Charlottesville is one of the historic cities in Virginia. It is famous for being the place where a former US president once lived. Its locals are known for being warm, friendly, and hospitable, hence making it an inviting place for tourists to come and visit. Charlottesville is also packed with different outdoor and indoor activities that can be enjoyed by different age groups. This city has good shopping centers and a thriving culinary scene. Plus, its green spaces will please your senses, while its historic and cultural sites will enrich your knowledge. There are certainly a lot of attractions that this city can boast of. To know the unmissable things here, read on to see the best things to do in Charlottesville, Virginia.
1. Visit an art exhibition in BozART Fine Art Collective
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Julia Kindred is the featured artist at Botanical Fare in Charlottesville VA for March
Posted by Bozart Fine Art Collective on Wednesday, March 1, 2023
BozART gallery opened in 1995 on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall. After continuing for 19 years and having represented the artworks of renowned painters, sculptors, and ceramicists, it closed its doors in 2014.
In 2016, the gallery changed its name to BozART Fine Art Collective and continued to operate and exhibit its work in various different venues throughout Charlottesville. While many of the venues change every year from various art galleries, restaurants, centers, vineyards, and breweries, single artists continue to exhibit in three sites: Random Row Brewery, Botanical Fare, and Piedmont Place.
BozART Fine Art Collective
Address: Downtown Mall, Botanical Fare (next to The Nook) 421 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Website: BozART Fine Art Collective
2. Create your own glass masterpiece in The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
This is a snippet of our project example display! There are many sizes and shapes of items you can create. The colors...
Posted by The Glass Palette ~ Interactive Glass Art Studio on Sunday, August 23, 2020
Run by a dynamic mother-daughter duo, this studio strives to create an interactive experience with people of all ages and from every walk of life through glass art.
You can sign up for a class and start creating your own masterpieces on glass. While there are summer studio camps for younger children, adults can go for a one-day class or a weekend workshop for a more immersive experience. Students can choose and order their very own personalized glass kit that will have clear glass blanks, colored glass chips in a variety of shapes and sizes, glue, and glass nippers.
The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio
Address: 1304 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
Website: The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 12pm - 6pm (closed Mon - Thu)
3. Splurge and shop at Downtown Mall
Whether you want to shop or just walk around this beautiful Downtown pedestrian mall in Charlottesville, you will surely be delighted by its charming ambiance. This lovely mall has plenty of boutiques selling various items such as flowers, second-hand books, and other products made by different artisans. You can also find here spa centers that offer pampering treatments. Plus, it has various restaurants serving foods such as desserts, hamburgers, pastries, wines, and more. On some days, you may catch musical performances and other forms of entertainment on its pavilion for free.
Downtown Mall
Address: E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
Website: Downtown Mall
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
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4. Create your own artwork at McGuffey Art Center
McGuffey Art Center is a good place to explore displayed contemporary artworks and support local artisans. It was founded in 1975 and is managed by a group of artists in Virginia. Aside from marveling at its temporary exhibits, you can also learn how to improve your creativity from its member artists. This museum conducts workshops where you can learn sketching and painting using watercolors or oils and holds an annual exhibit during the holiday season. The museum, which was installed in a former elementary school building, is just a short walk from Downtown Mall.
McGuffey Art Center
Address: 201 2nd St NW, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
Website: McGuffey Art Center
Opening hours: Wed - Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon & Tue)
5. Marvel at toy collections in Virginia Discovery Museum
Although this museum is best enjoyed by kids between ages one to eight, adults that are young at heart can also have fun in this place as it will remind you of your childhood. Virginia Discovery Museum features a log cabin, play areas, art studio, train, and carousel. It also conducts camps and special events such as KidVention, an annual family science festival celebrated every February. You can find this museum at the east end of Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall, near Sprint Pavilion.
Virginia Discovery Museum
Address: 524 East Main St., Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
Website: Virginia Discovery Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9:30am - 5pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 8 USD
6. Enjoy cyling on the biking trail of Kemper Park
Head to Kemper Park if you are looking for a recreational activity that is close to nature. This 89-acre (36-hectare) park boasts a botanical garden, pond, circular outdoor theater, and circular plaza. Popular activities here include hiking, jogging, and bird watching. Also, it is famous for biking as the park serves as the starting point from Saunders-Montecillo Trail to Hartman Orchard and Mountain Trail Loop. This park is also dog-friendly but be sure to have them on a leash.
