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Discover Virginia’s top scenic drives to see the state’s spectacular mountains, wineries, farms, and historic sites. In this guide, we reveal the essential routes like the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, ensuring you’ll experience the best visuals and cultural spots on your scenic drives around Central Virginia without wading through unnecessary information.

Looking for a fun family outing for Easter Weekend? Check out these Easter Egg Hunts, Bunny appearances and more happening in C-ville this Easter weekend 2024!

Looking for something fun to do with your sweetheart for Valentine's Day? Check out our list of Prix Fixe dinner options and events around town! From 5-course dinners, to wine and dessert pairings, to Taylor Swift dance parties - there's a little something for everyone!

Traditional catering isn’t the only way to feed a hungry party crowd. Food trucks have surged in popularity in recent years, with gourmet menus to suit all tastes. Charlottesville has a slew of food trucks with cuisine from around the world. There are mouthwatering dessert options too! The party won’t be thriving til the food truck is arriving!

Top Things to do in Charlottesville for New Years 2024

Charlottesville, Virginia, a city rich in history and culture, boasts an array of boutique hotels and charming inns that reflect its unique character. From luxury lodgings to cozy bed and breakfasts, each place offers a distinct experience to make your stay unforgettable. Ready to explore the best hotels Charlottesville VA has to offer? Let’s dive in!

Whether you're a foodie or just plain hungry, Charlottesville area restaurants have something for everyone. From down home country cooking to authentic French cuisine, C'ville's got it all, and we've compiled a list by area below to help you in your search for the perfect meal: 

Sometimes it's naan that calls your name. Other times, it's the siren song of a Latin American steak. The Charlottesville dining scene is a melting pot of international influences, and we are here for it!

Is there anything more romantic than eating Italian food by candlelight? These are five of our favorite Charlottesville Italian restaurants to help to set the mood, from a classic Belmont spot to pasta-at-home. That’s amore!

Botanical (fully vegan)

They’re places we exercise, commune with nature, gather with friends and have picnics. Various Charlottesville-area parks offer playgrounds and trails, swimming, boating, biking and ultimate frisbee. From small neighborhood parks to vast state parks, there’s no excuse for staying inside!

When it comes to pizza, Charlottesville restaurants know how to serve it up. You'll find authentic Neapolitan pies, gourmet toppings and everything in between. Get your slice on and try great options from Lampo to Christians!

Embark on a fall adventure in Charlottesville, VA, as we unveil the top orchards and pumpkin patches for a day of apple and pumpkin picking. Explore the scenic landscapes, savor the crisp autumn air, and create lasting memories with family and friends in these delightful harvest havens.

Welcome to Charlottesville, a vibrant city brimming with an array of family-friendly activities and attractions that will delight both kids and adults alike! From exploring the historic Monticello to engaging in hands-on learning at the Virginia Discovery Museum, there’s never a dull moment in this charming city. So, buckle up and join us as we dive into 50+ fun things to do with kids in Charlottesville 2023!

For most, gift-giving is an intimidating concept. Lucky for us, Charlottesville offers up a slew of retail stores and artisans that make it easy to find something for everyone on your list. Here are six of our favorite spots (hint, hint).

Charlottesville has a serious food scene, and the town’s brunch offerings don’t disappoint- though they can get a little crowded. Read on for some local picks that are guaranteed to fuel you up for a day out-- or an afternoon in.

Charlottesville, Virginia, is a charming city steeped in history and surrounded by the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors to the area will experience a wide range of attractions and activities, from exploring historic landmarks and discovering the vibrant culture to relaxing and sipping wine at the vineyards. This city has something for everyone, making it one of the most compelling destinations in the region.

Carter Mountain Orchard

Summer has sundresses and sandals, but fall has tall boots and snuggly sweaters and who doesn’t love all that? Check out this round-up of Charlottesville boutiques with sweaters and other warm, comfy clothes that will help you keep the chill at bay.

Picky eaters? High-pitched screechers? Not a problem at these Charlottesville restaurants, where the menu and kid-friendly vibes combine to create the perfect ambience for a family meal. You'll find burgers, mac and cheese, simple tacos, nachos and more that are guaranteed to suit the tastes of your entire family. Bon appetit!

Charlottesville has been named both one of the best cities for families and the best city for foodies. Bring Food and Family together with one of the great locations in our guide to great restuaurants for your family.

Even in the best of times, winter can be a long and unforgiving season. Shorter days and wind chill can make you feel like hibernating ’til it’s over, but it doesn’t have to be unbearable. In fact, our insiders have found some pretty sweet ways in and around Charlottesville to beat cabin fever and make the most of the season.

Think outdoor dining or wine-tasting are out for the winter? Think again! Wineries and restaurants around Charlottesville know that a roaring fire does more than warm chilled fingers and toes; It creates ambience that make winter nights memorable. Here are some of our favorites.

