Tucked into the resplendent Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll discover charming Charlottesville, Virginia—a city deeply rooted in history. Here, you can visit the homes of Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe, learn about the city’s profound African American history, and even explore the legacy of Lewis and Clark. Beyond its historical depth, Charlottesville offers a vibrant convergence of culture, arts, and education.
No matter the season, I love to visit Charlottesville, taking in its breathtaking mountain views and exploring all the region has to offer. In today’s American Nomad adventure I’ll share must-see Charlottesville highlights and resources to help you plan your unforgettable vacation.
Charlottesville’s history:
For centuries the area of present day Charlottesville and Albemarle County was home to a number of Native American tribes. The earliest known settlement in the region was known as Monasukapanough, located approximately five miles north of downtown, on a hillside overlooking the Rivanna River.
The first European arrived in the early 1700s, where they utilized an old Monacan footpath, which they called the Three Notch’d or Three Chopt Road, taking it from Richmond west to a pass in the Blue Ridge Mountains called Jarman’s Gap in present day Crozet.
The area was named Albemarle County, after the Royal Governor of Virginia (1734 to 1754), the Earl of Albemarle. Early settlers included Abraham Lewis, who in 1735 secured 800 acres in an area currently part of the UVA grounds, as well as Nicholas Meriwether (Meriwether Lewis’ great-great-grandfather) also patented 15,000 acres of land along the Southwest Mountains, including 1,190 acres of “The Farm” that comprises a large part of modern day Charlottesville.
Charlottesville was the home of the Father of The Declaration of Independence Thomas Jefferson, who began construction of Monticello in 1768 and lived at the estate on and off until his death in 1826. He had inherited 1000 acres of Monticello land from his father Peter Jefferson, who died when Thomas was fourteen years old. Stay tuned for more on Monticello later in this adventure.
During the Revolutionary War, Charlottesville was chosen to serve as a barracks for British prisoners of war captured during the battle of Saratoga in October 1777. The prisoners had originally been held in Boston, before being moved to Charlottesville. I recently found out that the Barracks shopping area in Charlottesville is not far from where the prisoners were held. History is truly everywhere you turn Charlottesville.
Perhaps one of the most dramatic series of events in Charlottesville during the war was when notorious Banastre Tarleton, known as ‘The Butcher’ for his no quarter in the 1780 Battle of the Waxhaws, rode to Monticello in pursuit of then Virginia Governor Thomas Jefferson and other members of the Virginia legislature, who had fled Richmond after the traitorous turncoat Benedict Arnold had burned and raided the city.
Fortunately, on June 3rd 1781, patriot Captain John ‘Jack’ Jouett of the Virginia Militia overheard British troops at the Cuckoo Tavern in Louisa County talking about their plot to capture Jefferson and the legislators. Jouett galloped ahead of Tarleton and was able to spread the alarm. Jouett’s heroic ride had him race forty miles on horseback overnight to warn Jefferson at Monticello and the legislators in Charlottesville on June 4th.
Jefferson and his family thankfully were able to get away, first to the nearby Carter Farm (still a farmstead and orchard you can visit today) before escaping for five weeks to another family property in Lynchburg at Poplar Forest (we’ll be visiting Poplar Forest in a few weeks on the blog).
Learn more about the fascinating life of Jack Jouett and his famous midnight ride here.
Follow Thomas Jefferson’s escape route here. (A fun driving tour from Monticello to Lynchburg/Poplar Grove)
Charlottesville and the birth of The University of Virginia. Virginia’s William and Mary was chartered in 1693 as America’s second oldest university, and yet as the state’s westward population began to grow and the need for additional schools emerged, Thomas Jefferson, along with James Madison and James Monroe, among others worked tirelessly to create the state’s first public university for higher education. The University of Virginia was formally founded in 1819. Jefferson conceived of UVA as a place of higher learning centered around a library, with independent schools for diverse subjects like medicine, law, chemistry, and languages. Jefferson, an adept architect, helped lay out the campus plan and design the original core campus buildings.
