Charlottesville

Charlottesville, in central Virginia, is a lovely university town of about 40,000 with lots to offer. Charlottesville is a town steeped in history and culture. 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.

Understand
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.

By train

 * Routes stopping in Charlottesville:
 * Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville, Cincinnati, Ashland, Huntington, Charleston, Hinton, White Sulphur Springs, Staunton, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark.
 * Crescent between New Orleans and New York City via Birmingham, Atlanta, Charlotte, and Washington, D.C.
 * Northeast Regional is Amtrak's busiest regional service, connecting Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and the many towns and cities in-between. Toward the east end of the route, some trips terminate at Springfield instead of Boston. Some services also continue south into Virginia towards Newport News, Roanoke and Norfolk on three separate branch routes from Alexandria. Charlottesville is on the branch to and from Roanoke.
 * Northeast Regional is Amtrak's busiest regional service, connecting Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and the many towns and cities in-between. Toward the east end of the route, some trips terminate at Springfield instead of Boston. Some services also continue south into Virginia towards Newport News, Roanoke and Norfolk on three separate branch routes from Alexandria. Charlottesville is on the branch to and from Roanoke.

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 businesses 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 25 mph are rare.

Travel times from nearby cities are:
 * Staunton, about 45 minutes.
 * Richmond, a little over an hour.
 * Washington, D.C., between 2 and 2½ hours. The trip is approximately 110 miles.
 * Roanoke, about 2 hours.

By bus
Greyhound has a bus stop in Charlottesville. If you are traveling to or from Washington, DC, the train is generally faster, cleaner, and more comfortable than the bus. Virginia Breeze (selling tickets via Megabus) and Flixbus have routes through Charlottesville as well, and these two services have student discounts. Note that all three have bus stops in different places.

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). There are also plenty of Veo rental e-scooters around Grounds.

City of Charlottesville
The city is reasonably well connected by free city buses, the Charlottesville Area Transit (CAT). Don't use Google Maps for CAT bus routes; Google sometimes has the wrong bus data. 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.

One of the CAT routes is a free trolley bus 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 Amtrak station/Greyhound stop, and the Rotunda and chapel of the University of Virginia. Like with UVA, the city has Veo rental e-scooters, but don't expect every area to have them or for every road to be scooter-friendly.

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.


 * 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
 * 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

See

 * [[File:Monticello - Thomas Jefferson's Plantation - Charlottesville - Virginia - USA - 04 (47748056652).jpg|thumb|Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's Plantation]]
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.
 * See Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern for $36 total with a President's Pass combination ticket.

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.



Dance
Social, Ballroom, Swing, Salsa

Buy

 * 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.
 * Seminole Square Shopping Center, Over fifty shops located on Route 29 just north of Hydraulic Road in Charlottesville.
 * Pantops Shopping Center, Convenient to Eastern Albemarle and Interstate 64, Pantops Shopping Center is located just east of the Free Bridge in Charlottesville.
 * Pantops Shopping Center, Convenient to Eastern Albemarle and Interstate 64, Pantops Shopping Center is located just east of the Free Bridge in Charlottesville.

Eat
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.

The Corner

 * Bodo's Bagels, near Bank of America and Elliewood Avenue. This Charlottesville bagel bakery has fast service and yummy food; serving breakfast in the morning and afternoon. (This location closes at 3pm everyday, unlike the other two Bodo's locations.) $2-6.
 * Coupes. Small restaurant/bar with a varied menu tucked away on Elliewood Ave. Popular bar among undergrads.
 * Lemongrass. Good Vietnamese and Thai cuisine with a little twist. Offers a student discount for lunch.
 * Mellow Mushroom, +1 434-972-9366. Pizza & subs. Good pizza, dozens of beers on tap. $2 pints during their happy hour.

Shopping centers

 * Taste of China - Albemarle Square, 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 by Peter Chang.
 * Shanghai Restaurant - Pantops, Full menu, exotic mixed drinks, eat in or carry out, cocktails, authentic Hunan & Szechuan Chinese food in Pantops Shopping Center.
 * The Shops at Stonefield , shopping center on Route 29 featuring retail stores, dining, entertainment, and more, in a beautiful outdoor mall setting.

