So many reasons to call C’Ville home
Wine Region of the Year (Wine Enthusiast)
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Top 10 Best College Towns (US News & World Report)
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Healthiest Cities in America (Kiplinger's & Men's Journal)
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Top Food Destination (The Local Palate)
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South's Best Cities (Southern Living)
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Top 100 Best Places to Live (Liveability.com)
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Wine Region of the Year (Wine Enthusiast) • Top 10 Best College Towns (US News & World Report) • Healthiest Cities in America (Kiplinger's & Men's Journal) • Top Food Destination (The Local Palate) • South's Best Cities (Southern Living) • Top 100 Best Places to Live (Liveability.com) •
Sipping wine at a local vineyard.
44 wineries and counting!!! While many close at 5 pm, there are a few that extend their hours on Fridays and Saturdays, and also have local music and food trucks. That just might be our favorite way to kick off a weekend! My favorites revolve all the time (there are so many to love), but right now Chiswell and Fallen Tree are two of my tops. If you’re looking for a full menu and wait staff, look no further than North Garden’s gorgeous Pippin Hill (be sure to make an advance reservation) and Mount Ida (awesome outdoor fireplace). And always check a winery’s site for hours before heading out - many do host private events.
It’s a foodie town.
Yep, I like to eat - who doesn't? So many fantastic farm to table choices, from casual bites, fun tapas, southern cooking, amazing Italian and fine dining on special occasions. Way too many to list here, but here are a few great choices:
Italian: Tavola
Southern: Maya, Mockingbird, The Whiskey Jar
Mexican: Continental Divide, Taquerio El Comalito
Creative Americana: Hamilton's, The Local
Mediterranean inspired: Orzo Kitchen and Wine Bar
French: Petit Pois, Fleurie
My Favorites for Special Occasions: The Ivy Inn, The Clifton Inn
Downtown Pedestrian Mall
The downtown mall is Charlottesville at its most iconic! Stretching 8 bustling blocks on Main Street, it’s a vibrant collective of local boutiques, eateries, music and performing arts venues. It’s a wonderful place to people watch, listen to street musicians and have dinner with friends. From April through September, Fridays After Five features free local bands at the Pavillion, our outdoor music venue anchoring one end of the mall.
Awesome Music Venues
C’Ville is a music lover’s town and we have incredible venues that reflect both our love of going to a show and the diversity of artists we attract.
The Jefferson Theatre (restored to its glory by my friends at Martin Horn)
The Southern Cafe & Music Hall
Amazing Festivals
In the spring, The Virginia Festival of the Book draws both renowned and exciting new authors to C’Ville for three days. The Tom Tom Festival is a weeklong celebration of community through art, music and ideas. (Make sure to check out Tom Tom’s Porchella: folks in the Belmont neighborhood donate their front porches for a night of local music.) The Virginia Film Festival showcases amazing feature and documentary films from all over the world for five days each fall. Plan your festival schedule early!
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland will both take you back in time. Tour the homes, visit the museums, & explore the grounds of these historic plantations! (You’ll learn something new, whether it’s your first visit or your tenth.)
Steeped in History
The University
In many ways, the University of Virginia is synonymous with Charlottesville. Built by Thomas Jefferson, a stroll through the academical village is a reminder of how past and present are intertwined. Wander through the restored Rotunda and view artifacts. Walk along the range and see the room where Edgar Allen Poe lived as a student.
Hiking Heaven
And that is an understatement! With the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park outside your back door, there are more options than you can imagine, but I’ll reference a few classics here. For waterfalls, check out Crabtree Falls (St. Mary’s Wilderness Trail and Sugar Hollow are also good options for falls, but be aware you will be wading across shallow rivers). Humpback Rocks, featured in this photo, is a steep one mile climb to a stunning vista. You can add parts of the Appalachian Trail to extend the hike, if you like. Old Rag is an all day 9-miler with an infamous rock scramble, and The Priest in Nelson County is another challenging all day adventure. If you’re looking for a more laid back walk through the woods, check out Ivy Creek Natural Area, Walnut Creek or the Saunders-Monticello Trail. So many options, so little time.