You can still see several of the Jeffersonian buildings on the beautiful historic campus today. Jefferson was heavily influenced by classical architecture from Greece and Roman design, as well as Italian Renaissance masters like Andrea Palladio. While Jefferson began to study architecture during his time at William and Mary, he had a first hand chance to see more examples of classical style architecture in the 1780s while serving as a diplomat to France.
Jefferson considered UVA one of his crowning achievements and even made sure it was mentioned on his tombstone at Monticello. You can learn about Jefferson’s UVA and the school’s dynamic history with an on-campus tour. UVA continues to consistently be listed as a top university across numerous fields of study.
Charlottesville in the Civil War:
During the Civil War, Charlottesville was fortunately spared the brunt of terror that other areas of the Shenandoah Valley endured. The only direct military engagement to take place in Charlottesville was the skirmish at Rio Hill, an encounter in which George Armstrong Custer was briefly engaged with local Confederate Home Guards before retreating. The Charlottesville Woolen Mills (originally founded between 1820-30) in town was a vital manufacturer of woolen clothing for Confederate soldiers. It was deliberately burned by Union forces under General Custer during General Philip Sheridan’s 1865 raid through the Shenandoah Valley. Fortunately, the mayor of Charlottesville surrendered to the Union, which helped ensure the city would not be widely destroyed. Learn more here.
Charlottesville Today:
Charlottesville is a melting pot of culture, anchored by UVA (Jefferson would be proud) and home to a thriving arts and academic scene. Music lovers flock to Charlottesville, where Dave Matthews got his start, and you can still catch awesome shows at a variety of local venues. Charlottesville is a haven for outdoor lovers with quick access to the Blue Ridge Mountains and its neighboring Shenandoah National Park. Charlottesville and Albemarle County have earned a reputation for wine production, which dates back to when Thomas Jefferson helped plant the first vineyard in the area. There are tons of great wineries and craft breweries in the area, each offering a unique, ‘Made in Virginia’ taste not to be missed.
Planning Your Adventures:
Charlottesville has tons to offer and you can build various itineraries based on your unique interests. As always I recommend you choose a few things to do in your wheelhouse, while also not being afraid to explore something new. Charlottesville is the perfect blend of adventure for me because it has a mix of history, local shops and eateries, gorgeous scenery and outdoor access, not to mention college sports (I’m a Tar Heel, but have a soft spot for the UVA Cavaliers). As a singer-songwriter I’ve been inspired by the Shenandoah Mountains. I love that Charlottesville and UVA students have created an amazing local music scene from coffee house songwriter nights to sell out shows at the John Paul Jones arena. Albemarle County has farming roots and Charlottesville has wonderful farm to table restaurants and farmers markets to whet even the pickiest palate.
Here are a few of my favorite spots to help inspire your Charlottesville adventures…
Time-Traveler Itinerary:
Charlottesville is a place where you can travel through time, and learn from the past to empower the present.
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello: No visit to Charlottesville is complete without a visit to the city’s most famous resident: Thomas Jefferson and his home at Monticello. I’ve had the joy of visiting Monticello since I was a child. My father, an attorney, was inspired by Jefferson’s love of law, books, and architecture – so much so that my dad and aunt even skipped a day of high school to drive from Raleigh to Charlottesville to visit Monticello! Fortunately, they secured permission for that historical excursion.
My favorite memory of Monticello as a third-grader was seeing pieces given to Jefferson from Lewis and Clark. The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) was spearheaded by Thomas Jefferson during his presidency to explore the newly acquired land from the Louisiana Purchase (1803). Hearing about the adventures of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark during the tour at Monticello truly inspired me to travel out west and explore America. In fact, I ended up living in the heart of Lewis and Clark’s famed Montana route for over five years.
