Location: Charlottesville
Top Things to do in Charlottesville
Top 10 Things to do in Charlottesville, United States
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. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 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 MasCabron23 - Hampton, Virginia
What more can be said about the home of our 2nd president. The location and view was fantastic. The history behind Jefferson's house was impressive and all the artifacts and the respective stories was informative.
I learned a lot from the visit. The view and the grounds were certainly a site to revel at.
Definitely make an effort to visit
2. University of Virginia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By George S - New Jersey
A beautiful and historic campus with many architectural gems along the way. Thomas Jefferson's university is truly picturesque and quite lovely to admire while strolling around its grounds. Its center-piece is the Rotunda and the Lawn and the Pavilions. There are many other architecturally similar buildings that make up this school. This has to be of the most beautiful university campuses in America.
3. Saunders-Monticello Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 191 reviews
Reviewed By roadtrekker - Charlottesville, Virginia
This is a popular trail, so parking can be difficult on weekends. It follows a pretty route, through the woods all the way to the Monticello Visitor Center. Along the way, smaller trails lead off to interesting woods, views, and a pond.
4. The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio
Overall Ratings
5 based on 116 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 Chip L - Raleigh, North Carolina
My wife and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in Charlottesville and we planned a lot of events. Winery tours, Presidential homes, downtown shopping and of course lots of restaurants. In the end, we stopped by the Glass Palette and made a cheese plate together. Neither one of us had ever worked with glass before and neither one of us is particularly artistic but we had a lot of fun. It took about an hour and a half and in the end, we will have a great souvenir from our vacation and something that will remind us of our anniversary every time we use it when company comes over. Definitely something out of the ordinary. The staff were very patient and encouraging and even though we are both 50, this is an activity we could have done with our friends or our teenage children. Be advised that you cannot make the project and walk out with a finished piece the same day. They have to melt the glass and then they will mail it to your home in about two weeks which is great. This way you don't have to worry about breaking it on the way home.
5. Mulberry Row
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
A part of the Monticello Plantation where nearly 130 slaves lived, with tours available.
Reviewed By MarkWittkofski - Richmond, Virginia
Mulberry Row contained the cabins where the slaves who worked at the Monticello house lived and worked. The research (archaeological and historical conducted during the past 20+ years has turned up impressive information concerning these people. This is definitely worth seeing!
6. Carter Mountain Orchard
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 951 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 Dee G - Advance Mills, Virginia
This is a great spot to take the children and pick apples. They have a large variety and closely monitor ripeness so you will be directed to the best orchard. They have a great shop for all things APPLE! A must is their amazing donuts and pies!!
7. Jefferson Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4 based on 320 reviews
In 1774, Thomas Jefferson, America's first wine connoisseur, convinced Italian Philip Mazzei to establish a vineyard on our property. With the financial support of George Washington and other prominent colonists, Virginia's first wine company was founded on our estate. Thirty seven years ago we became a pioneer of the modern Virginia wine industry. Our award-winning wines range from delicate and refreshing, to elegant, full-bodied and rich. Our property is located between Monticello and James Monroe's Highland and is only 10 minutes from Charlottesville. Groups over six guests are welcome to purchase bottles and glasses of our wine to enjoy on our grounds. We can only accommodate groups of six guests or more with a prior reservation on weekdays. We look forward to your visit.
Reviewed By Bravaencore - Ann Arbor, Michigan
This was my first visit to a winery for the purpose of doing a wine tasting. On past trips to visit my cousin, we stopped by a distillery to check out their grand opening celebration and attended an artisan fair at a different winery. But...MoreThank you for your thorough feedback and kind words. We're delighted you enjoyed your visit and look forward to welcoming you back soon.
8. James Monroe's Highland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 760 reviews
Part of William & Mary, this historic site is the home of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States.
Reviewed By GreenUnicorn - Southern NJ
We would recommend seeing the video in the visitors' center/gift shop before taking the tour, as it explains much about the archaeological digs on the grounds. We felt more informed on the tour as a result.
We certainly learned quite a bit about Monroe, including his financial struggles and the fact that he didn't really live at Highland for a significant portion of his life. The docent really makes the tour, because there's not a whole lot left to see from his era. The grounds are very well kept.
Excellent gift shop with a large selection of books, regular tourist items, and then handcrafted items in the rear room.
We had our lunch outside on a picnic table shaded by some trees, the end to an enjoyable visit to Highland. As we were leaving, school bus showed up with a class trip, but up until that point, Highland had been very peaceful and serene.
9. Historic Downtown Mall
Overall Ratings
4 based on 319 reviews
Reviewed By Andy D - Fort Worth, Texas
I must be honest, I started with reservations following the recent protests but proceeded to visit Charlottesville on business . It has been many years since I have seen as many homeless and vagrant individuals in a tourist attraction. I witnessed many catcalls, lots of begging, bad language and obnoxious behavior. This is the absolute truth - I walked this mall twice daily (stayed at the Omni) and did not see a single law enforcement officer. A real shame because I enjoyed many of the shops and restaurants. I am a large and fit enough man not to be bothered (generally), however I would NEVER bring my wife or children. Wake up Charlottesville, enforce the laws, patrol your tourist attractions and maybe your downtown businesses will survive!
10. Blenheim Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4 based on 294 reviews
Reviewed By winskins - Richmond, Virginia
With so many tasting options in the area, including some that are more interested in being pretentious, it is nice to find a place that seems genuine and the employees show that. Not overly crowded and great views. Very fun and helpful staff who appear to enjoy what they are doing.
Can get some smaller snacks there, not a full meal). Cheese, crackers and the like.
Put Blenheim on your list. Nice selection of reds and whites and most should be able to find something they enjoy.
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