Get Started with These Guides & Itineraries

A Year-Round Destination

No matter when you're planning on visiting, there's always something to do, with every season offering something exciting and new. Charlottesville and Albemarle County is a year-round destination, with world-class wine, vibrant art, and a diverse community just waiting to welcome you in!

NEW Inspired Itineraries

Inspired Itineraries: Freddie Li (@itsfreddieli)

Wondering whether our slower, wintry season is worth a visit? Just ask adventure traveler Freddie Li! Freddie and his partner visited Charlottesville & Albemarle County at the end of November

Inspired Itineraries: Houston Vandergriff (@DownsandTowns)

We welcomed Houston and Katie Vandergriff of Downs & Towns to Charlottesville & Albemarle County for a memorable getaway filled with local flavor, scenic views, and must-see experiences.

Explore Charlottesville's Seasons

The Ultimate Summer Bucket List

Welcome to summer in beautiful Charlottesville and Albemarle County! We’ve got all you need for a summer getaway: stunning views, outdoor adventures, an extensive wine and craft beverage scene, and so much more.

The Ultimate Spring Bucket List

It’s officially springtime in Charlottesville and Albemarle County and that means temperatures are ticking up, spring blooms are emerging, and a new season of events is kicking off!

10 Reasons to Visit Charlottesville in the Winter

Winter in Charlottesville and Albemarle County is a lovely time! A relaxed, cozy feel takes over the area as we bundle up and head out to explore all there is to do. If you've always wanted to visit the Charlottesville…

22 Things to Do in Charlottesville This Fall (Your Ultimate Bucket List)

Autumn in Charlottesville and Albemarle County is pure magic. Crisp air, vibrant foliage, seasonal flavors, and a packed calendar of events makes this region a must-visit for fall adventurers, foodies, and art lovers alike.

10 Free Things to Do in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

Visiting Charlottesville and Albemarle County doesn't have to break the bank. Exploring is possible on any budget!

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Monthly Guides to Charlottesville

May: Things to Do

May is a fantastic time to visit Charlottesville and Albemarle County, as the weather starts to warm up and the region comes alive with a plethora of events and festivals. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, a foodie…

April: Things to Do

Spring has arrived in Charlottesville and Albemarle County and April is the perfect time to explore!

March: Things to Do

March in Charlottesville and Albemarle County is when winter starts to loosen its grip and the first hints of spring begin to bloom. The days grow a little longer, patios start to fill, and the Blue Ridge views feel especially…

February: Things to Do

February in the Charlottesville area is like a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. As the chilly winter air begins to mellow, the local scene comes alive with a cozy blend of history, culture, and adventure! Whether you're a foodie…

January: Things to Do

New year, new reasons to take a trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County! January is a great time to visit with unbeatable room rates, fun things to do, and the best chance to snag a reservation at restaurants across the…

December: Things to Do

Winter in Charlottesville and Albemarle County offers a remarkable mix of holiday lights, historic charm, and festive fun.

November: Top Things to Do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County

November in Charlottesville & Albemarle County means... crisp mornings, sun-warmed afternoons and the perfect atmosphere for enjoying everything from mountain views to downtown strolls.

Fall in Love with Charlottesville: October Things to Do

October in Charlottesville and Albemarle County is pure magic. Near perfect temperatures, leaves turning from green to gold, and a calendar packed with classic fall traditions.

September in Charlottesville: Top Things to Do — Festivals, Football, Apple Picking & More

Summer is winding down in Central Virginia, and cooler days are on the horizon — but we’re not ready for pumpkin spice and sweaters just yet.

August in Charlottesville: Top Things to Do — Music, Wine, Outdoor Adventures

August in Charlottesville & Albemarle County is peak season for soaking up summer. With long golden days, lush vineyards, and a packed calendar of outdoor concerts, festivals, and family-friendly adventures, there’s no better time to explore the area.

July: Things to Do

Pick juicy peaches from a local orchard, indulge in our culinary scene during Charlottesville Restaurant Week, celebrate National Ice Cream Month at local creameries, and cool off with indoor activities or celebrations near the Rivanna or James Rivers. It’s all…

June: Things to Do

Plan your stay and enjoy an endless stream of events and live music, savor sips along the Monticello Wine Trail -- named Wine Region of the Year in 2023, and celebrate Great Outdoors Month with hikes, river festivals, and historic…

Follow the Footprints: Itineraries in Honor of the USA's 250th Anniversary

Episode 1 Itinerary: Explore Lesser-Known History (Transportation and Commerce)

Episode 2 Itinerary: Explore Lesser-Known History (Agriculture and Outdoor Spaces)

Episode 3 Itinerary: Explore Lesser-Known History (Local Stories and Personal Roots)

Episode 4 Itinerary: Explore Lesser-Known History (Homes and Hospitality)

Episode 5 Itinerary: Explore Lesser-Known History (Education and Civil Rights)

Episode 6 Itinerary: Explore Lesser-Known History (Dining and Gathering Places)

There's Something for Everyone in Charlottesville & Albemarle County!

A Runner’s Guide to Charlottesville & Albemarle County

by Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni, of Ragged Mountain Running and Walking Shop

When it comes to running and walking in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, there’s no better experts than Mark and Cynthia Lorenzoni.

Read Between the Wines: A Charlottesville Guide to Local Books and Bottles

Written by Sam (@_bookstasam)

It’s no surprise that local Charlottesville and Albemarle County wines have finally been getting the attention they deserve -- but deserving of equal attention, is the impressive number of bookshops, pop-up booksellers, poets-for-hire, events, and well-known authors that Charlottesville contains…

Charlottesville & Albemarle Birding Guide: Top Spots, Seasonal Birds, and Tips

Charlottesville and Albemarle County are a birder’s dream, with mountains, forests, rivers, and open fields that make this area a hotspot for biodiversity.

A Francophile’s Guide to Charlottesville and Albemarle County

March 14 is Lafayette Day in Virginia. Each year, this day honors the Marquis de Lafayette’s contributions to American Independence and his lifelong friendships with Virginians active in the nation's founding.

Plan a Race with these Spring Running Events

With a number of beautiful trails and routes, many of which offer stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville and Albemarle County are a great place to get out for a run.

Cast & Sip: Fishing and Wine Pairings in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

Written by BJ Poss

Well before Thomas Jefferson had been filling his home with artisanal ferments and plopping vines in the ground, there had been trout sipping bugs off the river systems that surround what has become Virginia wine country.

Local Guide to Enjoying Cider in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

Did you know that cider apples have been grown in Virginia since the 17th century? In fact, Thomas Jefferson dabbled in cidermaking himself at Monticello! It's safe to say that cider is a big deal here in Charlottesville and Albemarle…

10 Free Things to Do in Charlottesville & Albemarle County

Visiting Charlottesville and Albemarle County doesn't have to break the bank. Exploring is possible on any budget!

How to Shop Like a Local in Charlottesville: 7 Insider Tips

From charming boutiques on the historic Downtown Mall to artisan markets and makers’ studios, Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer countless ways to shop locally and creatively.

Your Cheat Sheet to Polo at King Family Vineyards

by Cole Boylen, Director of Marketing at King Family Vineyards

Have you ever spent a Sunday afternoon sipping local wine and watching live polo in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains? You can in Charlottesville and Albemarle County!

14 Family-Friendly Fall Experiences in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, VA

Nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville, VA in Albemarle County is a perfect getaway for families seeking a nature retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Best Spots for Fall Foliage in Charlottesville and Albemarle County

Looking for the best places to see fall foliage in Virginia? Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer some of the most picturesque leaf-peeping destinations in the state.