Kemper Park
Address: 503 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
Opening hours: 7am - 5pm (daily)
7. Savor a hearty meal at Michie Tavern ca. 1784
Experience dining in a historic tavern at Michie Tavern ca. 1784, 1.6 km (1 mi) away from the Monticello Mountain. This tavern will introduce you to the region’s local culture and hospitality. Its buffet set up in rustic dining includes dishes with Southern recipes. Among the top picks here are Virginia baked chicken, homemade mashed potato and gravy, stewed tomato, and gazpacho. For dessert, you can try their chocolate chunk cookies and fudge, or ice cream with hot topping. You can also enjoy here wines, beers, and ciders. Plus, you can take out some homemade biscuits, fried chicken, and sweet cornbread. The restaurant is also vegan-friendly and has different buffet options for adults and youths.
Michie Tavern ca. 1784
Address: 683 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, USA
Website: Michie Tavern ca. 1784
Opening hours: Sat - Thu: 11:30am - 3pm (closed on Friday)
8. Play in a budget-friendly game at Putt-Putt Fun Center
Putt-Putt Fun Center features 2 courses with 18 holes, plus straight and curved paths. Although it’s a simple and old mini-golf course, you can still be challenged making the right strokes to hit the ball and score in the game. You can opt for a course that is easier or a more challenging one, and you can also find here displays of animal statues where you can take Instagrammable photos with your family. This property has snack kiosks and vending machines available for drinks. Plus, the gold course’s price varies per 18 holes but is definitely budget-friendly. This is located along Rio Road and is also close to a mall.
Putt-Putt Fun Center
Address: 1515 Putt Putt Pl, Charlottesville, VA 22901, United States
Website: Putt-Putt Fun Center
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
9. Drop by The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia
The Fralin Museum of Art quietly tucked at the University of Virginia, dates back to 1935. It displays thousands of item collections related to different arts. Meanwhile, its permanent collection includes European and American paintings, sculptures, and photographs, as well as African and American-Indian art pieces. It also includes an old and modern variety of artworks. When visiting this museum, you have to allot at least an hour of your time to go through all its featured collections.
The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia
Address: 155 Rugby Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
Website: Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Fri: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
10. Sip a glass of award-winning wines at Jefferson Vineyards
This vineyard is well-known for its wine and its history. Former president Thomas Jefferson dedicated this property to grow grapes and produce wine. The vineyard has picturesque views that serve as a perfect backdrop as you enjoy your drink. The wine tasting fee here is affordable and provides options such as Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Riesling. You can also find some wines with the signature of President Jefferson. Plus, you can take home the tasting glass that you used and have it as a souvenir.
Jefferson Vineyards
Address: 1353 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
Website: Jefferson Vineyards
Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 11am - 4pm (closed from Mon - Thu)
11. Visit Monticello, home of former US president Thomas Jefferson
Experience what it feels like to stay in a presidential home at Monticello. This prestigious property is located on a mountaintop and served as home to former United States president Thomas Jefferson. During a guided tour, you will get to see the upper floors of the house and explore its gardens and its surrounding areas. Monticello is also included in UNESCO’s world heritage sites. This can be visited at any time of the year.
Monticello
Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
Website: Monticello
Opening hours: Sat - Tue: 9:30am - 5:30pm; Wed: 10am - 5pm (closed on Thu - Fri)
12. Get to know more about Charlottesville's history of civil war (from USD 114.0)
Learn more about the history by joining this three-hour walking tour in Charlottesville, and get a chance to meet the award-winning historian Rick Britton. During the activity, you’ll discover the stories and effects of civil war in the state. You will also get to witness the venue for slave auctions, and visit sites such as University of Virginia, the historic James Monroe’s Highland, and Rio Hill. Besides, you may visit Veritas Vineyard and Winery which is half an hour away from the city.
Charlottesville Civil War History Private Half-Day Tour
Duration: 3 hours
Relish in the fine and lovely attractions in the city
Take delight as you learn in this must-visit city, and enjoy its awesome attractions and activities. If a former president has so much appreciation for it, you’ll also figure this out when you explore it. Let Charlottesville show you a glimpse of the past, as well as introduce you to its modern and rich culture.
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