Things To Do
Carter Mountain Orchard and Country Store
Go apple picking, try their delicious apple cider donuts with a gorgeous mountain view, or get some Bold Rock cider on tap!
Belmont
Check out Charlottesville's Belmont neighborhood for some awesome food and cute local shops. Our favorites: Tavola - incredible Italian food including homemade pasta The Local - amazing Southern-style food Belle - great breakfast place and cafe - try their scones! Be Just - cute shop full of local goods
Quirk Hotel Rooftop Bar
Go to Quirk's rooftop bar at for unique cocktails and a beautiful view of Charlottesville. We recommend going at sunset.
Saunders-Monticello Trail
This is a beautiful easy route that spans about 4 miles if you go the whole way. It includes multiple boardwalks through the woods and trails further up in the hills to explore as well. Open from sunrise until sunset. Directions: From I-64 in Charlottesville, take Exit #121 and head south on SR 20 for 0.6 miles to SR 53/ Thomas Jefferson Parkway. Turn left on SR 53/ Thomas Jefferson Parkway. Go about 300 yards, turn right into trailhead parking lot. (The entrance to Monticello is approximately 1.5 miles further along SR 53.) Note: If the lot is full at the trailhead, an additional parking area is located on Rt 20 across from Piedmont Virginia Community College.
Downtown Mall
The downtown mall is a vibrant pedestrian mall filled with shops and restaurants. Our favorites: Darling - local artisan finds Zocalo - amazing margarita and mojito flights Tillman's - delicious sandwiches Passiflora - tasty fajitas in a fun atmosphere.
Monticello Wine Trail
See all that Blue Ridge wineries have to offer! Some of our favorites are Hazy Mountain, Pippin Hill, King Family, and of course Veritas.
Humpback Rock Hike
One of the most popular in the area, this 1.8 mile hike offers stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains. The trailhead is on the Blue Ridge parkway about 35 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. No park pass required.