The beautiful city of Charlottesville, Virginia is located in the heart of the state, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This city, which was home to two presidents, is not only rich in historical sites, but is also the perfect destination for those who love the outdoors or enjoy supporting local craft breweries and wineries. Whether you are looking for a couple’s retreat, girls trip, or family vacation, Charlottesville has something fun for everyone to enjoy. Here are the top six places to visit in and around Charlottesville that you don’t want to miss:
#1: Monticello
Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is by far the most popular historical site in Charlottesville. Begin your day at Monticello by touring the visitor center, then take a short bus ride up the mountain to the estate (you can hike up the hill you prefer). Day tickets are available for purchase with a self guided tour of the ground floor of the home or, if you’re interested in learning more about the Jefferson family, you can purchase a behind-the-scenes tour that includes some rooms on the second floor.
Don’t forget to explore the grounds and gardens around the home to include Mulberry Row. Mulberry Row was where slaves on the plantation once lived and is now the home of an extensive exhibit about slavery on the plantation that provides an honest and inclusive look at one of the most difficult topics in American History. If you visit on Tuesday through Sunday, you may even get to meet Thomas Jefferson himself (as portrayed by veteran historical actor-interpreter Bill Barker)!
#2: Michie Tavern
Have you ever wanted to travel back in time to see what things were like? You can at Michie’s Tavern. The Tavern was built in 1784 and has been serving midday meals since then! You can tour the grounds, general store, and the tavern itself. Reservations for lunch, where you’ll experience an 18th century meal complete with delicious biscuits, are available from 11:30am-3:30pm with seating available both inside and outside.
#3: University of Virginia Campus
Rich in history and American culture, the University of Virginia, which was established by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, is a stunning campus to visit even if you are not a prospective student. It is also the only University in the United States that is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of only four Universities to be named a world heritage site in the world! A must-see if you aren’t able to explore the whole campus is the Rotunda that Thomas Jefferson designed himself!
#4: Explore the Outdoors
If you love the outdoors, Charlottesville will not disappoint at any time of the year. Visit in the fall and you can take in all that autumn has to offer with sweeping views of the surrounding foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ beautiful fall foliage.
Charlottesville and the surrounding area offers an abundance of trails to accommodate everyone from casual walkers to experienced hikers. If you are a new hiker or traveling with family, a visit to Kemper Park is a great way to enjoy nature. Be sure to check out Monticello-Saunders trail that includes a boardwalk through the forest and is perfect for families with strollers. For more experienced hikers looking for a moderate to difficult trail, check out Shenandoah Park, which is a quick 25-minute drive away in Afton, VA. You can even hike trails that are part of the Appalachian trail.
Do you enjoy picking your own fruit? If so, Carter Mountain Orchard is just the place for you. Peaches are available to pick from June to September, or, if you don’t want to pick, you can purchase them from the country store. August through September, you can enjoy more than 20 different kinds of apples. The country store is also open year round and offers a variety of produce, jams, ciders, and more. Don’t forget to grab a delicious homemade apple cider donut and a jug of apple cider while you’re there.
#6: Breweries, Wineries, and Cideries
With its many breweries, wineries and cideries, nearby Route 151 is affectionately known by locals as “Alcohol Alley.” The road is lined with lots of helpful signage to make it easy to explore on your own. The King Family Vineyards is the best winery for families and one that I personally make sure I visit when I travel to Charlottesville.
You can take a picnic to enjoy or visit some of the available food trucks. There is plenty of room for kids to run and play outside while you soak in the views of the countryside and sip your favorite vintage.
For a more intimate, adult winery experience, Veritas Winery tops my list because of its unique ambiance and gourmet cuisine. Want to experience several of the local wineries or breweries? There are also several limousine tours available if you would like to hop from one location to the next safely.
Conclusion
All in all, the city of Charlottesville has something for everyone to enjoy: a girls’ trip to tour the wineries, family vacation to explore the rich history and great outdoors, or a weekend couples retreat enjoying delicious food and wine while taking in sweeping mountain views. If you’ve visited this historic area of Virginia, tell us about your favorite landmark or activity in the comments below!
Interested in escaping to beautiful Charlottesville? Having lived in the state of Virginia for 35 years and experiencing Charlottesville on many occasions, Jessi Maner, one of our travel advisors, would love to assist you with planning your next adventure!
