Experiences
Traveling is all about adventure and experience, and Charlottesville offers a wealth of both. From hot air ballooning to hiking to historic homes of former U.S. presidents, you’ll fill your days and nights here with activities to remember for years to come.
A magical wonderland invites you to leave the mundane at the door and escape to an unexpected otherworld.
See amazing events on the downtownmall.
Sip, Create, Inspire
Kayak, Canoe, Standup Paddleboard, and Tubing trips just 5 minutes from Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall. We connect locals and visitors of all experience levels with memorable adventures on the scenic Rivanna River.
Embark on a thrilling adventure through time and intrigue at Unlocked History Escape Rooms.
Delivering great experiences to wine, beer, cider and food lovers. Monticello has years of experience showing visitors and locals the best of the area.
Historic country store in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Tour the Ale Trail, a collection of craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries in and around Charlottesville, Virginia. Check off locations on your digital "passport" for bragging rights and an Ale Trail gift!
A great experience to try during your time in Charlottesville. Sit by the Fire and enjoy the Charlottesville social scene.
Take a ride on the grassy Virginian foothills and look out at the bucolic beauty that wine country has to offer.
James River Batteau Company in Scottesville, VA offers two uniquely Virginian experiences, mid-day interpretive River Tours and evening Sunset Cruises that include charcuterie and live music.
Monticello
Visiting Jefferson’s estate engages the senses, stimulates the mind and provides a rewarding experience for all ages and interests.
Monticello Country Ballooning offers an adventure in the skies of Virginia, providing scenic hot air balloon rides that capture the beauty of the region.
A family-friendly destination that offers made-from-scratch sandwiches, soups, smoothies, and ice cream in their cafe.
Sugar Hollow
Just 1.5 miles past the silver gate is a large swimming hole just waiting to cool you off.
Round trip the trail is 4.6 miles and takes you across the Moorman River several times with a swimming hole at the second crossing, just .8 miles from the start of the trail. This is a great spot to take the kids and fury friends!
For those who love a drink after a scenic run park at Stinson Vineyard. Take a jog for 5 miles down the windy road till you reach the Sugar Hollow parking lot!
Fortune's Cove Preserve
On the outskirts of Lovingston, sits 29,000 acres, known as Fortune's Cove Preserve. The recently completed hiking trails remain almost untouched by visitors, making them perfect for those looking to enjoy nature in solitude. Fortune's Cove's unique desert-like landscape provides the perfect ecosystem for extremely rare plants to flourish. The recently completed hiking trails remain almost untouched by visitors, making them perfect for those looking to enjoy nature in solitude.
Starting at the parking lot, bear left onto the gravel heading uphill and in a short distance, the trail will transition onto a trail marked with 2 blue poles. Many trees will be marked with information tags providing a description of the trees along with yellow and green arrows for direction. You will quickly embark on an intense 1400' climb, with a few brief reprieves. After completing the climb you will be rewarded with a descent down High Top Mountain, and stroll past a creek on your way back to the parking lot.
Fortune's Cove Ln, Lovingston, VA 22949
Open daily from dawn to dusk, year-round.
Dogs are not allowed on trails.
Hungry Hill Farm
Circa 1964, Hungry Hill Farm embarked on a journey to share their "knowledge and produce the best local raw honey". Open year-round, you are welcome to visit the farm and learn about beekeeping along with how to grow your own mushrooms. 'Bee' prepared to walk away with lots of new stories to share with friends and family!
Interested in embarking on your own honey-making hobby? Visit the 'honey house' for all your beekeeping supplies, including beginner to expert level kits.
Call before stopping by.
Call: (434)263-5336 / Text: (434)989-3529
89 Williamstown Rd. Shipman, VA 22971
Old Rag Mountain
Old Rag Mountain has been named the most popular hiking destination in Shenandoah National Park. While it is not for the faint of heart due to the long trails, rock climbing, and substantial increase in elevation, those that embark on this journey will be blessed with breathtaking 360-degree views. Prior to your hike, it is recommended that you have a solid understanding of basic hiking safety, and have printed or downloaded the Old Rag trail map. Avid Old Rag hikers advise fanny packs over backpacks, camelbacks to ensure you stay hydrated, and protein-rich foods to keep your energy level high. One safety feature unique to Old Rag Mountain is the numbers placed along the trails in the event you are in need of Search and Rescue personnel. Weekdays are known to provide a less crowded environment, while weekends result in long lines at the parking lot and along the narrow rocky paths. Sadly our furry friends are prohibited from hiking the trails but are welcomed at the overnight camping sites.
Visitors are required to purchase a day-use and vehicle pass in advance between March 1 - November 30, 2022. See the links below to purchase.
Rockfish Valley Nelson County
Rockfish Valley is your one-stop shop for everything in Nelson County from scenic views to ice-cold brews.
Spruce Creek Park
Stretching for 35 miles Spruce Creek is the only public park in all of Nelson. Here you can learn about the history of Rockfish Valley and Nelson County at the History Center along with access to three trails: The Children's Nature Trail, the Butterfly Trail, and the Birding Trail.
Learn More about Spruce Creek Park
Nelson Scenic Loop
An experience focused on showcasing the beauty, culture, and historical assets of Nelson County. The 50-mile loop consists of four scenic routes - accessible by car or bike - encompassing Route 151, Blue Ridge Parkway, and other local highways. Your journey begins at the Rockfish Valley Natural History Center which provides access to hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and other outdoor opportunities such as CrabTree Falls. Along the route, you can visit cideries, breweries, apple and peach farm markets, pumpkin patches and so much more.
Rockfish Valley Trail
Looking for a more active excursion? The Rockfish Valley Trails is the perfect spot for hikers and birdwatchers to spend the day exploring. With 6 miles of trails looping together, you can explore as much or as little as you would like.
Dickie Brothers Orchard
Tracing back to the mid-1700s, Dickie Brothers Orchard has been a family-owned and run farm since King George II sold land to the brothers Great, Great, Great, Great, Great Grandfather. Fast forward 270 years the orchard is flourishing, with two locations increasing their ability to grow and produce quality products. Located near Crabtree Falls along the eastern edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the orchard is fueled by the crisp mountain air, in turn producing apples with exceptional color and taste.
You are invited to "Pick Your Own Apples" at select times throughout the season. Next dates - Sept 24th & 25th. Make sure to arrive one hour before closing!
Orchard is located at Brew Ridge Trail. 8063 Rockfish Valley Hwy Afton, Va 22920
