What is the best way to see Charlottesville in one day?
Not only is Charlottesville home to the beautiful University of Virginia, but it was once the stomping grounds of not one but two U.S. presidents. In order to see all that this picturesque Southern city has to offer, you should be ready to have a jam-packed day.
Start your morning with breakfast at Bodo’s Bagel Bakery on “The Corner.” It’s a go-to breakfast joint in Charlottesville and a quick way to get some energy. Across the street from the bagel shop is the University of Virginia’s campus, which is the centerpiece of the city. Head to the Rotunda to take a tour of the Thomas Jefferson-founded school; you’ll wander the pristine grounds and onto the legendary lawn, all while learning the history of Jefferson’s architectural designs.
After you’ve relived your college days, hop in the car and drive to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate. You’ll notice that the main house looks nearly identical to the university’s Rotunda — that’s because Jefferson designed both of them. You can tour the gardens, which include an orchard, vineyard and vegetable garden, as well as the home, which is filled with much of the original furnishings.
Once you’ve gotten your history lesson, get back in the car and prepare for one of the most scenic drives of your life. Skyline Drive runs along the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and through Shenandoah National Park. We don’t expect you to drive the entire 105-mile road, but even if you see just a portion of it, you’ll be provided with postcard-worthy vistas.
Snap a few photos and make your way back to your hotel, where you can clean up for dinner on the Historic Downtown Mall. This pedestrian-only area is lined with restaurants, shops and laid-back bars. If you’ve still got some energy to burn after dinner, head to “The Corner” to experience Charlottesville’s nightlife scene. This area is generally filled with students, but it’s a great way to get a feel for the Virginia town.
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On October 17Rick Butts answered the question:
What are the best things to do in Charlottesville?
“Virginia Is for Lovers,” and Charlottesville and Central Virginia are certainly no exception to that iconic slogan. Whether you love history, food and wine, the outdoors, the arts or shopping, the region offers it all.
History. Three presidential homes are in the Charlottesville area, including Jefferson’s Monticello (just five minutes from Keswick Hall at Monticello), Madison’s Montpelier and Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the University of Virginia campus for a tour of Jefferson’s Academic Village and a glimpse of Edgar Allan Poe’s room on the Lawn.
Food and wine. Central Virginia is known for its abundance of wineries and the exceptional wines being produced. With more than 20 vineyards, enjoyable afternoons may be spent sampling at favorites such as Keswick, Barboursville, Jefferson, Veritas and King Family wineries. The region is also home to several breweries, including Star Hill, Blue Mountain, Devils Backbone, Wild Wolf and South Street, each putting their own unique spin on beer. The countryside is dotted with orchards for picking your own fruit and farmers’ markets filled with fresh produce, cheeses, homemade preserves and crafts from local farmers and artisans. And, a thriving restaurant scene offers everything from Southern casual to fine dining and includes Keswick Hall’s own Fossett’s Restaurant, featuring regional ingredients for a uniquely Charlottesville dining experience.
The outdoors. Whether you prefer a peaceful walk, jog or bike ride on Keswick Hall at Monticello’s miles of nature trails; an afternoon of fly-fishing in the resort’s creek; hot air ballooning from the resort’s on-site launch site; an afternoon of golf on our Arnold Palmer–designed course; a tennis match; a swim in one of the three outdoor pools; an archery lesson; or a game of croquet, the options within the resort are vast. A short drive outside the resort allows you to enjoy more adventurous trails for hiking or biking, beautiful rivers for fly-fishing, horseback riding and a variety of seasonal festivals and sporting events.
The arts. A vivacious arts community in Charlottesville provides year-round opportunities. The museums at University of Virginia offer ever-changing exhibitions across a variety of mediums. The performing arts, ranging from opera to national recording artists, can be enjoyed at any number of venues within the area. Festivals, such as the fall Virginia Film Festival and the spring Virginia Festival of the Book, draw visitors from around the world.
Shopping. No visit to the area is complete without a visit to the Downtown Mall, a pedestrian-only area lined with shops and restaurants that are each unique to Charlottesville. -
On October 17Rick Butts answered the question:
What are the best things to do in Charlottesville?
