Charlottesville

Charlottesville is a town steeped in history and culture. Of the eight U.S. presidents who came from Virginia, two — Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe — were from Charlottesville, and two more came from neighboring counties. Central Virginia was a major battlefield during the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. Jefferson, whom locals affectionately call "Mr. Jefferson," or "TJ," continues to cast a long shadow, particularly over local architecture. Many of Charlottesville's public buildings are made of brick and built in a Jeffersonian style, and many private homes are colonial. His home at Monticello and the Jefferson-designed University of Virginia have set the tone for the communities' beautiful buildings. When visiting Charlottesville, be sure to stop by the Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society to learn more about the area's rich history.
The culture of Charlottesville revolves around two points: the University of Virginia and the Historic Downtown Mall. Charlottesville is a major cultural center for central Virginia, and features more fine dining, shopping, and entertainment than one might expect for a town of its size. Ensconced in beautiful Albemarle County, Charlottesville is also surrounded by vineyards and horse country - the best of all worlds.

By plane

• Charlottesville Albemarle AirportThe closest airport to Charlottesville. it is a cute, small airport with connections to major hubs of Atlanta Airport, Charlotte, Chicago O'Hare, Dulles, LaGuardia, and Philadelphia. This airport is 8 miles from downtown, and there is no public transport, so a rental car, taxi, or hotel courtesy shuttle are the main alternatives. Rental cars are available at CHO through Avis, Hertz, or National, and the drive to Charlottesville is straightforward.

By train

• Charlottesville station

  address: 810 W Main St
  Charlottesville is served by Amtrak via its Cardinal, Crescent, and Northeast Regional routes. Two or three northbound and two or three southbound trains stop in Charlottesville each day (the number depends on the day). Plan to call for taxi service or take the CAT bus or trolley if you are not walking.

By car

The major highways leading into Charlottesville are US-29 and I-64. I-64 is a four-lane interstate leading to Charlottesville from east and west. There is rarely traffic on I-64 near Charlottesville, and the only major hill is crossing Afton Mountain, about 30 minutes west of town. US-29 is an extremely variable road. To the south, it is a four-lane road with frequent curves and at-grade crossings, but few traffic lights. To the north, the road alternates between being a four-lane commercial center with frequent traffic lights and buisnesses and being more similar to US-29 south of town. Traffic on US-29 north of town can be slow or dense at rush hour and around special events in Charlottesville, but speeds below 25mph are rare.
Travel times from nearby cities are:

• Staunton, about 45 minutes.
• Richmond, a little over an hour.
• Washington, D.C., between 2 and 2.5 hours. The trip is approximately 110 miles.
• Roanoke, about 2 hours.

By bus

Greyhound. The bus station is on West Main Street, about two blocks east of the Amtrak station. If you are traveling to or from Washington, DC, the train is generally faster, cleaner, and more comfortable than the bus.

University of Virginia

Getting around the University of Virginia, often called UVA (with each letter pronounced), is easy using the free University Transit System (UTS) buses. The Central Grounds area is very walkable, but some areas of campus (called "Grounds" by students) can be over a mile away. From the University to the downtown mall is a walk of 20-30 minutes and there is a free trolley bus that runs in a loop from the University to the Downtown Mall approximately every 20 minutes. It is not easy to find parking around the University area, including the Corner and between 14th Street and Rugby Road. There is a parking garage at the University Bookstore, on Emmet Street, that only fills up during certain University events (e.g., Days on the Lawn).

City of Charlottesville

The city is reasonably well connected by city buses, the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT). Parking in nearly all areas of the city is free and easy to find. Parking at the Downtown Mall will often require paying a modest rate at a lot or parking garage.
There is a free trolley that operates along East Main Street/Water Street between downtown and the University of Virginia. Stops include the Virginia Discovery Museum, the downtown mall, the Greyhound bus stop, Amtrak station, and the Rotunda and chapel of the University of Virginia.