I love to return to Monticello in the fall when the leaves are aflame with fiery orange, burnt reds and vibrant yellows. There is no better view of the Shenandoah Mountains in the fall than the vista from Monticello. I can imagine the scenery here must have sparked the flame of hope for America’s future, as Thomas Jefferson stood on the mountain side day after day.
Today visitors from around the world come to Monticello to learn about the author of The Declaration of Independence, which has stirred the hopes of liberty and the pursuit of happiness in the hearts of countless generations. At Monticello you can learn about his life at the property from his time with his beloved wife Martha and raising their children, to his work as an attorney, farmer, statesman and scientist.
Jefferson’s architectural genius is represented in Monticello’s unique octagonal design inspired by Grecian-Roman architecture with concepts of symmetry and practicality in design. He was heavily inspired by Renaissance architect Andrea Palladio.
The tour also allows you to learn about the working farm at Monticello. Jefferson was an avid agriculturalist, which is evident in letters he exchanged with his law professor and mentor George Wythe in Williamsburg. He looked to cultivate new strains and even tried his hand at wine making. Jefferson believed that the United States could develop wineries to rival Europe and tested out different forms of grapes that would flourish in the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah region. Many consider Jefferson the ‘Father of American’ viticulture.
Jefferson had a great love of books. He was an avid reader and owned over 9,000 books in his lifetime, many of which formed the foundation for the Library of Congress collection. He is said to have read every book he owned at least once. Funnily enough, during my paternal ancestry research, I discovered Thomas Jefferson is my cousin. It made me laugh, as my friends constantly tease me about only buying books when we travel! I truly have more books than room in my house; perhaps it’s in the genes.
A hard truth is that much of the land was cultivated by enslaved labor, something that Jefferson himself struggled with throughout his life. He was an abolitionist, yet he did not free his enslaved people during his lifetime. When studying history, it is easy to judge the past through simplistic categories of right and wrong. However, we also must consider the lens of the time and why certain historical figures participated in practices we know today are abhorrent. This doesn’t make the actions right, but it does help us recognize the complex humanity of all involved and how to learn from their mistakes to create a better future. When studying Jefferson, it is clear his ideals pointed toward an eventual United States where all men and women were free and equal. Can we rise to meet that challenge today?
You can plan your Thomas Jefferson Monticello adventure via their official website. The foundation offers a number of tours and special exhibitions including a recent exhibit on Founding Fathers and Founding Foes: Adams and Jefferson. This exhibit explores their friendship, political rivalry and eventual reconciliation. Fun fact: Did you know that Adams and Jefferson both died on July 4th 1826, the Fiftieth Anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence. John Adams mistakenly said ‘Jefferson still lives,’ even though unbeknownst to him, Jefferson had died several hours earlier.
Next Stop: The Michie Tavern
Raise a glass to the 18th century at the Michie Tavern. This historic tavern has been serving up spirits since 1784. The tavern was originally built by Corporal William Michie, who was serving at Valley Forge in 1777 when he was called back home to Charlottesville to care for his ailing father. Sadly, he learned of his father’s death upon his return. Michie inherited the land the tavern is on from his father, and after the war began to build Michie’s Tavern in 1784. The original property site was fed by a natural spring, and here William began building his Tavern by the side of the Buck Mountain Road.
While many rural taverns were known as frontier-type dwellings without the comforts of finer city taverns, Michie’s Tavern developed a reputation as a relaxing tavern with elaborate and comfortable accommodations. The two-story Inn featured an upstairs Assembly Room. This expansive space served as the social center of the Tavern, and a social hub for the surrounding countryside. It was large enough for dances and church services. Traveling magicians, itinerant doctors, and dentists would have shared their profits with the innkeeper for the use of this space. Michie Tavern would also serve as a makeshift post office and school.
The Tavern continued operation until the mid-1800s. Around the time of the Civil War, stagecoach travel had diminished and the building became Michie’s private home. In 1910, the Tavern was sold out of the Michie family at an estate auction. For nearly 20 years, the Tavern remained as a home for John Via and his family.