Nelson 151
Route 151 in Nelson County is the gorgeous scenic corridor for six breweries, seven wineries, three cideries and four distilleries! Each has it’s own vibe and all are worthy of repeat visits. It’s a huge draw for both locals and visitors for good reason! There’s incredible hiking in Nelson, and ending with a craft beverage - well, that’s a pretty good day.
For Politicos: the Miller Center
An affiliate of the University of Virginia, the Miller Center focuses on presidential scholarship, public policy and political history as a mean to help solve current governance challenges. Former presidents and renowned scholars participate in its programs, which are open to the public. On-line libraries are easily accessible - their extensive presidential recordings library will give you intimate insight into our past presidents.
Memorial to Enslaved Labor
The University was built and maintained by an estimated 4,000 enslaved people, and this history was long ignored. I am proud to say as a UVa alum, that the University is striving to change this. This moving memorial, built in 2020 and located between the Rotunda and the Corner, is a powerful step in acknowledging this painful past and honoring the lives of those men and women who toiled here.
UVA Sports
There are a lot of advantages to being in a University town and one of the most fun is going to a game! Football at Scott Stadium, basketball at John Paul Jones Arena, baseball at Davenport Field, soccer and lacrosse at Klöckner Stadium - so many ways to cheer on the ‘Hoos.
Local Artisans
C’Ville is home to amazing creativity, and there are so many opportunities to support our local artists! Discover C’Ville Arts, a co-op gallery on the downtown mall showcasing 50+ artists. Find unique one of a kind gifts at all price levels at Crozet Artisan Depot. Visit The Barn Swallow, an artisan gallery housed in a nineteenth center barn featuring over 80 artists’ work (their hours are limited and change seasonally, so check their site before heading out).
McGuffey Art Center is one of the oldest artist cooperatives in the country. Affiliated artists offer classes and workshops, and the center is home to various events throughout the year. Set your sights on Second Street Gallery and UVA’s Fralin Museum of Art for ever-changing exhibitions and events.
And finally, the annual Artisans Studio Tour is a two day event in November during which artists open their doors for you to explore their working spaces.
Live Arts
Charlottesville’s community theatre is a must see! This cool theatre is located right off the downtown mall, making ‘dinner and a show’ a breeze. C’Ville is a creative town with amazing talent - go once and you’ll be hooked. And through their 434 initiative, you’ll pay a mere $4.34 if it’s your first Live Arts show (and if you’re under 25, you will always pay $4.34)!
Four County Players
Located in Barboursville, Four County Players is the longest continually operating community theatre in central Virginia. Attend a show and you just might find yourself wanting to audition for the next production. It’s always a good time.
Farmer’s Market at IX Art Park
Every Saturday year round, you’ll find a farmer’s market at our funky and fun IX Art Park. Locally grown produce, crafts and food - and it’s all right around the corner from the City Market. Hit both, and if you’re still hungry, try tacos at Brazos or grab a bear at Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen & Brewery (or both!).
Saturday AM at City Market
Saturday mornings from 8 - 1 from April through November, you’ll find the bustling City Market in full swing on Water Street. With crafts, coffee, food and farm produce, you’re sure to find something you need! The Holiday Market kicks off on November 22 - December 20, with amazing one of a kind locally made gifts. It’s my favorite place to find something unique!
The Rivanna Trail
The Rivanna Trail is a 20 mile foot path encircling the city of C’Ville! But not to worry, you don’t have to do the whole thing - there are plenty of shorter stretches that are great for a morning or evening hike. It was created and is maintained by a group of volunteers, and they host monthly events. Care to join? (This photo is of a work crew from 2020.)
Blue Ridge Tunnel
The Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel is a 4,273 feet carved through Afton Mountain. Built in the late 1850’s, it was the longest track in North America at the time. Built primarily by Irish laborers with enslaved men, the tunnel was constructed using hand tools and black gunpowder, resulting in at least 14 deaths from blasts and countless more from disease. In 2020, the tunnel was reopened for visitors - and walking its length is impactful. Bring a flashlight and a sweater - it’s dark & chilly in there!