Surrounding Area

Transportation outside of the city is best accomplished by car, although taxi and certain buses may be available for some locations. Main roads are well signed and in good repair, but can be hilly and curvy. If traveling to an unusual location or taking a shortcut through smaller country roads, be prepared for unpaved roads, limited signs, and frequent curves.

Taxis

With the possible exceptions of the airport and the Downtown Mall, you must call for taxi service in Charlottesville. There are several taxi companies in the city.

• A & W Taxi Service, William Walker: +1 434 882-1822
• ABA Taxi: +1 434 981-6800
• A&A Taxi: +1 434 842-4851
• A&W Taxi: +1 434 882-1822
• Accent Taxi: +1 434 981-1913
• Access: +1 434 974-5522
• Ariana Transport : +1 434 987-6910
• Arrow Taxi, James Collier, Jr.: +1 434 760-2035
• Doni Taxi: +1 434 227-2321
• Herring Shuttle: +1 434 953-6025
• Midnight Special: +1 434 760-0916
• Monticello Cab: +1 434 760-0055
• New York City: +1 434 825-1669
• Peter's Shuttle: +1 434) 760-5740
• Ride Rite Airport Service: +1 434 327-3815
• Shuttle & Safari Taxi: +1 434 227-6825
• Skyline Cab: +1 434 981-0473
• Tommy’s Taxi: +1 434 242-8959
• Star Taxi: +1 434 227-2324
• Wahoo Taxi: +1 434 981-0585
• Yellow Cab: +1 434 295-4131

• The University of Virginia

  phone: +1 434 924-0311
  AKA "Mr. Jefferson's University", and together with his residence a UNESCO World Heritage site. Quite possibly the most beautiful college campus on this side of the Atlantic. Walk around the university and visit the Lawn and the Rotunda. Thomas Jefferson considered the founding of the university to be the crowning achievement of his life, to the point that he requested that this be mentioned on his gravestone instead of his presidency.

• Monticello

  phone: +1 434 984-9800
  address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
  The residence of Thomas Jefferson. The grounds include the house itself, the gardens, slave quarters, and Thomas Jefferson's grave. Open daily.

• James Monroe's Highland

  phone: +1 434 293-8000
  address: 2050 James Monroe Parkway
  The residence of James Monroe. Open daily.

• Michie TavernAn inn dating to 1784, now a museum and restaurant. The fried chicken and peach cobbler here are life-changing experiences. Open daily.

• The Downtown Mall

  address: East Main Street
  Several blocks in downtown Charlottesville have been closed off to traffic, creating a pedestrian-friendly area full of shops and restaurants. The old brick buildings, eclectic stores, and people make this a great place to walk around. Just north of the Downtown Mall on Park Street is the town hall and some of the oldest buildings in town.

• The Virginia Discovery Museum

  phone: +1 434 977-1025
  On the Downtown Mall, has a variety of child- and family-oriented exhibits. Closed Monday, open until 5PM other days.

• Dazzling fall colorsFor the best sights in the Fall, drive into the hills south of town, or out US-250 West toward Afton Mountain. Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway, west of town off US-250 or I-64, offer some of the best views.

• The View from Carter MountainLocated on the same ridge as Monticello, Carter Mountain is home to the popular Carter Mountain Orchard and offers views of the Virginia Piedmont, Charlottesville, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Accessible either by trails or by car (groomed gravel road open April to December).

• Horse and Wine CountryDrive west of town to see farms, fences, and vineyards to make you feel as if you've stepped back into the 18th century. Garth Road is a particularly nice drive.

• Virginia Cavaliers

  phone: +1 434 924-8821
  UVA sports teams, competing in 12 men's and 13 women's sports in the Atlantic Coast Conference, are a big deal in the Charlottesville area. As with most big schools, football and men's basketball are the biggest draws, with several other sports, notably baseball, men's lacrosse, and men's soccer, also being national powerhouses. Most venues are on Grounds, with the best-known being Scott Stadium (football) and John Paul Jones Arena (aka the "JPJ"; basketball).
• See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.

• IX Art Park

  address: 522 2nd St SE
  A walk-through, sculptural, mural-festooned space that's free and open for the public to wander, night and day.