Michie Tavern’s Preservation
In 1927, local businesswoman Mrs. Mark Henderson purchased Michie’s Tavern, setting out to rehabilitate the property, house her vast antique collection, and open a museum. Though remotely located and rapidly deteriorating, she felt confident it was worth saving. An astute entrepreneur, Mrs. Henderson had closely observed the rise in automobile tourism and saw how Monticello, already open as a museum for several years, was attracting thousands of visitors.
Mrs. Henderson conceived the idea to relocate Michie’s Tavern to the foot of Carter’s Mountain, just half a mile from Jefferson’s home. This new site would offer easier access for tourists and provide an additional historic site from this important period of American history. Within three months, the old Inn was painstakingly numbered, dismantled, and moved 17 miles by horse, wagon, and truck. The move itself became a historic event, and her efforts ultimately led to Michie Tavern’s designation as a Virginia historic landmark. Michie Tavern opened as a museum in 1928, once again located on a busy thoroughfare and welcoming strangers at its door, just as it had in its heyday.
Today Michie’s welcomes hungry travelers to enjoy delicious home cooked Virginia fare, along with a spirited collection of local wines, ciders and beers. You can also learn about the history of the tavern and region in on site exhibits. Afterwards, make the drive up to (or walk to) Carter’s Mountain Orchard for ice cream (stay tuned for more on this later in our Charlottesville adventure. Plan your 18th century Michie’s dining excursion here.
Up the mountain to James Monroe’s Highland…
James Monroe’s Highland: A Presidential Gem
No visit to Charlottesville is complete without making time for the equally impressive and important home of Fifth President James Monroe, Highland. Located just up the mountain road from Monticello, Highland is a gem for history lovers. I still remember my first visit years ago when I was in middle school; my mom and I enjoyed a tour of the property, learning about the Monroes’ life at Highland, their farming practices, and the significant community of enslaved persons. We even met the resident peacock that lived on the plantation!
With encouragement from his friend and future neighbor Thomas Jefferson, Monroe purchased Highland from the Carter Family in 1793 and had permanently settled on the property by 1799. He lived at Highland on and off for twenty-five years before personal debt forced him to sell the estate. He then moved to his family’s other estate at Oak Hill near Leesburg, Virginia.
James Monroe was president in the vein of Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican ideals, but he was a savvy politician who recognized how to negotiate and compromise. Many fortifications and public works were built during his presidency, including Fort Monroe, which we visited during our Hampton, VA adventure. Because Monroe was adept at working with his own party and the lingering Federalists, his presidency was known as ‘The Era of Good Feelings.’
Today, Highland is managed by Monroe’s alma mater, William & Mary, and they do a wonderful job maintaining the property and the legacy of one of their most famous alumni. Interestingly enough, Monroe’s original local estate, Monroe Hill, including his residence and law office, are now part of the oldest extant buildings on UVA’s campus, a university he helped found alongside Madison and Jefferson.
Plan Your Highland Adventure here
James Madison’s Montpelier:
While not located in Charlottesville, James Madison’s Montpelier makes for a great day trip. In our recent American Nomad adventure, we visited Montpelier, learning about the important legacy of James and Dolley Madison. The scenic drive from Charlottesville to Montpelier in Orange County ambles through farmlands and wineries, helping you take a journey from the era of the Declaration of Independence (authored by Thomas Jefferson) to the home of its Constitution’s architect and Jefferson’s best friend, President James Madison. Read more from our recent post here.
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society:
Dig into Albemarle County’s rich history at this wonderful museum in the heart of Charlottesville. Their museum boasts a wide collection of artifacts and historical records from Charlottesville and Albemarle County from artifacts from the barracks that housed the Hessian and British POWs during the American Revolution to Civil War artifacts, African American history and more. The historical society offers amazing walking tours of Charlottesville from Hidden C-Ville History, to African American Historical sites to UVA and beyond. Plan Your Visit here
The Barracks Historical Marker:
While technically not a tourism site, I always recommend researching where historical markers are located where you are visiting. It’s a great way to learn a bit of hidden history in the midst of modern shopping centers. Today there is a nondescript marker where the British POWs were kept after Saratoga, including a gravesite of those who died in the barracks (disease was a big culprit in communal camps and prisons).