“Virginia Is for Lovers,” and Charlottesville and Central Virginia are certainly no exception to that iconic slogan. Whether you love history, food and wine, the outdoors, the arts or shopping, the region offers it all.
History. Three presidential homes are in the Charlottesville area, including Jefferson’s Monticello (just five minutes from Keswick Hall at Monticello), Madison’s Montpelier and Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the University of Virginia campus for a tour of Jefferson’s Academic Village and a glimpse of Edgar Allan Poe’s room on the Lawn.
Food and wine. Central Virginia is known for its abundance of wineries and the exceptional wines being produced. With more than 20 vineyards, enjoyable afternoons may be spent sampling at favorites such as Keswick, Barboursville, Jefferson, Veritas and King Family wineries. The region is also home to several breweries, including Star Hill, Blue Mountain, Devils Backbone, Wild Wolf and South Street, each putting their own unique spin on beer. The countryside is dotted with orchards for picking your own fruit and farmers’ markets filled with fresh produce, cheeses, homemade preserves and crafts from local farmers and artisans. And, a thriving restaurant scene offers everything from Southern casual to fine dining and includes Keswick Hall’s own Fossett’s Restaurant, featuring regional ingredients for a uniquely Charlottesville dining experience.
The outdoors. Whether you prefer a peaceful walk, jog or bike ride on Keswick Hall at Monticello’s miles of nature trails; an afternoon of fly-fishing in the resort’s creek; hot air ballooning from the resort’s on-site launch site; an afternoon of golf on our Arnold Palmer–designed course; a tennis match; a swim in one of the three outdoor pools; an archery lesson; or a game of croquet, the options within the resort are vast. A short drive outside the resort allows you to enjoy more adventurous trails for hiking or biking, beautiful rivers for fly-fishing, horseback riding and a variety of seasonal festivals and sporting events.
The arts. A vivacious arts community in Charlottesville provides year-round opportunities. The museums at University of Virginia offer ever-changing exhibitions across a variety of mediums. The performing arts, ranging from opera to national recording artists, can be enjoyed at any number of venues within the area. Festivals, such as the fall Virginia Film Festival and the spring Virginia Festival of the Book, draw visitors from around the world.
Shopping. No visit to the area is complete without a visit to the Downtown Mall, a pedestrian-only area lined with shops and restaurants that are each unique to Charlottesville. -
On October 17Rick Butts answered the question:
What are the best things to do in Charlottesville?
“Virginia Is for Lovers,” and Charlottesville and Central Virginia are certainly no exception to that iconic slogan. Whether you love history, food and wine, the outdoors, the arts or shopping, the region offers it all.
History. Three presidential homes are in the Charlottesville area, including Jefferson’s Monticello (just five minutes from Keswick Hall at Monticello), Madison’s Montpelier and Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the University of Virginia campus for a tour of Jefferson’s Academic Village and a glimpse of Edgar Allan Poe’s room on the Lawn.
Food and wine. Central Virginia is known for its abundance of wineries and the exceptional wines being produced. With more than 20 vineyards, enjoyable afternoons may be spent sampling at favorites such as Keswick, Barboursville, Jefferson, Veritas and King Family wineries. The region is also home to several breweries, including Star Hill, Blue Mountain, Devils Backbone, Wild Wolf and South Street, each putting their own unique spin on beer. The countryside is dotted with orchards for picking your own fruit and farmers’ markets filled with fresh produce, cheeses, homemade preserves and crafts from local farmers and artisans. And, a thriving restaurant scene offers everything from Southern casual to fine dining and includes Keswick Hall’s own Fossett’s Restaurant, featuring regional ingredients for a uniquely Charlottesville dining experience.
The outdoors. Whether you prefer a peaceful walk, jog or bike ride on Keswick at Monticello’s miles of nature trails, an afternoon of fly-fishing in the resort’s creek, hot air ballooning from the resort’s on-site launch site, an afternoon of golf on our Arnold Palmer–designed course, a tennis match, a swim in the one of the three outdoor pools, an archery lesson or a game of croquet, the options within the resort are vast. A short drive outside the resort allows you to enjoy more adventurous trails for hiking or biking, beautiful rivers for fly-fishing, horseback riding and a variety of seasonal festivals and sporting events.