• Hot air balloon ridesThrough Boars Head Country Club.

• Ice skateMain Street Arena - though rink closes during the spring and summer - check availability

Wine Tours

The countryside around Charlottesville is filled with dozens of wineries. All are members of the Monticello Wine Trail. There are several companies that provide guided tours. If you're driving yourself, be sure to have a designated driver, as DUI enforcement is strict. If traveling in a large group, call ahead as some wineries have limits on maximum group size.

• Wish Wish Wine ToursWide Range of Wine & Beer Tours. Easy Online Availability, Pricing and Booking.

• Blue Ridge Wine Excursions

• Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co

• Camryn Wine Tours

  phone: +1 434 979-8200
  address: 513 E Main St #1323, Charlottesville, VA 22902
  Camryn Wine Tours is a family-owned, Charlottesville based company established in 2005 and operated by Bill and Cheri Kerr. Specializing in Virginia wine tours, weddings and special events.

• Windswept Transportation Services

Dance

Social, Ballroom, Swing, Salsa

• USA DanceThe Charlottesville chapter of the national ballroom dance association holds monthly ballroom dances, generally the first Saturday of the month

• Zabor DanceHas a variety of partner dance lessons. Located in the McGuffy Arts Center, 201 2nd St. NW, Studio 11

• Terry Dean's Dance StudioTeaches ballroom lessons every weekday. Located at 2123 Berkmar Dr.

• Shergold StudioOffers group and private dance lessons on weekday evenings and weekends. Located at 652 Rio Road West #7

• Charlottesville Swing Dance SocietyHolds monthly dances and free practice sessions every Thursday

• Swing CvilleWeekly swing lessons and monthly workshops. Located at 313 2nd St. SE, Suite 108, inside the Glass Building

• Charlottesville Salsa ClubHosts Salsa Sunday at Club R2, 303 E. Main Street

Festivals

• Fridays After Five weekly spring and summer time music in the Sprint Wireless Pavilion at the east end of the Downtown Mall

• Virginia Festival of the BookIn March (March 16-20 in 2011)

• Charlottesville Dogwood FestivalIn the spring (April 4-17 in 2011)

• The Ash Lawn Opera FestivalIn the summer

• The Charlottesville Vegetarian FestivalIn September (Sept 24 in 2011)

• Virginia Film FestivalIn late Oct-early Nov

• The Jeffersonian Thanksgiving FestivalIn late November

• Banff Mountain Film FestivalIn March at Paramount Theater.

• The Downtown Mall, Main Street between McIntire Rd. and Avon St., is Charlottesville's best and most eclectic shopping district. The street is open to pedestrians only, is paved entirely with brick, and features fountains, public art, flowering trees, and many benches. Both sides of the street are lined with local boutiques, outdoor cafes and other fine restaurants, three theaters, an ice rink, and the Virginia Discovery Museum.

• Barracks Road Shopping CenterBarracks Road and Emmett Street. This outdoor shopping center contains higher end stores, as well as mid-level clothing outlets and a variety of inexpensive restaurants. Conveniently located near the University North Grounds.