Tour the University of Virginia:
The University of Virginia is one of the prettiest college campuses in America and continues to embody the foundations of its founder and chief architect Thomas Jefferson. Many of the core campus buildings date to its founding and are packed with history. Visit Monroe Hill at Brown College, where you can see the historic area where James Monroe once practiced law. Learn about UVA’s famous alumni, including Edgar Allan Poe (who attended UVA for a time), whose room you can visit to this day. I highly recommend one of the official UVA campus tours. They also offer a self-guided tour via the UVA website/app.
Fralin Museum of Art at UVA:
Not far from the Rotunda, this museum has over 14,000 pieces of art from the Old European Masters to American Artists like Mary Cassatt to Georgia O’Keeffe to African art and one of the largest Aboriginal collections in the United States. Plan your visit here.
Charting a course with Lewis and Clark:
As I mentioned earlier, I’m a huge fan of Lewis and Clark and was inspired from a young age by their cross-country adventures. Thomas Jefferson was a mentor and friend to Lewis, whose family helped to found Charlottesville. Lewis was born in the area right before the American Revolution. He was personally asked to serve as Jefferson’s private secretary when Jefferson became President in 1800; both men shared a love of exploration and the outdoors. Lewis, who had served in the army, had the experience needed to lead the Corps of Discovery Expedition to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Territory (1803). He asked his friend from the army, William Clark, to serve as co-captain.
From 1804 to 1806, Lewis and Clark and their crew maneuvered and charted the entire course of the Missouri River to its headwaters in Montana. They then continued west over the Rocky Mountains into Washington and Oregon’s Columbia River Valley, eventually reaching the Pacific Ocean before returning home. This was truly a monumental feat in exploration, and many of the place names from their journey continue to bear witness to their legacy today. My favorite spots in Montana, the Madison and Gallatin Rivers, were named after Jefferson’s Cabinet Members at the time: Secretary of State James Madison and Secretary of Treasury Albert Gallatin.
You can learn about the legacy and impact of Lewis and Clark at the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center in Charlottesville. Located on the banks of the Rivanna River in Darden Towe Park in Charlottesville, the center offers hands-on learning about the historic expedition, as well as history, exploration, transportation, the arts, science, native cultures, and more. The center is open on a reservation basis only. Plan your visit by contacting lcecvirginia@gmail.com to request a reservation, or call 434-996-7282 and leave a message. A special reservation gives you a dedicated guide for both indoor and outdoor tours and activities. In the summer, we are frequently booked for summer camps, so please call us in advance to find out open times.
Fun fact: Meriwether Lewis’s childhood home Locust Hill is still standing in Charlottesville, though privately owned, a roadside marker just outside of town denotes Meriwether Lewis’s important connection to Charlottesville. No doubt his access to these mountain paths helped develop skills necessary for fording the Missouri and wilderness of the western United States.
Learn about Charlottesville’s African American History at the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
A must-visit in Charlottesville, the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center seeks to honor and preserve the rich heritage and legacy of the African American community of Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The Jefferson School originally opened in the fall of 1865 as a Freedman’s School on West Main Street. It shared its location with the burgeoning First Baptist Church at the Delavan Hotel and served as both a graded and a normal school. In 1894, the Jefferson Graded School moved to 4th Street NW, into what would become the heart of African American social and commercial life. The Jefferson High School opened in 1926, consolidating education for Black students into one central location. It remained the city’s only Black high school until 1951, when Jackson P. Burley High School opened. The Jefferson School then reverted to an elementary school until its closing as a segregated school in 1965.
