what to do while you are here

Charlottesville has so many things to offer.  We hope many of you will make a mini-vacation out of your trip and really take advantage of all of the fun and educational things to do.

Saturday Morning Farmer’s Market – A great place to spend a Saturday morning, located in downtown Charlottesville. Ash Lawn-Highland – Home of James Monroe — a 10 minute drive from Clifton Inn. Monticello – The Historic home of Thomas Jefferson — a 10 minute drive from Clifton Inn. Montpelier – Home of James Madison — a gorgeous 40 minute drive through Virginia horse country. Virginia Discovery Museum – hands-on children’s museum University of Virginia – A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the original grounds date back to 1819 and was designed by Thomas Jefferson. Downtown Mall — tons of shopping and eating. If you are here on Thursday night check out Miller’s for some great jazz. Wine Trail Michie Tavern The Paramount Theater The Charlottesville Pavilion Live Arts Theater McGuffey Art Center

Downtown Charlottesville is a great place to explore.  The brick covered center is a relaxing place to sit and people watch but there are also fabulous restaurants and great shopping options.   Make sure to explore all the little alleys as fun boutiques are hidden all over the place.  Ice skating and movies are also available.

The Corner Area of Charlottesville sits across from campus on University Avenue.  The corner is a 7 block span on shops, bars, and restaurants.  If you want to pick up any UVA apparel, Mincer’s is the place to go.

You can always take a tour of the campus:

Tours: Free guided tours of the Rotunda and Lawn are provided year-round  by the University Guide Service. Tours meet daily at 10, 11, 2, 3, and 4 inside the main entrance of the Rotunda. Call (434) 924-7969 for more information. Tours are accessible to individuals in wheelchairs, and interpreters are available for the hearing impaired. The Rotunda provides brochures with walking tours of the Rotunda, and the Pavilion Gardens. {virginia.edu website}

The Charlottesville Visitor’s Center is a great resource too.  They recommend:

No trip to Charlottesville and Albemarle County is complete without a visit to its five historical gems: Monticello, the Grounds of the University of Virginia, Ash Lawn-Highland, Historic Court Square and Michie Tavern, ca. 1784. Each has played a unique role in the history of the nation, and their tours, special events, and educational programs ensure that the spirits of the past remains vibrant today. The Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau sells the Presidents’ Pass, a combination discounted ticket for touring Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern, ca. 1784 Museum.

In addition, Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s rich cultural, natural, and artistic history is showcased in a selection of first-rate museums, galleries, wineries, shops, and parks dispersed throughout the area.
And don’t forget the many vineyards that are scattered around Charlottesville.

Charlottesville has TONS of great restaurants, from great hole-in-walls to places that will impress even the most discerning foodie. Here is a list of our favorite places, in order from cheap to more expensive:

• Marco and Luca’s – Cheap dumplings and Noodles on the Downtown Mall.
• Christian’s Pizza – Good pizza shop – on the downtown mall and the corner.
• Take-it-Away – Delicious gourmet sandwich shop on the Corner, across the street from the University of Virginia.
• Continental Divide – Our favorite. Great Tex-Mex with a twist. Be careful, its small and hard to find.
• Mas – The jewel of Charlottesville dinning.  Tapas and porch seating in the hip neighborhood of Belmont. Be careful because they don’t take reservations and they are always packed.
• ZoCaLo – Absolutely delicious more upscale place with a patio on the downtown mall.

You also may want to check out the New York Times article, “36 Hours in Charlottesville.” Look for the write up on the Clifton Inn!