If you are looking for a fun and beautiful getaway for the holidays, then look no further than Charlottesville, VA. The shopping is phenomenal. The events are spectacular. And the decorations rival any big city. Join us for any or all of these events this season: (photo above courtesy of Rob Garland Photography)

Chocolate, vanilla, pecan, mint chocolate chip. Whatever your favorite flavor, Charlottesville's ice cream and frozen yogurt shops have something to suit your taste. Warm summer days and nights are ice cream's time to shine, and melt and make you happy.

From traditional tiered cakes to more contemporary designs with personal flair, your wedding cake is the artistic centerpiece for your reception. Charlottesville wedding cake makers are up to the task of creating a masterpiece that will leave your guests awestruck.

One of the most personal choices a bride makes before the big day is her dress. From couture to bohemian, with silhouettes from A-line to trumpet to princess ball gowns, these Charlottesville bridal boutiques have a dress to match your dreams.

Working from home has its perks, for sure. Throwing a load of laundry in while you’re on a conference call? Check. Wearing PJ pants all day? Sure. But you don’t have to be at your own home to do all that. If you need a change of scenery just for the day or for much longer, the Charlottesville area offers a slew of creative options to allow you to work and even live remotely for as long as you need.

Of all the decisions you make about your wedding, the catering is among the most important. Exquisite cuisine and gorgeous table settings all rely on the expertise of the catering operation you choose. These Charlottesville caterers will ensure a culinary experience you and your wedding guests will remember for a lifetime!

Did you know Country Roads isn’t actually about West Virginia, it’s about Western Virginia? And honestly, it could have been written about Western Albemarle- “Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River…” Just saying. If you want to get to know those infamous spots a bit better, Charlottesville is your best bet. Whether you want an hour of sweating it out for some prime views, or a day of soaking up rays on the river, you’ll find it here.

Gotta get away? Charlottesville’s array of inns, hotels, and unhotels (just wait for it) provide lots of options for your home away from home. Here are five of our favorites unique and boutique, locally owned hotels.

Making sushi is an art form, and these Charlottesville sushi restaurants are up to the task. Try gargantuan dragon rolls perfectly cut tuna sashimi, edamame and various other delicacies. Perfect for date nights or family dinners, if your kids are adventurous!

Life’s biggest events call for celebrations. Whether you’re planning a baby shower or a bridal shower, Charlottesville has the perfect venue for any season. You’ll find intimate indoor spaces and gorgeous outdoor settings to suit the size and mood of your group. Let the festivities begin!

Just like promposals and baby gender reveal celebrations, destination bachelorette parties are no longer the exception, but the norm. Gone are the days of the one fun night out. Those about to say ‘I do’ are taking two-day, three-day, even week-long trips with their BFFs to big cities and small towns to enjoy unique experiences before the big day.

Luxurious lobbies, pools, fitness centers and fire pits are just a few of the amenities you’ll find at these trendy Charlottesville apartment developments. Whether you prefer industrial chic or sleek contemporary design, you’ll find the perfect home base here for exploring all the hiking, shopping, wineries and entertainment this area has to offer.

Mom’s 60th birthday. Your wedding anniversary or engagement party. These are special occasions that call for events in special places. Charlottesville is home to multiple full-service venues to help you pull off your celebration without a hitch!

Sure, we live here so we’re a little biased, but it’s just a simple fact that Charlottesville is one of the most photogenic cities in the country. Don’t believe us? Take a look below. If you’re traveling to Charlottesville, or you already call it home, you’ll want to visit these Instagrammable spots and post the pics on your own ‘gram! Don’t forget to tag @CharlottesvilleInsider!

Modern babies demand soft, organic onesies and toys that develop their frontal lobes. With these Charlottesville baby stores, you’ll be able to settle those squawking demands pronto. You’ll have the smartest, best-dressed baby in town!

Pushing a stroller is one of the pleasures of new parenthood. Walks that soothe the baby provide opportunity for parental socializing and exercising all in one basic activity. It’s the ultimate in multi-tasking, and we’re here for it. From tried and true trails like the Saunders-Monticello trail to newer ones like those through Greenbrier Park, Charlottesville's stroller friendly paths have the tranquility and variety to keep you and your little ones peaceful, happy and entertained.

When planning a Charlottesville wedding, every detail is important but none moreso than the photographer you choose. It’s through their eyes and their lens that each moment and precious detail of your big day will be documented and preserved. Luckily, Charlottesville has no shortage of photographers with world-class talent to capture romantic, authentic pictures that will last a lifetime! Photo above by Ashley Cox Photography

Where would we be without coffee shops? Warm and inviting, they’re a great spot for first dates or writing or just that caffeine boost that’ll keep you going. Charlottesville is packed with comfortable coffee shops perfect for any occasion or no occasion at all.

You don’t have to eat out to have a romantic dinner for two, and that doesn’t mean you have to cook either! Take-out from some of Charlottesville’s top restaurants brings the delicious dishes right to your home. And we say romance doesn’t have to mean fancy. From burgers to Moroccan gazpacho to salmon, you’ll find something here to help fuel your love!