The Center features a permanent historical exhibit, a rotating contemporary art gallery, and a robust calendar of events, all of which combine to highlight Charlottesville’s African American history and the vibrant culture of the African diaspora. Plan Your Visit Here
Fun for Families:
Virginia Discovery Museum: An interactive children’s museum for kids aged zero to eight. VDM engages young minds with creative exhibits that invite children to explore the world around them from imaginative play environments to fun onsite programming. Plan your visit here.
Carter Mountain Orchard: Fun for all ages, this family-run orchard offers something special in every season. In the fall, pick your own apples and pumpkins, and savor delicious apple cider and donuts paired with homemade ice cream.
Adults will enjoy the winery and Bold Rock Cider House tastings. The country store has fun finds for everyone, but the best part is the view! Experience glorious 360-degree vistas of the Blue Ridge Mountains from the mountaintop. It’s conveniently located right beside Michie Tavern (there’s a wooded trail connecting the two sites) and is just down the road from Monticello. Fun fact: It was here at Carter’s Farm that the Jeffersons found temporary refuge as they evaded Banastre Tarleton’s men in June 1781. Plan your visit here
Downtown Charlottesville: Cool Shops and Delicious Eats
Charlottesville has a dynamic downtown that can be divided into several sections, from the University Core to more modern development. One of my favorite parts of downtown Charlottesville is right near The University where you can discover UVA college gear and local shops and restaurants. My go to restaurant in this area is usually The Virginian, a throwback vibe tavern perfect for grabbing a burger and watching the UVA game.
The Downtown Historic Mall is a must stop for the whole family while in C-Ville: This historic section has been revitalized into a shopping haven with over 120 shops, thirty restaurants all housed in historic buildings along the city’s Main Street. The area also includes venues for live music and the arts. You can easily park in nearby garages or lots or use the free trolley service connecting the mall to the University of Virginia.
Get Outside:
Charlottesville is a nature lover’s paradise with easy access to rivers, mountain hikes, Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive and The Blue Ridge Parkway within thirty minutes. Charlottesville is a good starting point for a Shenandoah adventure. I recommend spending a night or two in Charlottesville and then moving to Big Meadows Lodge or Skyland in the park for another few nights to explore the park’s central and northern interior.
Charlottesville has numerous city parks with ample hiking trails, kayaking and floating access. Here is a link so some wonderful hiking trails in the region.
Shenandoah – where the hills meet the sky. Shenandoah is one of my favorite mountain getaways. It is less crowded than the Great Smoky Mountains, but offers equally stunning views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Chains. Shenandoah is an ideal escape for a diverse mix of travelers. Hikers will fall in love with its hundreds of miles of trails and backcountry waterfalls, while the beautiful roadside views and turnouts along Skyline Drive make it perfect for those with mobility challenges or limited time for hiking to still witness nature’s majesty.
Each season in Shenandoah National Park tells a different story: from the blossoming wildflowers of spring to vibrant summers hiking under a canopy of sun-soaked trees, to the dazzling display of autumn’s brazen change in colors as oranges and reds create a masterful kaleidoscope. Charlottesville serves as a good base camp for Shenandoah’s southern section, but the further north you go (past Big Meadows), it can be helpful to spend the night at a park lodge or cabin like Big Meadows or Skyland. The rates are fairly affordable, and staying inside the park gives you a unique mountain experience unlike any other. For more information, visit the official Shenandoah National Park website. *FYI Shenandoah’s entry booths are now cashless, so make sure to purchase your passes online or have your debit/credit card available.
Check out a previous post from American Nomad from our last Shenandoah Adventure: Get to Know Shenandoah National Park
In the greater region:
I highly recommend a day trip to Luray Caverns, the largest show caverns on the east coast, and one of the most majestic spots I’ve visited. You can read about American Nomad’s Luray Caverns adventure here.
Shenandoah River State Park is a serene riverside park worth exploring. Learn about the history of the mighty Shenandoah at the nature center before enjoying a riverfront walk or paddling on the river.
