Location: Charlottesville
Top Things to do in Charlottesville
Countries
Top 10 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 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. 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!!
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. 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!
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. 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.
8. Blenheim Vineyards
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 357 reviews
Our outdoor areas are open Friday - Sunday from 11:00am - 5:30pm by reservation only, offering flights, glasses, and bottles of our hand-crafted Virginia wines. Reservations can be made on website
Reviewed By LakeGenevaTraveller - Lake Geneva, United States
The Blenhein Vineyards is owned by Dave Mathews of the Dave Mathews Band and is run by women - including the wine maker. Situated near to Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, it has beautiful views of the Shenandoah Valley and overlooks its vineyards. The floor is glass so you can see the winery on the floor below. Their wines are excellent and estate grown. We particularly like the whites but their Cabernet Sauvignon is quite good too. We were in the area to attend the Montpelier Steeple Chase November 2nd which we highly recommend as a premier, upscale tailgating event so we visited wineries int the area and this was our favorite.
9. Trump Winery
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 842 reviews
Featuring over 1,300 acres of breathtaking scenery, Trump Winery is situated in the heart of the Monticello Wine Trail. Just a few miles from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, Trump Winery follows Jefferson’s footsteps in making new world wines inspired by the French wine regions of Bordeaux and Champagne. With a deep sense of place, Trump Winery ties together terroir and innovation, boasting nearly 200 acres of vines, large lakes, and rolling Blue Ridge views. We know that any visit to Trump Winery will be a treasured experience.
Reviewed By Celeste0522 - Williamsburg, United States
Fun to visit Trump Winery while in midst of Charlottesville History Trip. The Tasting Room is in an adorable small building with a giant tent attached where you can sit while eating lunch or just look out over the countryside. There are Adirondack chairs grouped on the side lawn where visitors can sit, relax, enjoy the view of the hillside & Albemarle Estate nearby & enjoy a glass of wine or 2. Many fun Trump stuff for sale, shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, wine glasses, truffles & all the Trump wines. Since this is a Tasting Room, many visitors were crowded around the “bar,” however, it was not very large & several of us were totally ignored by staff as we stood waiting for a very significant time. I gave up on the tasting plan, bought 2 bottles of wine, & as I paid my bill (was never asked if I was interested in a tasting), I asked how their tasting worked. My young staff woman stated that a tasting of 4 wines is $12 & it includes a wine glass. I was given a paper with the tasting plans & wine choices. When I arrived home, I read the paper in detail & noted at the bottom that there is a discount on 12, 6, & 3 bottles of wine. I bought 2 bottles & my staff person never suggested I could receive a discount with 3 (staff at The Pottery in Williamsburg even do this). So, as lovely as the place was, & as friendly as many of the guests were that I met, I felt very disappointed. Plus, the 2 toilet paper holders in stall #2 in the Women’s Room were broken. I really do not think Mr. Trump would have been happy with all this. I may write to Eric Trump, President of the Winery, & share my thoughts. I am happy that I was able to visit, but no guest should feel let down in any Trump establishment.
10. Historic Downtown Mall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 405 reviews
Reviewed By mdiv2001 - Orlando, United States
The window shopping and people watching is pretty great, with an eclectic mix of bookstores, clothing shops, coffee and juice bars, music stores, and restaurants. The look is relaxed and urban, with brick and wrought iron everywhere. This is a great place to stroll your way from shop to shop on a lazy afternoon.