• Seminole Square Shopping Center, Over fifty fine shops located on Route 29 just north of Hydraulic Road in Charlottesville. ATA Leadership Martial Arts,Ace Shoe Repair, Andrew Minton Jewelers, Asian Fusion Buffet,Big Lots, Bike Factory of Charlottesville,Boathouse Restaurant,Bounce-n-Play, Boy Scout Shop, Burger King, C'ville Oriental, Ci Ci's Pizza, CosmoProf, Crystal Cleaners, Dover Saddlery, Downtown Athletic, ERA Bill May Realty Co., Ebony Images, Edible Arrangements, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, F-Stop Photo, Family Christian Store, Fashion Bug, FastFrame, GNC (General Nutrition Center), Giant Food, Hair World, It's A Stitch, Kim's Hair Salon, Maharaja Restaurant, Marco & Luca, Marshalls, Mykonos Café, Nail Expo, Office Depot, Performance Bicycle Shop, Pete's Pet Forum, Plan9 Music, Premier Rental Purchase, Professional Optical, Royal Indian Restaurant, Seminole Carpet & Floors, Seminole Total Health, Snap Fitness 24/7, The Crystal Connection, The Party Starts Here, Tobacconist & Gifts, Total Soccer, Virginia School of Massage.
• Pantops Shopping Center , Convenient to Eastern Albemarle and Interstate 64, Pantops Shopping Center is located just east of the Free Bridge in Charlottesville, ABC Store, Aaron's, Advance America, Cash Advance, Advance Auto, Alpha Medical Aids, Animal Medical Center of Charlottesville, Beauty Nail & Spa, Cellular Express, Chic Hair, Dollar Tree, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Food Lion, H & R Block, Insurance Dr. of Charlottesville, Jiffy Lube, Lazy Parrot Grill, Lloyd's Hallmark, Mid-Atlantic Fasteners, Mountain Kim Martial Arts Academy, Pack 'N' Mail, Pantops Pet Salon & Spa, Purrin' at Pantops, RadioShack, Rivanna Gear & Apparel, Roses, Rudy's Cleaners, Shanghai Chinese Restaurant, Subway, The Party Starts Here, Tuesday Morning.

• Fashion Square MallOn 29 North. The main indoor mall, with the usual variety of chain clothing stores, bookstores, department stores, and restaurants.

There are a ton of great restaurants in Charlottesville, offering a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices. Main hubs of restaurants include 'The Corner,' an area of student-friendly shops in a traditional student area right next to the University, and around the downtown mall. From spring through fall, the outside seating on the pedestrian-only outdoor mall is highly recommended.

Downtown Mall

• Bang

  address: 213 Second St. SW
  Higher end Asian inspired Tapas.

• Bashir's Taverna

  address: 507 E. Main St
  Mediterranean cuisine.

• BizouModerately priced French-influenced comfort food.

• Blue Light GrillFresh seafood and bar.

• Bluegrass Grill

  address: 313 Second St
  Specializing in breakfast.

• Grit CafeParticularly good for breakfast. Also has Panini.

• ChapsLocally made ice cream in an old-style diner. Also burgers etc.

• Christian'sGourmet pizza by the slice.

• C&O

  address: 515 E. Water St
  High end Virginia cuisine in a cozy environment. Excellent casual bar downstairs.

• Downtown GrilleHigher-end grill, surf and turf.

• Downtown ThaiCheap-moderate priced Thai cuisine.

• EscafeComfort food with a twist... and a late night crowd.

• Fellini's #9

  address: 201 W. Market St
  Popular gathering place for live music and creative southern Italian food.

• The Flat: Takeaway Creperie

  address: 111 E. Water St
  Sweet & Savory Crepes, European Style, Delightful Patio, Affordable!

• Fleurie

  phone: +1 434 971-7800
  address: 108 3rd Street
  High end French cuisine.

• Hamilton'sHigher-end misc.

• Himalayan Fusion

  phone: +1 434 293-3120
  Brings Indian, Nepalese and Tibetan Food to the Downtown Mall. Lunch Buffet.

• Marco and Luca'sNoodles and dumplings. Super cheap and very popular.

• Miller's

  phone: +1 434 971-8511
  address: 109 W. Main St.
  This pub is an institution but is known for its music, not its food. Dave Matthews tended bar here back in the day and met his future bandmates here. However, the establishment greatly downplays its DMB connections.

• Mono Loco

  address: 200 W. Water St
  Cuban cuisine.

• Monsoon

  address: 113 W. Market St
  Southeastern Asian cuisine.

• MudhouseCozy couches and outside seating make this a popular coffee shop. Baked goods abound.

• The NookGreat breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches. High Quality products all around.

• Petit PoisClassic, casual French bistro.

• Rapture

  phone: +1 434 293-9526
  American food, billiards, bar and dance club.

• Revolutionary Soup

  address: 108 Second St. SW
  Hearty soups, inspired sandwiches, fresh salads, fancy sodas, local and organic ingredients. Soups are about $5.