Other cool towns in the region:
Staunton VA: We’ll visit Staunton in an upcoming post, but suffice it to say, Staunton is one of my favorite small towns period. From its historic downtown anchored by the renowned American Shakespeare Center to the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum and Frontier Culture Museum, Staunton has a ton to offer. It’s an easy 30 minute day trip from Charlottesville and worth the detour. Check out their official website here
Crozet: Only a few miles from Charlottesville, Crozet is a charming community anchored by its arts community and a number of awesome coffee shops. Crozet is known for its numerous wineries and tasting rooms. Official Website
Scottsville: Located in the heart of Albemarle County, Scottsville is a community packed with history and fun things to do. Learn about its Civil War roots at the Scottsville Museum, where the town’s mills, warehouses, and canals played an important role in the war. This area is also situated near the region that inspired ‘The Waltons’ TV show, and you can explore the charming small-town atmosphere just about thirteen miles from the real-life ‘Walton’s Mountain’ (Schuyler, VA).
Scottsville is also a great place for James River views and recreation. From downtown, the public can access the James River from a boat launch just off Main Street. Five miles west of town, you’ll find a small public park and river access at Hatton Ferry, featuring signs interpreting the important role of poled ferries in Virginia’s transportation history.
Charlottesville’s Wine Country
Centuries ago, Thomas Jefferson planted the first grapes at Monticello, and today over the years, Charlottesville has continued to grow and nurture countless vineyards producing a variety of quality Made in Virginia wines. On a recent visit my mom and I enjoyed a tasting at Chile’s Vineyard at Carter Mountain Orchard. The wine was excellent and we savored the bottles we purchased throughout the fall months.
I’m hoping to return to Charlottesville to take a winery tour in the fall to learn more about local vineyards. Here are a few I recommend, as well as links to Virginia’s Albemarle Region Wine Trail
Jefferson Vineyards: A Legacy Reborn
Jefferson Vineyards operates on the very same estate where Thomas Jefferson tried his hand at winemaking with the assistance of Italian vintner Filippo Mazzei. The vineyards were reestablished in 1981 after Mazzei’s property, Colle, was dismantled in the 1900s and rebuilt to honor the history and winemaking traditions of the region.
Home to Virginia’s flagship varietal, Viognier, and many other award-winning wines, Jefferson Vineyards grows several varietals over their dozens of acres. They offer seasonal wine flights, wine by the glass, and wine bottles in their tasting room to give guests a personalized experience for whichever wine they prefer. Summers at the vineyard are beautiful with lush green spaces and music in the garden for tasting delights. Come experience the heritage of Virginia wine at Jefferson Vineyards.
King Family Vineyards is another popular winery in the region. The winery’s beginnings date to 1996 after purchasing the 327-acre farm in Crozet. A few years later, when a man named Tom Vandenberg asked to lease some of the land for a vineyard, they started their journey into the wine industry. Since 2002, they’ve been operating the winery and producing top notch wines. King Family Vineyard’s Meritage, a blend of Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and locally-sourced Malbec, has won Silver, Gold, and Virginia’s Cup awards for its unique red blend that makes King Family Vineyards stand out.
Open daily, the tasting room offers options for self-guided tastings or guided wine flights. Additionally, King Family is well-known for its polo matches, which are held every Sunday from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October. Plan your visit here
Barboursville Vineyards
Barbour Vineyards has preserved this this estate from the 18th to the 20th centuries through agricultural innovations and attempts at bringing viticulture to the land. In the 1970s, heir to the property Gianni Zonin worked to plant vineyards at Barboursville and create the winemaking legacy that Thomas Jefferson dreamed about for the Charlottesville area.
The entire estate is open to wine tastings, from the Discovery Room, where you’ll find the broadest range of tasting options, to Library 1821, with a changing selection of flights and seasonal offerings. Picnic on the grounds or take a strolling tour of Thomas Jefferson’s Landmark Ruins that were built for Virginia Governor James Barbour. Winning praise across the country and the world, Barboursville Vineyards combines Italian influence with Virginia wines, especially with their landmark Octagon, a selective red blend that’s unique to the terroir.