Lost Saint

The Ivy Inn

Looking for fresh ways to spend your time in Charlottesville? From fitness studios to bubble tea and Latin American steaks, new businesses are popping up all over town.

There’s no escaping it: The pandemic means a lot of things are different this year. With many extended families celebrating the holidays from a distance, holiday family photos to share with loved ones near and far will be more cherished than ever. And the good news is, Charlottesville has a wealth of gorgeous outdoor locations for perfect family photos. Share them with Grandma and Grandpa until you can get together in person again. Just remember to mask up before and after the photos are taken! (Photo above by Insider @JenFariello)

Finding the perfect home just for yourself or for your family doesn't have to be unduly stressful. Charlottesville has a wealth of talented, knowledgable real estate agents. Whether you're looking for a pied a terre or a country estate, you won't go wrong with our Insider picks.

Whether you’re showing up to your beloved’s parents’ home or trying to make an impression on a first date, say it with flowers. Here are four of our favorite Charlottesville florists that are truly bouquet masters.

Okay, okay. We know it’s a little cliche to give your sweetie pie the gift of chocolate. But it’s a cliche for a reason—it’s the perfect gift. It melts in your mouth, it comes in multiple flavors, and it’s an aphrodisiac to boot! Here are four places to get chocolate in Charlottesville.

The Blue Ridge Mountains in fall are a magnificent sight to behold, and Charlottesville is the perfect place for autumn sight-seeing. The leaves turn in October, and you can take in the visual spectacle by car or on foot, and even with a glass of local beer or wine in hand.

The holidays are here, avoid the worry of shipping delays and supply chain shortages by supporting local businesses. Here is our list of the best holiday shopping locations for 2021. Get out there and help your community to make this a wonderful Winter of 2021.

Art, history, and hands-on fun. Charlottesville has historical sites, museums and galleries that perfectly blend education and entertainment. You'll finish your trip smarter and with a smile. Win-win!

Charlottesville is positively blooming with top-notch floral designers whose hand-crafted bouquets can give your big day the whimsical (or classic or boho or rustic…) touch it needs. Here are our top picks.

The holiday shopping season officially kicks off this week with Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, and there's never been a more critical year to keep your dollars local. That's no sacrifice at all with Charlottesville's amazing array of locally owned stores where you'll find great gifts from original art to beautiful clothing and elegant home decor. And if you prefer to do your shopping online this year, most of these places have that base covered, too. What are you waiting for?

Planning a wedding is a huge undertaking, and your event planner holds the key to pulling it all off without a hitch. These Charlottesville wedding planners know the best vendors in the area and how to ensure your big day best reflects your personalities and your unique love story.

Cocktails on cold nights will warm you from the inside out, and who doesn’t enjoy that! Charlottesville restaurants are known for their amazing drinks from simple classics like gin martinis to craft cocktails with creative names. Whether you’re stepping out for the evening, or ordering in, there’s a drink that’ll fit your mood.

10. Walk the Mall.

Charlottesville has some great Mexican restaurants to choose from. From Bebedero downtown to the multiple Guadalajara locations, Charlottesville can fulfill your need for margaritas and enchilladas.

Different people come to Charlottesville with different ideas of a good time. We have recommendations for every kind of Charlottesville tourist from lovers of the outdoors to family travelers to history buffs and foodies.

Want to get out of the house and have some fun with your friends, your honey or the whole family? No need to drop wads of cash with these tips for how to have fun in Charlottesville without breaking the bank.

If you want to express your own personal style and not follow the masses in what you wear, then shopping in Charlottesville is for you. There are so many amazing local boutiques selling women’s clothing that you won’t see in the big department stores, you will practically never have to worry about a co-worker coming in with the same outfit as you (heaven forbid)! We love these shops, and so will you:

Whether you want a professional to spruce up a postage stamp-sized city yard or you’re looking for a complete landscape design with plantings and hardscaping for your country estate, Charlottesville landscape firms are up to the task. You can even get expert assistance to grow organic fruits and vegetables!

There’s no better excuse for shopping than shopping for someone else- and, of course, it makes sense to pick up a treat (or two) for yourself while you’re out. Read on for some classic Charlottesville spots to gift shop.

Charlottesville is packed with businesses that provide anything a pet or pet owner could desire. From high-end boutiques with organic treats and luxury accessories to high quality doggy daycare, boarding and grooming services, you'll find all you need to keep your dogs and cats healthy, safe and wagging with swagger.

Beer lovers find hops-heaven in Charlottesville with city and country breweries perfect for tasting and time spent with friends. The Charlottesville Ale Trail offers a passport that'll get you discounts to the city's beer brewing hotspots. And in the countryside west of Charlottesville, you'll find a slew of gorgeous views and tasty brews. Bottom's up!

If you're looking for celebs, you don't need to jet to Hollywood. Charlottesville has more than its share of famous people who've chosen to make their homes at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by beauty and history. Keep your eyes peeled for these actors, authors and sports legends.