• The Shebeen

  address: 247 Ridge/McIntire Rd
  South African restaurant and pub.

• South Street Brewery

  address: 106 W. South St
  This is a brew-pub where they serve what they make on the premises. South St. also serves guest beers, cider, wine and has a full bar. Mix of cheap-moderate food.

• TenHigh-end sushi and cocktails.

• West Main

  address: 333 W. Main St
  'Virginian' restaurant with several levels with bars etc.

• Splendoras

• Twisted Branch Tea BazaarLarge selection of gourmet teas, with vegetarian food and hookah.

• Vita NovaGourmet pizza by the slice.

• ZocaloHigher end Latin inspired cuisine.

• Threepenny Cafe

  phone: +1 434 995-5277
  address: 420 West Main Street
  High end food for a low price, modern and exciting cocktails. Patio.

• The Alley Light

  phone: +1 434 296-5003
  address: 108 2nd St. SW
  A James Beard nominee for "Best New Restaurant" in the U.S. The Alley Light serves classic French shared plates, craft cocktails and small grower wines in a comfortable place.

Belmont

• Mas

  address: 501 Monticello Rd
  Spanish tapas.

• TavolaUpscale italian. Also features a cocktail bar behind the dining room with craft cocktails and small plates.

• The LocalLocally sourced modern American

• Belmont PizzaPizza and bar with darts and arcade games

• Beer RunLarge beer selection and food. Has a large patio. Serves brunch.

The Corner

• Arch's. Located at the lower end of the Corner, closer to the hospital, this small frozen yogurt and salad bar is a Charlottesville favorite! $3-$10.
• Bodo's Bagels, near Bank of America and Elliewood Avenue. This Charlottesville Bagel Bakery has fast service and yummy food; serving breakfast most of the day. $2-$6.
• Buttz BBQ, on Elliewood Avenue.

• College InnMostly Greek and Italian food. They deliver.

• Coupe de Ville's. Small restaurant/bar with a varied menu tucked away on Elliewood Ave. Popular bar among undergrads.
• Lee's International Grill. This small international grill has excellent foodfrom hamburgers, burritos, soup, and Chinese food. $5-$7.
• Lemongrass. Good Vietnamese and Thai cuisine with a little twist. Offers a student discount for lunch.
• Littlejohn's. Open 24 hours. Depending on the hour, serves either breakfast or sandwiches and subs.
• Mellow Mushroom, +1 434-972-9366. Pizza & Subs. Good pizza, dozens of beers on tap. $2 pints during their happy hour.
• Michael's Bistro. This establishment, perched above Littlejohn's, offers a wide range of beers and an eclectic menu.
• Revolutionary Soup, or just "Rev Soup" - very good soup collection, bread & apple with each purchase

• Sakura

  phone: +1 434 923-0238
  Japanese, including sushi. Delicious food in a calm, mature, relaxing atmosphere (unusual on The Corner).

• Take It Away Sandwich Shop

  address: 115 Elliewood Ave
  Serves a wide variety of sandwiches on fresh baked bread. Carries a large amount of Potato-chip varieties and drink selections. Limited seating. Popular with UVa students and people who work in the area.

• St. Maarten CafeA Corner classic - been around since 1985. Features delicious wings, burgers, nachos and cheese fries. Moderately priced, good tap and bottle beer selection and an awesome specialty cocktail menu that regularly changes. Drink specials available 7 days a week.

• The Virginian

  phone: +1 434 984-4667
  address: 1521 University Ave
  Charlottesville's oldest diner is a cozy bar/restaurant featuring burgers, steaks and linguini. Various drink specials throughout the week.

• The White Spot

  address: 1407 University Ave
  Lunch-counter style establishment that is another Corner landmark. Locally famous for its Gus Burger, a cheeseburger topped with a fried egg.