Carter Mountain
Owned by the same folks that own Chiles, Carter Mountain is a gorgeous destination mere minutes from Monticello. Pick your own apples in the fall, or just buy a bag and hang out at a picnic table for the fresh pressed cider and their not-to-be-missed apple cider donuts. They host a Thursday Evening Sunset Series (Thursdays, 6-9 PM, from April through September) where you can sip wine or cider & watch the amazing sunset, all while grooving to local music.
Chiles Peach Orchard
Just a stone’s throw from Crozet, Chiles Peach Orchard offers pick-your-own peaches as well as strawberries and blueberries. You don’t want to miss their peach ice cream, and you can pick up a pie or homemade fudge for later;).
Gouda: Prayer is the secret.
Did you know the cloistered nuns of Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in Crozet have been making and selling Dutch-style gouda as a means of self-support for 35 years? The nuns are known to say that prayer is their secret ingredient. To get your 2-lb wheel, you can visit the Monastery or order on-line.
BlackFriars Playhouse
If you’re a fan of the bard, head to American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton. This gorgeous theatre is a recreation of Shakespeare’s indoor playhouse, and the productions are equally brilliant. Combine it with dinner at one of Staunton’s fabulous restaurants.
Music at the Batesville Market
Located south of C’Ville in the close-knit community of Batesville, the Batesville Market is where folks gather. Local musicians play here on Friday and Saturday nights, and it’s the place to be for craft beer, good music and laid-back friendly vibes.
Antiquing
So many great places to search for that hidden gem. Ruckersville boasts a number of amazing places to find that elusive piece, and could easily make for a day’s outing. In town, you’ll find Helen Storey Antiques, Heyday Antiques & Vintage, Oyster House and Circa. Other options include Rockfish Gap Country Store in Afton, A&W Antique Mall in Keswick, Greenwood Antiques in Greenwood and Covesville Store Antiques in Covesville. And this is not an exhaustive list!
Tubing on the James River
Grab some friends and a cooler and head to James River Runners in Scottsville! If tubing isn’t your thing, try kayaking or river rafting. They’ll provide all the support you need. Once you’ve toweled off, head to James River Brewery or one of numerous restaurants in the quaint town of Scottsville.
Jump in a Lake
Walnut Creek Park (in North Garden, south of town) and Chris Greene Lake Park (northern Albemarle near the airport, pictured here) are great options for lake swimming. Both have sandy beaches, as well as frisbee golf courses, hiking/biking trails and picnic areas. Chris Greene even features a dog park and water access for your pup. (This photo is Chris Greene.)
Trick or Treating on the Lawn
A beloved annual UVA tradition dating back to the 1980s, C’Ville ghosts and goblins are welcomed to the historic Lawn where students residing on the Range - in costume - dole out treats.
Crozet Arts Festival
Twice each year - in fall and spring - Crozet hosts the Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival. This juried festival is held at Claudius Crozet Park and features 120 fine arts & crafts vendors, Virginia beer & wine, and live music. All proceeds benefit the park.
Pizza at Dr. Ho’s
Yes, I live in North Garden, but I can say (without reservation or bias;) that Dr. Ho’s Humble Pie has the best pizza in this area! From the perfect crust to the amazing specialty pizzas - well, my mouth is watering (and yes, this photo is one of their pies). They’ll even sell you some of their magic dough to make your own creation at home!
But as a C’Villian, it wouldn’t be fair for me not to give a deserved nod to Lampo and Crozet Pizza. Well-played, folks.
Cocktails at Ragged Branch
For bourbon fans, Ragged Branch Distillery in North Garden is the place to go. Sipping one of their signature cocktails while taking in gorgeous views from their spacious patio - well, it doesn’t get much better than that. (Clearly, my family likes to go even when it’s chilly.)
Winter Wander at Boar’s Head
An evening walking through Boar’s Head’s annual trail of lights is the perfect way to kick off the holidays. They even feature periodic aerial light shows.
The Friendliest People
We are. We truly are.
