Top 15 Things to Do in Charlottesville VA for New Residents
Moving to a new city means discovering all the activities and attractions that make it special. Charlottesville offers an impressive array of things to do, from world-famous historic sites to hidden local gems. Here's your comprehensive guide to the top 15 experiences every new Charlottesville resident should explore.
1. Tour Monticello: Thomas Jefferson's Architectural Masterpiece
No Charlottesville experience is complete without visiting Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's mountaintop home and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural marvel showcases Jefferson's genius as both a politician and inventor.
What Makes It Special: The house tours reveal Jefferson's innovations, from the clock in the entrance hall to the bed alcove between his private study and bedroom. The grounds include restored gardens, slave quarters that tell the complete story of plantation life, and breathtaking views of the Virginia countryside.
Visitor Tips:
Book tours in advance, especially during peak season (April-October)
Allow 3-4 hours for the full experience
Special tours include behind-the-scenes glimpses and seasonal programs
Annual passes available for residents who want to return with visiting family and friends
2. Explore the Downtown Mall: America's Longest Pedestrian Mall
The Downtown Mall serves as Charlottesville's cultural and entertainment heart. This eight-block pedestrian mall features local boutiques, restaurants, theaters, and year-round events that bring the community together.
Highlights Include:
Sprint Pavilion for outdoor concerts and festivals
Jefferson Theater for live music and comedy shows
Unique local shops like Telegraph Art & Comics and Alakazam Toys
Diverse dining from casual to upscale
Monthly First Friday art walks
Summer's popular Fridays After Five concert series
Local Favorites: Stop by Mudhouse Coffee for locally roasted coffee, browse the eclectic selection at Daedalus Bookshop, or enjoy dinner at C&O Restaurant, a Charlottesville institution since 1976.
3. Experience University of Virginia Campus
Even if you're not affiliated with UVA, the campus offers beautiful architecture, cultural events, and recreational opportunities for all residents.
Must-See Campus Features:
The Rotunda: Jefferson's architectural masterpiece and campus centerpiece
The Lawn: Historic student housing and ceremony space
Memorial Gymnasium and John Paul Jones Arena for sporting events
Multiple museums and galleries open to the public
Cultural Opportunities: UVA hosts numerous events open to the community, including lectures, concerts, theater productions, and art exhibitions. The university's cultural calendar significantly enriches Charlottesville's offerings.
4. Discover Virginia Wine Country
Charlottesville sits in the heart of Virginia wine country, with over 30 wineries within a 30-minute drive. The area's climate and soil create excellent conditions for both traditional and innovative winemaking.
Notable Local Wineries:
Trump Winery: Large estate with tours and tastings
Jefferson Vineyards: Historic property with Jefferson connections
King Family Vineyards: Family-friendly with events and polo matches
Barboursville Vineyards: Award-winning wines and historic ruins
Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards: Stunning mountain views
Wine Trail Activities: Many wineries offer more than tastings, including live music, food pairings, special events, and beautiful grounds for picnicking. Several companies provide wine tour transportation for safe exploration.
5. Hike Shenandoah National Park
Just 45 minutes from Charlottesville, Shenandoah National Park offers over 500 miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and spectacular mountain views.
Popular Hiking Destinations:
Old Rag Mountain: Challenging rock scramble with panoramic views
Whiteoak Canyon: Multiple waterfalls and swimming holes
Humpback Rocks: Moderate hike to scenic overlook
Dark Hollow Falls: Easy family-friendly waterfall hike
Seasonal Highlights: Spring brings wildflowers, summer offers swimming opportunities, fall provides spectacular foliage, and winter creates peaceful snow-covered landscapes. Annual park passes make regular visits affordable.
6. Attend UVA Football Games at Scott Stadium
College football Saturdays in Charlottesville create an electric atmosphere that brings the entire community together. Even non-sports fans enjoy the pageantry and social aspects of game day.
Game Day Experience:
Tailgating begins hours before kickoff
The stadium holds over 61,000 fans
Traditional pregame activities and school spirit
Local restaurants and bars offer game day specials
Beyond Football: Scott Stadium also hosts concerts and special events throughout the year, making it a versatile community venue.
7. Explore Belmont Neighborhood
The historic Belmont district offers a perfect example of successful urban revitalization, combining historic charm with modern amenities.
Neighborhood Highlights:
Locally-owned restaurants like Mas Tapas and Bluegrass Grill
Unique shops and art galleries
Tree-lined streets perfect for walking
Regular community events and festivals
Easy access to Rivanna Trail
Dining and Shopping: Belmont Avenue features an impressive concentration of locally-owned businesses, from artisanal coffee at Shenandoah Joe to handcrafted pizza at Lampo Neapolitan Pizzeria.