Shopping centers

• Taste of China - Albemarle Square, opened by renowned chef Peter Chang. They serve a mix of authentic Szechuan and American Chinese food.
• Peter Chang's China Grill - Barracks Road, a second restaurant opened more recently by Peter Chang.
• Shanghai Restaurant - Pantops, Full Menu, Exotic Mixed Drinks, Eat In Or Carry Out, Cocktails, Authentic Hunan & Szechuan Chinese Food. Located in Pantops Shopping Center.

Elsewhere

• Albemarle Baking CompanyIn the Main Street Market near the Downtown Mall, +1 434-293-6456. Charlottesville's artisanal bakery. French-style baguettes, Italian-style ciabatta, rye bread, whole grain, and more - plus they bake pastries, cookies and cakes.

• Bodo's Bagel Bakery, locations at 1418 N. Emmet St., 404 Preston Ave., and on The Corner.The best bagels south of New York. Really. A Charlottesville institution for nearly 20 years. Located at Great sandwiches, salads, and soup, cheap prices, blindingly fast service, and a trendy atmosphere. For a laugh, ask a local how long it takes Bodo's owner Brian Fox to open each new restaurant. Open until 8PM, 3PM/4PM Sunday. All meals are about $5.
• The Brick Oven, 1966 Rio Hill Shopping Center, on 29 North. Gourmet pizza, sandwiches, and pasta. Dinner is $8-$10.

• Crozet Pizza

  address: 5794 Three Notch'd Rd, Crozet
  The best pizza in Albemarle County. Make reservations for parties of 10 or more.

• CVille CoffeeCoffee, espresso, sandwiches and noodle bowls. Kid-friendly. Free wireless.

• Riverside Lunch, In town location: 1427 Hazel St. Riverside North location: 1770 Timberwood Blvd. A Charlottesville institution. Some consider Riverside to have the best burgers in town.
• Guadalajara, 29 North, East Market Street (downtown), and Fontaine (near UVA). A local Mexican institution. Entrees are $6-$10. The best in Cville. Try the Pollo con Mole, or Carnitas.

• L'etoileOn Main Street midway between the Corner and the Downtown Mall. L'etoile is a fine-dining establishment that serves French-Virginian style food

• Lime Leaf Cafe, in the Rio Hill center on US 29. This hidden gem serves the most delicious and authentic Thai food in Charlottesville.
• Maharaja, Seminole Square, 29 North. A full variety of Indian food. Dinner $10-$15.

• Milan

  address: 1417 Emmet Street
  Wonderful Indian food, spicy and aromatic favorites cooked in authentic tandoori oven. Features a lunchtime buffet. Wide range of favorites, including vegetarian options. $10-$20.

• Ming Dynasty

  address: 1417 Emmet St
  Traditional Chinese and extensive vegetarian menu.
• Michie Tavern, down the hill from Monticello. Michie (pronounced Mickey) Tavern is a recreation of a Colonial tavern, where tourists can eat, shop, and tour the buildings.

• OrzoAlso in the Main Street Market. Wonderful Med style food.

• Royal Indian Restaurant

  phone: +1 434 973-2288
  address: 1250 Emmet St. North
  The best Indian food in the area. Fine dining and friendly, attentive service brought to Charlottesville by owner and head chef Ravi Dahiya. A variety of flavors and sauces with a diverse menu with vegetarian and vegan options using exceptional ingredients including methi (fenugreek) and goat. On Route 29 North near Target.
• Thai 99. Inexpensive and delicious Thai food. North-end and University-area locations.

• Vivace

  address: 2244 Ivy Road
  Italian, with charming indoor or two-tiered patio seating.

• Wayside Ol' Virginia Fried Chicken

  address: 2203 Jefferson Park Ave
  Just what it says it is. A rare un-yuppified oasis. Pretty good chicken; disappointing dinner rolls, though.

• Zazu's

  address: 2213 Ivy Rd
  Tasty wraps made with fresh ingredients. Wraps are about $5.

Like the eating options, the main hubs are either at 'The Corner', which has a predominantly student crowd, or downtown. Many options at both.

