October 15, 2023
By: Heather with The Blue Ridge Mountains Travel Guide
The historic town of Charlottesville is at the center of the State of Virginia, both geographically and historically.
Here you’ll find presidential homes, college hangouts, a vast array of great restaurants, and stunning natural beauty.
C’ville (as it’s known among us locals) is home to the University of Virginia, which was started by President Thomas Jefferson in 1819.
Located just a few hours south of Washington DC and an hour’s drive from Richmond, Charlottesville is widely regarded as one of the best places to visit in Virginia.
As longtime residents of nearby Harrisonburg, we’re always looking for unique things to do in Charlottesville VA.
Charlottesville has an active arts and culture scene, which features big name entertainers and talented local artists.
Foodies will appreciate the fact that the city of Charlottesville VA consistently ranks in the Top 20 for having the most restaurants per capita.
Read on for our in-depth guide to the best things to do in Charlottesville VA, including exploring the beautiful UVA campus, catching a show at the Paramount, or picking apples with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Best Things to do in Charlottesville VA Guide
- Beaver Creek Reservoir
- The Corner
- Dairy Market
- Explore Historic Downtown Mall
- Hike Saunders-Monticello Trail
- Enjoy Charlottesville Wineries, Breweries & Cider
- Monticello
- Paramount Theater
- Sample Charlottesville Restaurants
- University of Virginia
3. The Dairy Market
One of our favorite things to do in Charlottesville VA is visit the Dairy Market, which is the first of its kind in Virginia’s Central Piedmont area.
Housed in the historic Monticello Dairy Building, the Dairy Market champions small local entrepreneurs, housing vendors that bring exciting and diverse culinary and retail options.
For a style reminiscent of Soho in Manhattan, Quattro Tizi delivers contemporary men’s and women’s clothing and lifestyle items. Another popular shop is Brigid & Bess, where you can find uniquely creative goods from local and global designers.
Our excursions to the Dairy Market often center around the amazing array of food options. We love the Falafel at Al Basha, a Mediterranean cuisine vendor featuring family-style dishes made with fresh local ingredients.