Top 10 Things to do in Charlottesville, Virginia
Written and Photographed by Whitney O’Halek
Charlottesville is the perfect stop on any road trip through the Commonwealth of Virginia, home to one of the most sought-after universities in the country and multiple UNESCO World Heritage Sites and beautiful in all seasons.
Be sure to download your free PDF copy of Top 10 Things to do in Charlottesville, Virginia by clicking here. Join in on the fun as Randy, Caly and Whitney talk about Charlottesville on the RVD Podcast by clicking here!
10. Hop on Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park – If you’re coming from the north, include Skyline Drive. Not only is it a great way to check a National Park off your list, but it’s also a gorgeous drive with plenty of lookouts, hikes and stops to be made along the way. Coming from the south and heading north? Plan to take Skyline Drive on your way out of town.
9. Take a Hike – Boasting miles and miles of trails, Charlottesville is a nature-loving RVer’s dream. Visitors can hike from one historic estate to another, through wineries or along a portion of the world-famous Appalachian Trail. With hikes ranging from stroller-friendly to incredibly challenging, there’s a hike for everyone in your RV.
8. Pick Your Own Produce – This is a fun activity for families, but also helpful because you get to eat what you pick. There are several orchards to choose from, and depending on the time of year, you can pick peaches, strawberries, apples, plums and more. Try timing your visit with your favorite fruit season and plan to stock up.
7. Shop Local – Charlottesville is only a couple of hours outside D.C. and even closer to the Virginia capital city of Richmond, but it still has a very local, quirky vibe. On the main pedestrian street through downtown Charlottesville, you’ll find any number of local boutiques, restaurants and shops, all of which have their own spin and personality. You’ll be able to find something unique for yourself or a loved one, and you can feel good about supporting a small business in the process.
6. Tour the University of Virginia – Whether someone in your RV needs to take a college tour or you’re simply curious, you can tour UVA. It’s designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its ties to Thomas Jefferson make it a must-visit for history enthusiasts. Historical tours are available for free every day at 11:00 a.m. when school is in session, apart from home game days.
5. Visit the Vineyards – Did you know that Virginia is one of the top five wine-producing states in the country? In addition to the many orchards in the area, you’ll also find any number of vineyards and wineries—more than 40 on the Monticello Wine Trail alone. Experiences range from absolute luxury to family-friendly, including food trucks, live music, etc. Enjoy some on-site and buy a bottle to save for a special occasion.
4. Tour James Madison’s Montpelier – The Charlottesville area has been home to three United States Presidents, including James Madison. His home, Montpelier, is open for tours Thursday through Monday (closed Tuesday and Wednesday). If you prefer only to explore the grounds and admire the house from the outside, you can get a Property Pass instead, allowing you to enjoy the gardens, hiking trails and estate grounds.
3. Visit James Monroe’s Highland Estate and Gardens – The most exciting thing about this house is that James Monroe didn’t live here. The property did belong to him, and there was a house here that he did make his home, but the existing structure was built after the original house burned down. Another bit of mind-blowing trivia? Researchers didn’t find out about that until 2016!
2. Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – Be honest: This is the reason you want to visit Charlottesville. It’s at the top of everyone’s list when they come to the area, and it’s what brings them here in the first place. Jefferson’s quirky, unique, some might say “experimental” house is open for tours, and advance tickets are highly recommended. Your ticket includes a guided house tour and access to the grounds, and there are several other tours to choose from as add-ons. Plan to spend several hours here, if not all day. Don’t worry—there’s also a restaurant on-site.
1. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride – This activity is number one for a reason. It’s the best way to see and experience Charlottesville. While it is weather dependent, it’s worth your while. Hot air ballooning is one of the most serene ways to travel, and the balloonist community in the area is friendly. Book your tour early in the trip, just in case your date changes due to weather conditions. And if the winds are right, you might see Monticello from the air.
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