Charlottesville, Virginia is located along the Blue Ridge Mountains 50 miles west of Goochland making it the perfect day trip with family and friends. There is so much to do in Charlottesville whether you are a history buff, wine connoisseur, hiker, or UVA fan. There is something for just about everyone! Read on for some of our favorite places to visit in Charlottesville.
Shopping & Restaurants
The Corner neighbors UVA's main campus and is filled with restaurants, shops and specialty businesses. This vibrant area is always filled with students, locals and visitors! Located in downtown Charlottesville, the Historic Downtown Mall is one of the country's lengthiest pedestrian malls, filled with more than 150 bars, restaurants and shops. The downtown mall makes for the perfect place to grab lunch and explore local shops.
Apple Picking at Carter Mountain
Grab your flannel! There is nothing better than apples picked straight from the orchard. Carter Mountain is the perfect day trip for the whole family. Spend time exploring the orchard and picking a variety of different apples. Once you've picked all you can, head over to the picnic area for fresh apple cider donuts and a stunning view of the blue ridge mountains. Bold Rock Tap Room offers delicious craft hard ciders and seltzers crafted using apples from Carter Mountain!
Wineries, Cideries, Breweries
You'll definitely want to make more than one trip to Charlottesville to visit all of the wineries nearby. Keswick Vineyards is one of the first wineries you will pass on your way to Charlottesville and it will not disappoint! Experience award-winning wines at the outdoor tasting bar and courtyard and listen to live music. Jefferson Vineyards, Blenheim Vineyards, and Trump Winery are all located within 10 miles of one another making these three great destinations. All three have outstanding wines and stunning views.
The Charlottesville Ale Trail encompasses 9 breweries within the Charlottesville City Limits. The Ale trail includes Three Notch'd Craft Kitchen and Brewery, Star Hill, South Street Brewery and more! Mark off all 9 locations on you passport to earn a price and 25% off merchandise!
Hikes with Breathtaking Views
Take time to explore the beauty of Charlottesville while getting your steps in! There are tons of hikes in and around Charlottesville at all difficulty levels. Go Hike Virginia compiled a list of the best hikes.
Easy:
- Ragged Mountain Natural Area - 7 mile lakefront walk
- Saunders-Monticello Trail - 4.3-mile trail
Moderate:
- Humpback Rocks is a 4.3 mile loop with a 360-degree view a the top!
- White Rock Falls - 4.4 mile loop with creek crossings, rock scrambles and waterfall scenic overlooks.
- Cascade Falls - Amazing waterfall views!
Strenuous:
- Three Ridges - a 15 mile loop
- The Priest - A 9 mile hike where you will climb more than 3,000 feet to top
Home of the Cavaliers
The University of Virginia was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and is located in the heart of Charlottesville. In the fall, spend the day rooting for the Cavaliers at a ACC football game.
Reed Marsh, Mosaic at West Creek, and Blair Estates are all located in Goochland, Virginia only 45 minutes from Charlottesville Virginia. For more information, give us a call at (804) 258-4291 or fill out our online form today to inquire about our current communities.
