Location: Charlottesville
Top Things to do in Charlottesville
Countries
The 10 Best Free Things to do 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 Spice Diva
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By mariacM8610PP
The Spice Diva is a real find, especially if you are interested in trying out different flavorings in your recipes, and trying new ones. You cannot believe the number of spices available. The staff is great and so knowledgeable. I recommend it as a fun place to go and shop, and a real learning experience.
2. Ragged Branch Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 37 reviews
Conveniently located just minutes from Charlottesville and the University of Virginia, our tasting room sits on a knoll that offers year-round, breathtaking mountain views. Take a self-guided tour of the Still Barn to learn about our distillation process, visit the Barrel Barn, and finish your visit in our Tasting Room where you can sample our handcrafted bourbon and purchase our Black Angus beef.
Reviewed By 346jenh
The views from the distillery are gorgeous and there is a ton of outdoor seating. You feel like you could stay all day. The whisky and bourbon are fantastic as well.
3. 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.
4. McGuffey Art Center
5. 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!
6. Saunders-Monticello Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 228 reviews
Reviewed By NathanWG
Awesome, beautiful walking trail to complete your visit to Monticello. Great views of the forest, Michie tavern, and Charlottesville.
7. City Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 46 reviews
Reviewed By berrea - Stafford, United States
Whenever my plans take my to Charlottesville, I always make a point to stop by the City Market there. This is one of my favorite farmers markets around. Such a great assortment of everything from fresh produce, meats, fish, eggs, pasta, cheese to plants, paintings, clothes, jewelry and even something for babies and dogs. There is always good snacking on fresh breads and pastries, as well as many other specialties. Held on Saturday mornings and worth the trip!
8. Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 84 reviews
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the only museum devoted to Indigenous Australian art outside of Australia, and comprises over 2000 artworks created by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from across Australia. The museum is currently open by reservation only, giving you the museum entirely to yourself for a 30 or 60 minute time period! To make a reservation, visit: https://kluge-ruhe.org/make-a-reservation/ An exhibition of works from the permanent collection is changed annually, while special exhibitions in the rotating gallery change every four months. We work collaboratively and consistently with Indigenous Australian artists and knowledge holders to prioritize their voices and create a platform for important dialogues about art, culture and diversity in our world.
Reviewed By jimtons - Chicago, United States
This is a very small museum in what is the main house of an old estate outside of downtown Charlottesville. There are only about 4 galleries and a hall. It is devoted exclusively to art of the Aboriginal tribes of Australia. This may sound a bit esoteric, but artwork is wonderful. It is really an expression of the cultural heritage of the aboriginal tribes and it is very moving and quite different than anything I have seen. You also learn about the suffering and persecution of these people. The museum is set in the grounds of the former estate and is lovely. You can do the museum in 30 min and it is worth it. It is also free!
9. C'ville Arts: A Cooperative Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 26 reviews
C'ville Arts offers a tremendous range of crafts and art, featuring handmade works by 50 to 60 contemporary Virginia artists year-round. Each month, we feature special exhibitions of new work by artist members. We host an opening night reception on the first Friday of the month, in conjunction with the First Fridays gallery openings throughout downtown Charlottesville. The Gallery is honored to be a part of the Virginia Artisans Trail Network, specifically the Monticello Artisans Trail.
Reviewed By cvillebeach - Charlottesville, United States
A great, affordable place to buy gifts of local art. If visiting the area it's a great place to get the flavor of Charlottesville. Store is located on the downtown pedestrian mall, and it is staffed by the artists. There's a variety of wall art, leather goods, jewelry, wearable art, etc. I recommend!
10. The Barn Swallow Artisan Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
It's not just a shop. It's not just a stop to pick out a gift... The Barn Swallow unfolds into a stroll through flower-strewn paths that open up into an early 1800's barn… filled with artisan craft that owners Janice Arone and Mary Ann Burk have chosen with utmost care. Our look stays true to our mission. We bring to the Barn Swallow not only our own hand-made pots, but also over eighty artist's works. The gardens surrounding the gallery bring those "who live for gardens " repeatedly back to our door! You truly will wade through ox eye daisies come May, as well as the heady scent of akebia vine and lotus blooming in the summertime. We are always discovering new artists to add to our growing repertoire, and we hope you will add the Barn Swallow to your list of destinations. We will be happy to greet you when you arrive!
