Things To Do in the Charlottesville Area

Frequently listed among the best places to live in the U.S., Charlottesville is also a great place to visit. Whether you love food, history, the arts, or the great outdoors, Charlottesville has it all. 

Local Historic Sites

Charlottesville is rich with history. In addition to Jefferson, the area was home to Presidents James Madison and James Monroe. The University of Virginia, which Jefferson founded and designed, is (along with Monticello) a World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece.

• Ash Lawn-Highland
• Historic Michie Tavern
• Montpelier
• University of Virginia
• Albemarle County Historical Society
• Frontier Culture Museum (in Staunton, VA)
• Journey Through Hallowed Ground
• Other local historic sites

Restaurants & Wineries

The Charlottesville area boasts over 200 restaurants and 21 wineries. From fine French cuisine to affordable good eats, there's something for all tastes and budgets.

• Restaurant listings on CACVB Web site »
• The Hook's Food Finder »
• C'ville Weekly Dining Guide »
• Monticello Wine Trail »

Lodging

There are scores of hotels, motels, B&Bs, and campgrounds in the Charlottesville area at a range of prices. Most are within 10-15 minutes of Monticello.

• Bed & Breakfast/Inn Partners
• Hotel Partners
• More hotels and lodging choices at the CACVB Web site »

Entertainment

From the great outdoors to festivals that celebrate books and movies, there's something for everyone in Charlottesville.

• Outdoor Activities
• Arts and Culture
• Shoppinng and Antiques
• Golf
• University of Virginia Sports 
• Local Calendar of Events
• More at www.visitcharlottesville.org »

For Kids

Traveling with children? Take a break from history and enjoy the area's family fun.

• Downtown Mall
• Parks and Recreation
• Virginia Discovery Museum

Other Jefferson-related Sites in Virginia

• Barboursville Vineyards and Historic Ruins
• The College of William & Mary
• Colonial Williamsburg
• Natural Bridge
• The State Capitol (designed by Jefferson)
• Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
• Tuckahoe Plantation
• University of Virginia

Also Within an Hour's Drive

• Civil War Battlefields, Sites, and Museums
• Richmond (Virginia's State Capital)
• Shenandoah Valley
• More information at Virginia.org Web site »