8. Visit Historic Ash Lawn-Highland
James Monroe's historic home offers another glimpse into America's founding era, with a more intimate feel than larger presidential estates.
What to Expect:
Guided tours of Monroe's home and grounds
Seasonal programs and reenactments
Beautiful gardens and walking trails
Educational programs for all ages
Summer opera performances in the gardens
9. Experience Charlottesville's Brewery Scene
Charlottesville's craft brewery scene has exploded in recent years, offering excellent locally-made beers and community gathering spaces.
Notable Local Breweries:
Three Notch'd Brewing Company: Multiple locations with diverse beer styles
Champion Brewing Company: Innovative beers in a welcoming taproom
South Street Brewery: Downtown location with pub food
Random Row Brewing Company: Cozy neighborhood spot
Blue Mountain Brewery: Slightly outside town with mountain views
Brewery Culture: Local breweries often host trivia nights, live music, food trucks, and community events, making them important social hubs for residents.
10. Shop and Dine at Barracks Road Shopping Center
For practical needs and family activities, Barracks Road Shopping Center provides convenient shopping and dining in a pleasant outdoor setting.
Shopping Options:
Major retailers including Target, Williams Sonoma, and Anthropologie
Local boutiques and specialty stores
Full-service dining and quick casual options
Barnes & Noble bookstore and café
Family-Friendly: The shopping center's layout makes it easy to combine errands with family time, and seasonal events add community appeal.
11. Attend Concerts at nTelos Wireless Pavilion
This outdoor amphitheater hosts major touring acts during the summer concert season, bringing world-class entertainment to Charlottesville.
Concert Experience:
Covered seating and lawn areas
Beautiful sunset views during evening shows
Pre-concert tailgating opportunities
Wide variety of musical genres and performers
12. Explore the Rivanna Trail
This 20-mile loop trail around Charlottesville provides excellent opportunities for walking, running, and cycling while connecting various neighborhoods and parks.
Trail Features:
Multiple access points throughout the city
Varied terrain from easy walks to challenging sections
Connects parks, schools, and neighborhoods
Wildlife viewing opportunities
Free and accessible year-round
13. Visit Local Farmers Markets
Charlottesville's farmers markets showcase the region's agricultural bounty and provide opportunities to meet local producers.
Saturday Morning Market (Downtown Mall):
Fresh produce, baked goods, and prepared foods
Local crafts and artisanal products
Live music and community atmosphere
Year-round operation with seasonal specialties
Tuesday Market (Preston Avenue):
Smaller, more intimate setting
Focus on fresh produce and prepared foods
Convenient weekday shopping option
14. Take Day Trips to Nearby Attractions
Charlottesville's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring Virginia's attractions.
Popular Day Trip Destinations:
Richmond (2 hours): State capital with museums, restaurants, and history
Washington, DC (2.5 hours): Museums, monuments, and cultural attractions
Virginia Beach (3.5 hours): Beaches and ocean activities
Williamsburg (2.5 hours): Colonial history and theme parks
Skyline Drive: Scenic mountain driving through Shenandoah
15. Participate in Annual Festivals and Events
Charlottesville hosts numerous annual events that bring the community together and celebrate local culture.
Major Annual Events:
Virginia Film Festival (October): Premier film festival featuring screenings and celebrity guests
Fridays After Five (Summer): Weekly outdoor concerts on the Downtown Mall
Festival of the Book (March): Literary festival with author readings and discussions
Dogwood Festival (April): Spring celebration with crafts, food, and entertainment
First Night Virginia (December 31): Family-friendly New Year's Eve celebration
Seasonal Events: Each season brings special events, from summer concert series to fall harvest festivals to winter holiday celebrations.
Making the Most of Your Charlottesville Experience
Getting Involved:
Join community organizations and volunteer groups
Attend city council meetings to stay informed about local issues
Participate in neighborhood associations
Take advantage of continuing education opportunities at UVA
Building Community Connections:
Become a regular at local businesses
Attend community events and festivals
Join recreational sports leagues or fitness groups
Participate in environmental and community service projects
Seasonal Planning: Plan your activities around Charlottesville's seasons to make the most of each time of year. Spring and fall offer the best outdoor weather, summer brings festivals and outdoor concerts, and winter provides cozy indoor cultural activities.
Charlottesville's combination of history, culture, natural beauty, and community spirit creates endless opportunities for exploration and enjoyment. Whether you're interested in outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or community involvement, you'll find activities that match your interests and help you feel at home in this remarkable city.
Ready to explore everything Charlottesville has to offer? Our local real estate team can help you find the perfect home base for your Virginia adventures. Contact us today to discover your ideal Charlottesville neighborhood.