Elsewhere

 * Bodo's Bagels, 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. 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. 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * 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.
 * Thai 99. Inexpensive and delicious Thai food.
 * Maharaja, Seminole Square, 29 North. A full variety of Indian food. Dinner $10-$15.
 * 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.
 * Thai 99. Inexpensive and delicious Thai food.
 * 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.
 * Thai 99. Inexpensive and delicious Thai food.
 * Thai 99. Inexpensive and delicious Thai food.

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


 * 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.
 * Nightclub: R2, a dance club located inside Rapture restaurant; Club 216, a gay and lesbian dance club (that also welcomes straight people) downtown
 * Michael Shaps Wineworks , 1650 Harris Creek Road, . 11AM-5PM. Tasting room featuring local Michael Shaps Virginia wines, as well as the Maison Shaps Burgundy wines.
 * Vitae Spirits Downtown Tasting Room , 101 East Water Street, . Offers tastings, cocktails, bottled sales, classes, and tours.
 * Potter's Craft Cider , 1350 Arrowhead Valley Road, . Tasting room featuring 10 local ciders on draft, live music and local food trucks.
 * Nightclub: R2, a dance club located inside Rapture restaurant; Club 216, a gay and lesbian dance club (that also welcomes straight people) downtown
 * Michael Shaps Wineworks , 1650 Harris Creek Road, . 11AM-5PM. Tasting room featuring local Michael Shaps Virginia wines, as well as the Maison Shaps Burgundy wines.
 * Vitae Spirits Downtown Tasting Room , 101 East Water Street, . Offers tastings, cocktails, bottled sales, classes, and tours.
 * Potter's Craft Cider , 1350 Arrowhead Valley Road, . Tasting room featuring 10 local ciders on draft, live music and local food trucks.
 * Michael Shaps Wineworks , 1650 Harris Creek Road, . 11AM-5PM. Tasting room featuring local Michael Shaps Virginia wines, as well as the Maison Shaps Burgundy wines.
 * Vitae Spirits Downtown Tasting Room , 101 East Water Street, . Offers tastings, cocktails, bottled sales, classes, and tours.
 * Potter's Craft Cider , 1350 Arrowhead Valley Road, . Tasting room featuring 10 local ciders on draft, live music and local food trucks.
 * Potter's Craft Cider , 1350 Arrowhead Valley Road, . Tasting room featuring 10 local ciders on draft, live music and local food trucks.

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


 * The Farmhouse at Veritas , 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA, . Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Virginia Wine Country featuring three-course breakfasts and luxurious accommodations.
 * Foxfield Inn , 2280 Garth Road, . Cozy bed and breakfast featuring a signature three-course breakfast each morning and an outdoor hot tub.
 * The Inn at Court Square , 410 E. Jefferson Street, . Boutique hotel with ten guest-rooms including complimentary on-site parking, wi-fi and HD cable TV.
 * The Farmhouse at Veritas , 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA, . Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Virginia Wine Country featuring three-course breakfasts and luxurious accommodations.
 * Foxfield Inn , 2280 Garth Road, . Cozy bed and breakfast featuring a signature three-course breakfast each morning and an outdoor hot tub.
 * The Inn at Court Square , 410 E. Jefferson Street, . Boutique hotel with ten guest-rooms including complimentary on-site parking, wi-fi and HD cable TV.
 * The Farmhouse at Veritas , 72 Saddleback Farm, Afton, VA, . Bed and Breakfast in the heart of Virginia Wine Country featuring three-course breakfasts and luxurious accommodations.
 * Foxfield Inn , 2280 Garth Road, . Cozy bed and breakfast featuring a signature three-course breakfast each morning and an outdoor hot tub.
 * The Inn at Court Square , 410 E. Jefferson Street, . Boutique hotel with ten guest-rooms including complimentary on-site parking, wi-fi and HD cable TV.
 * The Inn at Court Square , 410 E. Jefferson Street, . Boutique hotel with ten guest-rooms including complimentary on-site parking, wi-fi and HD cable TV.

Go next

 * 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
 * Arts and Crafts in and Around Charlottesville 
 * Monticello Wine Trail , Group of 40 wineries all located within 25 miles of Charlottesville.