ridge Mountains with an easy hike, drive, or scenic overlook on Skyline Dr. It’s only a 30-minute drive from Grounds and a great excuse to stop-in to a winery or spend some time in Crozet. - Sip Along the Monticello Wine Trail
With more than 40 wineries just a short drive from Grounds, spend some time enjoying award-winning Virginia wine and breathtaking vineyard views.