The arts. A vivacious arts community in Charlottesville provides year-round opportunities. The museums at University of Virginia offer ever-changing exhibitions across a variety of mediums. The performing arts, ranging from opera to national recording artists, can be enjoyed at any number of venues within the area. Festivals, such as the fall Virginia Film Festiva1 and the spring Virginia Festival of the Book, draw visitors from around the world.
Shopping. No visit to the area is complete without a visit to the Downtown Mall, a pedestrian-only area lined with shops and restaurants that are each unique to Charlottesville. -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
What is the best thing to bring home from Charlottesville?
It’s difficult to narrow down this list to just one item! The best things to bring home from Charlottesville are:
1. Wine. With more than 20 wineries in the area, the choices are outstanding and half the fun is the tasting required to select your favorite bottle.
2. Anything from The Virginia Shop at Barracks Road Shopping Center.
3. The History of Keswick Hall. This book details the resort’s history and was written by our Hotel Historian, Patricia Castelli, who provides complimentary tours of the resort.
4. Anything from Monticello’s gift shop, but a favorite is always the seeds from Thomas Jefferson’s garden.
5. Wrought iron from Stokes of England. Practically next door to Keswick Hall, this custom metalsmith shop creates incredible pieces of architectural ironwork. -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
What is the best thing to bring home from Charlottesville?
It’s difficult to narrow down this list to just one item! The best things to bring home from Charlottesville are:
1. Wine. With more than 20 wineries in the area, the choices are outstanding and half the fun is the tasting required to select your favorite bottle.
2. Anything from The Virginia Shop at Barracks Road Shopping Center.
3. The History of Keswick Hall. This book details the resort’s history and was written by our Hotel Historian, Patricia Castelli, who provides complimentary tours of the resort.
4. Anything from Monticello’s gift shop, but a favorite is always the seeds from Thomas Jefferson’s garden.
5. Wrought iron from Stokes of England. Practically next door to Keswick Hall, this custom metalsmith shop creates incredible pieces of architectural ironwork. -
On October 12Aaron Cross answered the question:
What are the five best Charlottesville food experiences?
The best five food experiences in Charlottesville are:
1. The City Market (open every Saturday from April through November).
2. Gouda cheese from Our Lady of the Angels Monastery in nearby Crozet.
3. Coffee from Shenandoah Joe Coffee.
4. Gearhart chocolates.
5. Anything picked at Carter Mountain Orchard. -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
Where is the best nightlife in Charlottesville?
Like any college town, the nightlife in Charlottesville is diverse and plentiful. The Jefferson and the Southern Café and Music Hall are favorite venues for live music across a variety of genres while Fellini’s #9 frequently offers live jazz. Or just stroll the Downtown Mall and hop into any of the restaurants and bars that catch your eye and capture your mood. -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
What should I pack for a trip to Charlottesville?
Visitors to Charlottesville should always pack:
A camera. The scenery and photo opportunities are endless!
Hiking shoes. The nature trails on the estate and in the surrounding national parks can be enjoyed by the novice and the adventurous alike.
A notebook. Whether spending a day sampling wines at the local vineyards or touring the gardens at Monticello, you’re going to want to make notes about your experiences so that you can duplicate them at home.
A light jacket. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, there can always be a chill in the air in the evenings. -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
When is the best time of year to visit Charlottesville?
Charlottesville is a destination for all seasons. The spring brings beautiful blooms, garden tours and farmers’ markets. The summer is highlighted with festivals, outdoor pursuits and a lush landscape. Fall brings the changing of the leaves, the wine crush season and another unique season of festivals, special events and University of Virginia football. Winter is perhaps the most serene season in the region, when the occasional snowfall blankets the ground and s’mores, hot cocoa and a good book by the fire at Keswick Hall at Monticello are welcome diversions. -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
What are the best free things to do in Charlottesville?
The best free things to do in Charlottesville are:
Take a free tour of the Rotunda at the University of Virginia and stroll the Lawn.
Enjoy a free trolley ride from University of Virginia to the Downtown Mall.
Walk with the hounds at Keswick Hall at Monticello.
