Location: Charlottesville
Top Things to do in Charlottesville
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The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Charlottesville, Virginia (VA)
The former home of three of America's founding fathers, and the current home of the University of Virginia, the city of Charlottesville, Virginia is suffused with an appreciation of history and intellectual vigor. Take a tour of the university campus and walk through grassy malls and grand buildings designed by Thomas Jefferson, or peak into the dorm room once occupied by Edgar Allen Poe. The great homes of America's early presidents, Monroe, Jefferson and Madison, are also open to the public.
Restaurants in Charlottesville
1. The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 160 reviews
Introducing the only interactive studio of its kind in Virginia... Drop in any time and create one-of-a-kind glass gifts, hand made by YOU. No experience required - we'll show you how!Create beautiful fused glass jewelry, sun catchers, candle holders, picture frames, etc. Make your own sandblasted glasses or plates. There's something for everyone! All ages are welcome. The possibilities are endless!Visit our gift gallery for unique handmade glass art.
Reviewed By christinadO5142WJ
We had a really great time. Sam was very helpful for us as we are new to this. It was a terrific way to spend the afternoon making our glass creations. Will definitely do it again!!
2. Unlocked History Escape Rooms
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
Find clues, solve puzzles, discover hidden passageways, and relive Charlottesville's history in the highest rated escape rooms.
Reviewed By hocuspocus87
Decided to look for an escape room while visiting the area on vacation and stumbled upon the Raven themed room. The experience was very well done, the room was immersive and the puzzles were clever. The three of us were able to escape and had such a good time we had to go back and do the second room. The British room was a lot of fun tying in the history that we had already learned about at Monticello and we beat it in 30 minutes! Definitely give this place a shot on your next outing.
3. Monticello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,916 reviews
Monticello and its many historical rooms, gadgets, furniture, buildings, and artifacts tell us a lot about Thomas Jefferson, the president who built it and lived there.
Reviewed By jayrandall24 - Westerville, United States
My wife and I were more than pleasantly surprised by our visit here today. It was more than just a tour of a big house! It was a whole lesson on a life of a man, his passions, his family, his successes and his failures. It was a lesson on slavery and racism. We were amazed by the tour guides there, including Don, Lou and the woman who did the slavery tour (can’t remember her name) :( They were extremely knowledgeable and helpful and friendly! It was a real eye opener and more than worth the time! We recommend it highly!!
4. Mulberry Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 180 reviews
A part of the Monticello Plantation where nearly 130 slaves lived, with tours available.
Reviewed By 5DeanS
We took the guided tour of Mulberry Row on a very rainy day in June. The tour guide was very well informed and great enhanced our experience explaining many details about the lives of the slaves who lived on Jefferson's property. I highly recommend taking the guided tour.
5. University of Virginia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,254 reviews
Reviewed By BuckG_12 - Charlotte, United States
Great school; beautiful campus; prestigious academic history; numerous courses of study; variety of graduate degrees; will inspire visiting high school students looking for a great college education and experience.
6. Davenport Field
7. James Monroe's Highland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 922 reviews
Part of William & Mary, this historic site is the home of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States.
Reviewed By fishbait84 - Greenville, United States
I have gone to Monticello a few times and have always loved the beautiful gardens, but this year we did the james monroe highland tour after- and this is my new favorite historical tour in Charlottesville! Our tour guide Martin was so passionate and gave us such an intriguing story as to how the plantation home was discovered, where and how they have located descendants, and the many more mysteries surrounding the monroe plantation! We can’t wait to go back!
8. Carter Mountain Orchard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,172 reviews
Located next to Monticello and Michie Tavern, Carter Mountain Orchard is family-owned and operated. Our mountaintop location affords spectacular views of Charlottesville, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Open April through November, we offer Pick-Your-Own and pre-picked Peaches and Nectarines (June-August) and Pick Your Own and pre-picked Apples (mid-August through November). Our bakery serves fresh-baked pies and cookies, hand-dipped ice cream, and our famous Apple Cider Donuts! Apple Cider, Apple Butter, jams and jellies, local crafts, pumpkins, and gourmet food products available in our country store. Wine tasting and sales on site, and the Mountain Grille serves lunch. Our school tours are popular-call for reservations. Scouts, Youth Groups, Seniors welcome. Family friendly. Please see our website for more details
Reviewed By Rbca78
I’ve visited Carter Mountain twice, but I have yet to pick fruit so I plan to go back! The apple cider donuts are a must try, the gift shop is cute and reasonably priced, the patio is relaxing, and the beverage selection is great!
9. Jefferson Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 413 reviews
In 1774 Thomas Jefferson and Filippo Mazzei created Virginia's first commercial wine company and vineyard on our estate. Four decades ago, we introduced quality modern viticulture to Virginia. Our wines range from delicate and refreshing, to elegant, full-bodied and rich. We are one of the highest awarded Virginia wineries for Viognier (the state grape). In 2001 we bottled one of Virginia's first Petit Verdot varietals. We continue extensive experimentation with these two varietals, skin fermented white wines and a range of small batch estate reserve wines that reflect the best of our Virginia terroir. We are located 1 mile from Monticello and Jame's Monroe's Highland Estate.
Reviewed By phelpsusa - Orlando, United States
Great wine, great vineyard, great views, great outdoor seating, great people, great toilets, het there when they open at 11am if you want a good seat since its first come, first serve.
10. Michie Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,369 reviews
Michie Tavern Located near Thomas Jefferson's Monticello in Charlottesville Virginia. This historic site serves a Southern buffet lunch daily 11:30-3:00. There are two on-site unique retail shops open 11:00 am-4:00 pm. Michie Tavern is also a private dinner venue.
Reviewed By 285melindaf
It’s easy to see why this historic tavern has survived and thrived for over 200 years! The Southern country food is dynamite and it’s all you can eat of sumptuous fried chicken, pulled pork, mashed potatoes and gravy, stewed tomatoes, green beans, black-eyed peas and the desserts are excellent, too! I went off the Keto diet for a meal just to take advantage. The servers are dressed in period attire and are so friendly you feel right at home. It’s pronounced “Mickey,” by the way. There was a small line, but the food and service far outweighed the 15 minute wait! Next time I go to Monticello this will be my lunch stop! The peach cobbler topped with vanilla ice cream is “killer.” Go get some without ‘passing “go” and collecting $200!’
