Looking forward to my first ever trip to UVA. Going to spend 4 days exploring the school and the area while S competes for the Jefferson Scholarship. Staying downtown next to the Mall.
You will have a wonderful time. There is so much to see and do near Charlottesville and many fine restaurants.
First of all- Monticello. Jefferson’s home just south of town. The docents giving the tours are really good. You can take the basic tour at $25, IIRC, or the smaller tour which includes the upstairs at $50. There are talks about the slave quarters and the gardens. The view from the hill is lovely. If you are up for a walk, the Saunders-Monticello trail is a boardwalk of a mile up the mountain. A nice walk through the woods that ends at the Monticello visitor’s center.
Near Monticello is Ash Lawn which was James Monroe’s home. It’s not as extensive, much simpler, but for those interested in US History it is a good tour.
To complete the president’s tour see Montpelier in Orange County. James Madison’s home. This is a longer drive but an easy day trip.
There are a lot of wineries, cideries, breweries and distilleries for tastings in the area. I like Keswick on a Saturday afternoon with live music. You can get a map and find all on them on the Monticello wine tour.
On campus see the newly redone rotunda. There are displays on the history of the university and the library in the dome is really beautiful. Also see Edgar Allen Poe’s room on grounds. It’s on the outside bank of rooms across from the main library.
As for restaurants there are several on the downtown mall that are really good. I like Hamilton’s on Main, Petit Pois, and Zocalo. Maya is also good. It’s near the pedestrian mall but on the street side. The mall itself is nice for walking. There are bookshops and antique stores and stores selling locally made arts and crafts.
I love Charlottesville and go there frequently.
Thanks for your suggestions. Love going to college towns.
Having a great time here. Been raining all day but love this campus.
My DIL, who when to law school at UVA, says one must go to Bellair Market. It is in a gas stations, but the sandwiches are great? If the weather is nice, pick up lunch and go sit out on the quad.
https://tigerfuelmarkets.com/menu
Another restaurant is Mas, which is Spanish tapas.
http://www.mastapas.com/
Of course Charlottesville has tons of restaurants, but these were my son and DIL favorites.
Monticello was wonderful and I wished we had more time. We went in the morning before a wedding, so had to get back to get ready.
Favorite restaurants are Zocalo, Whiskey Jar, Citizen Burger on the mall. Pass on the Pointe. Breakfast at the Nook and Bodo’s on the corner. D likes the Afghan Kabob and we’ve had good meals at Zin Burger… Both north of JPJ on Emmett.
Monticello is a must. We also did the C’ville ghost tour which I really enjoyed because there is a lot of history in the tour.
Another vote for Mas, although Tavola and C&O are our very favorites for dinner. Marie Bette and Oakhurst Café for breakfast/lunch. Feast for lunch. The downtown farmers market is good, and there are usually interesting exhibits at the Fralin and the library. D says Pippin Hill is the most scenic winery.
Blue Heaven is not in Chapel Hill. It is what you see in Charlottesville on a sunny day. Had a great 4 day visit exploring the town and campus. Breakfast at Blue Grass Grill and the Inn at Darden. Lunch at Peletron Bike Shop and dinner at Red Hub Barbeque and Sedona Tap House. Best part of my trip was tour of Monticello.
My S thought his Jefferson trip went well. Even if he does not win he had a 4 day visit that he will always remember.
Even though I went to Duke my vote for my S is UVA. I have never seen a more beautiful college town.
Glad you had a great visit. I like the Sedona Taphouse also.