The Charlottesville Area

Things To Do in the Charlottesville Area

Charlottesville is a great place to visit. Whether you love food, history, the arts, or the great outdoors, Charlottesville and Central Virginia have 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 historic site and an architectural masterpiece.

• Highland - Home of James Monroe, 5th President of the United States
• Historic Michie Tavern
• Montpelier - Home of James Madison, Father of the U.S. Constitution and 4th President of the United States
• University of Virginia
• Albemarle County Historical Society
• Frontier Culture Museum (in Staunton, VA)
• Journey Through Hallowed Ground
• Other local historic sites listed on VisitCharlottesville.org

Restaurants & Wineries

Charlottesville wineries and restaurants boast award-winning wines and a variety of culinary experiences. From fine French cuisine to affordable good eats, there's something for all tastes and budgets.

• Jefferson Vineyards »
• Monticello Wine Trail »
• Restaurant listed on VisitCharlottesville.org »
• Wineries listed on VisitCharlottesville.org »
• C'ville Weekly Dining Guide »

Where to Stay

Charlottesville hotels, motels, B&Bs, and campgrounds offer a range of accommodations and prices. Most are within 10-15 minutes of Monticello.

• More hotels and lodging choices at the VisitCharlottesville.org »

Entertainment

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

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

For Kids

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

• Albemarle County Parks and Recreation
• Virginia Discovery Museum

Other Jefferson-related Sites in Virginia

• Barboursville Vineyards and Historic Ruins
• The College of William & Mary
• Colonial Williamsburg
• Jefferson Vineyards
• 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 »