See the ponies run at King Family Vineyards’ polo matches (every Sunday from Memorial Day through mid-October).
View the latest local art exhibitions at First Fridays (the first Friday of each month). -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in Charlottesville?
The Downtown Mall is a popular destination for visitors to the area. Lined with locally owned and operated shops and restaurants, it provides a uniquely Charlottesville shopping experience.
Barracks Road Shopping Center, the Fashion Square Mall and Hollymead Town Center, the area’s newest shopping center, offer a variety of national chain stores. -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
What are the best things to do with kids in Charlottesville?
Charlottesville is a great area for children to visit. The interactive museum at Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is a highlight. The city is also home to the Virginia Discovery Museum, which features hands-on exhibits and imaginative play for kids of all ages. For your little artist, the Glass Palette on the Downtown Mall allows parents and kids to create their very own works of art.
Enjoy the outdoors with the kids at any number of outdoor parks and nature areas, including the popular Ragged Mountain and Ivy Creek. Or enjoy the day picking your own apples, peaches, strawberries and blueberries at Carter Mountain or Chiles orchards. -
On October 12Rick Butts answered the question:
What are the best things to do in Charlottesville?
“Virginia Is for Lovers,” and Charlottesville and Central Virginia are certainly no exception to that iconic slogan. Whether you love history, food and wine, the outdoors, the arts or shopping, the region offers it all.
History. Three presidential homes are in the Charlottesville area, including Jefferson’s Monticello (just five minutes from Keswick Hall at Monticello), Madison’s Montpelier and Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland. History buffs will also enjoy a visit to the University of Virginia campus for a tour of Jefferson’s Academic Village and a glimpse of Edgar Allan Poe’s room on the Lawn.
Food and wine. Central Virginia is known for its abundance of wineries and the exceptional wines being produced. With more than 20 vineyards, enjoyable afternoons may be spent sampling at favorites such as Keswick, Barboursville, Jefferson, Veritas and King Family wineries. The region is also home to several breweries, including Star Hill, Blue Mountain, Devils Backbone, Wild Wolf and South Street, each putting their own unique spin on beer. The countryside is dotted with orchards for picking your own fruit and farmers’ markets filled with fresh produce, cheeses, homemade preserves and crafts from local farmers and artisans. And, a thriving restaurant scene offers everything from Southern casual to fine dining and includes Keswick Hall’s own Fossett’s Restaurant, featuring regional ingredients for a uniquely Charlottesville dining experience.
The outdoors. Whether you prefer a peaceful walk, jog or bike ride on Keswick at Monticello’s miles of nature trails, an afternoon of fly-fishing in the resort’s creek, hot air ballooning from the resort’s on-site launch site, an afternoon of golf on our Arnold Palmer–designed course, a tennis match, a swim in the one of the three outdoor pools, an archery lesson or a game of croquet, the options within the resort are vast. A short drive outside the resort allows you to enjoy more adventurous trails for hiking or biking, beautiful rivers for fly-fishing, horseback riding and a variety of seasonal festivals and sporting events.
The arts. A vivacious arts community in Charlottesville provides year-round opportunities. The museums at University of Virginia offer ever-changing exhibitions across a variety of mediums. The performing arts, ranging from opera to national recording artists, can be enjoyed at any number of venues within the area. Festivals, such as the fall Virginia Film Festiva1 and the spring Virginia Festival of the Book, draw visitors from around the world.
Shopping. No visit to the area is complete without a visit to the Downtown Mall, a pedestrian-only area lined with shops and restaurants that are each unique to Charlottesville. -
On July 30Forbes Travel Guide Inspector answered the question:
When is the best time of year to visit Charlottesville?
Like many small towns, Charlottesville shines in select seasons. There’s always something to do throughout the year, but Forbes Travel Guide’s editors love visiting in the fall. The leaves transform to vibrant shades of orange, red and yellow, and the scenery looks like it’s straight out of a postcard. With the foliage in the background and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate in the foreground, you can’t help but revel in the beauty of Charlottesville. The temperatures hover around the 60s (even into November) and the days are filled with the refreshing smell of autumn. No matter how the University of Virginia’s football team is doing that year, it’s always fun to catch a game during the season and tailgate at Scott Stadium.