• Beer Run

  phone: +1 434 984-2337
  address: 156 Carlton Rd #203
  Close to downtown and Belmont, has hundreds of craft beer bottles for sale, 14 rotating draughts, growlers to go, a full restaurant and lively atmosphere with patio seating. Frequent beer tastings and a focus on all natural, organic, local foods.

• Michael's Bistro & Taphouse

  phone: +1 434 977-3697
  address: 1427 University Avenue
  On the corner, Has one of the best and widest selection of beers in town, and specializes in Belgian and European beers.

• South Street Brewery

  phone: +1 434 293-6550
  address: 106 South Street
  Downtown, a good micro-brewery and restaurant

• Mellow Mushroom

  phone: +1 434-972-9366
  address: 1321 West Main Street
  On the Corner, has lots of beers on tap and drink specials when it rains.
• For wine, both the C&O Restaurant (downtown) and Zocalo (downtown) have excellent selections. Fellini's #9 (downtown) also has many Italian wines. Mas Tapas Bar (Belmont) has a good selection of Spanish wines.
• For beer and wine to go, visit Market Street Wine Shop just off the Downtown Mall and they have an uptown location in Shoppers World near Whole Foods Market.

• Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar

  phone: +1 434 293-9947
  address: 414 East Main Street
  To experience a world of teas in Charlottesville, head over to the Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar on the Downtown Mall. Also available is a fine selection of wines, beers and sake. The evenings frequently bring music and cultural activities.
• Nightclub: R2, a dance club located inside Rapture restaurant; Club 216, a gay and lesbian dance club (that also welcomes straight people) downtown

• Maya

  address: 633 West Main St
  Southern comfort food done right.

• Virginian

  address: Corner
  Oldest bar at the UVA Corner. A classic, weeknights and weekends, for UVA students aged 18-24.

• Brother's Bar & Grill

  address: 2104 Angus Road
  Best food around and coldest, cheapest beer in town.

Full range of options. Hotels fill up early for UVa football and basketball games and for graduation.

• Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast

  phone: +1 434 872-9475
  address: 1376 Sutlers Road
  Wine country B&B. Junior suites with king bed, private bath, wine fridge with bottle of sparkling wine, wine & cheese check in, port & chocolate turn down. Full served country-fresh breakfast with room rate. Views of vineyard out back. Transportation (schedule permitting) included the 6.5 miles to downtown for dinner. Wine tour packages available.

• Comfort Inn Monticello

  address: 2097 Inn Drive
  Offers guests free continental breakfast and free wireless high-speed Internet access.

• Mason Lane Cottage

  address: 1618 Mason Ln
  2-bedroom cottage for up to 4 people, private yard, full kitchen, and on street parking. No pets/No smokers.

• Residence Inn by Marriott

  address: 1111 Millmont Street
  All suites offer full kitchens, living rooms with pullout sofa beds and work desks with high speed Internet access. Complimentary full breakfast daily, grocery shopping service, on-site laundry and nightly social hours midweek.

• Hilton Garden Inn Charlottesville

  phone: +1 434 979-4442
  address: 1793 Richmond Road
  Located on property formerly owned by Thomas Jefferson’s father, with rolling hills and swans swimming in a pond, the hotel is accessible from Interstate 64 and off US 250 bypass. A complimentary shuttle serves local destinations.

• Omni Charlottesville Hotel

  address: 212 Ridge McIntire Rd
  Nice hotel with clean, comfortable rooms, recently renovated.

• Fairfield by Marriott Charlottesville North

  phone: +1 434 964-9411
  address: 577 Branchlands Boulevard
  Renovated in 2019. Offers free breakfast & WiFi and a seasonal outdoor pool.

• Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park - Beautiful drives along the Appalachians, with many hiking trails, some of which connect to the Appalachian Trail.
• Montpelier, the home of James Madison, is half an hour north on Route 20.
• Hike at the Ivy Creek or Ragged Mountain Natural Areas
• Tube the James River in Scottsville
• Golf at the many public and semi-private golf courses
• Explore Nearby Towns and Cities Washington DC, Richmond, Lynchburg, Roanoke etc, are within 3 hours drive from Charlottesville