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Downtown Mall
This walking outdoor "mall" is a great place to shop in bookstores, drink coffee, hear "hip" music, or eat a nice dinner. Located about 5 blocks off E. Main St., and is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening.
The "Corner"
This is not really a "corner" per se, but it is a "neighborhood" near UVA (and St. Paul's Church) which has bookstores and countless inexpensive places to eat.
The University of Virginia
Most activity on the spacious UVA campus clusters around the "Lawn" and fraternity-lined Rugby Road. Mr. Jefferson (as the UVA students call him) watched the university being built through his telescope at Monticello. You can glimpse Monticello (located a few miles from the university) from the lawn if you know where to look. Jefferson designed each of the Lawn's pavilions in a different architectural style. Lawn tours, led by students, leave on the hour from the Rotunda (10am-4pm); self-guided tour maps are provided for those who prefer to find their own way.
Bayley Art Museum
Located on Rugby Road (804-924-3592) features visiting exhibits and a small permanent collection including one of Rodin's casts of "The Kiss" (open Tues-Sun, 1-5 pm).
Monticello
Located a few miles from downtown, Mr. Jefferson's home truly reflects his personality. "The house is a quasi-Palladian jewel" with fascinating innovations, such as a dumbwaiter to the wine cellar, compiled or conceived by Jefferson. A unique all-weather passage links the kitchen and dining room so that neither rain nor snow nor gloom of night could keep dinner from its appointed rounds, while an indoor compass registers wind direction via a weathervane on the roof. The grounds include orchards and afford magnificent views in every direction. (804-984-9800) Tours offered daily. Open 8am-5pm.
Ash Lawn
Minutes away from Monticello (take a right turn to Route 795), Ashlawn is the 500 acre former home of President James Monroe. (Open daily, 9am-6pm)
Hiking/Exploring
The Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park are only 30 minutes to the west of Charlottesville and contain numerous spots for hiking and exploring. Take Interstate 64 west until you hit the mountains. |  |
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