For a list of additional wineries in the area…check out this Wine Trail Guide from Virginia.org You can also discover additional wineries here.
Have a favorite Charlottesville winery? Let me know if the comments at the end of the blog!
Destination Coffee:
Charlottesville is ground zero for delicious coffee. From cozy cafes to student caffeine hotspots, you’ll discover the best roasts in C-Ville.
One of my favorite coffee haunts in C-Ville is Mudhouse Coffee in the Downtown Mall area. The coffee is roasted with love in Charlottesville and has dynamic blends from light to dark roasts that captivate any coffee drinker’s tastebuds. Their coffeeshops feature a delicious mix of coffee drinks, as well as teas and delicious pastries. *Mudhouse has become so popular in C-Ville you can also find locations outside the region as well including Richmond, Charleston (SC). I order their beans online.
Shenandoah Joe Roasters – I fell in love with their James and Dolley blend while visiting Montpelier (home of James Madison). My mom and I loved the coffee so much we ordered more online. I highly recommend their locally roasted coffee blends. The James and Dolley blend is a full-bodied coffee that exhibits hints of dark chocolate and caramel with a nice mouth-feel.
C-Ville Coffee and Wine: Enjoy delicious specialty coffee drinks, taste local wines and enjoy a mouthwatering meal at this hidden gem in Charlottesville.
MarieBette Cafe and Bakery: named for their daughters, MarieBette brings European inspired pastries to C-Ville paired with handcrafted coffee and more. I highly recommend while in Charlottesville.
Lone Light Coffee: Another local favorite in the Downtown Mall district. The roast their coffee in house and provide a laid back area to sit and sip.
Sweet Tooth in Charlottesville:
Charlottesville is home to one of my favorite candy shops, C-Ville Candy. My mom and I were first introduced to the shop after purchasing their blackberry chocolate drops at Montpelier (You can tell we loaded up on goodies at Montpelier)
On our last trip through Charlottesville, my mom and I enjoyed stopping at Moo-Thru, a popular local ice cream spot located in the revitalized Dairy Market. This food hall features a number of food vendors including Moo-Thru housed in an old Dairy Market. In addition to the ice cream, this is a great place to grab a quick bite with the family – from tacos to pasta to burgers, you’ll find it here.
Speaking of FOOD…Charlottesville is a foodie town. I have long enjoyed the atmosphere of the Virginian Tavern near UVA or dining at Michie’s Tavern after a visit to Monticello, but throughout the city you can discover restaurants from soul food to Asian fare and beyond. I recommend this guide for researching your Charlottesville Food Journey
Catch a Show:
Charlottesville helped launch the career of the likes of Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds, and it remains a music center with musicians from across genres flocking to Charlottesville’s indie music scene. Here are a couple of great venues for live music and entertainment:
- Jefferson Theater: Located on Charlottesville’s historic Downtown Mall, the Jefferson Theater was established in 1912 as a live performance theater that played host to silent movies, vaudeville acts and a historic list of live performers, ranging from Harry Houdini to The Three Stooges. Today it hosts amazing live performances from top touring musicians like Lukas Nelson and more.
- Paramount Theater: A 1931 Movie Theatre that has been converted into a gorgeous performance venue.
- Ting Pavilion: Premier Outdoor venue in the heart of Charlottesville downtown district
- John Paul Jones Arena: where the UVA Cavaliers play basketball; this venue hosts major live concerts throughout the year as well
- Live Arts Theatre Company: Local theatre and arts org
- Charlottesville Symphony at UVA
- Charlottesville Opera
Where to Stay:
Charlottesville has a number of chain hotels. I’ve personally enjoyed a stay at the DoubleTree and Hampton Inn. If you want a bit of luxury without compromising convenience, I highly recommend The Boar’s Head Hotel. They have a golf course and spa on site, as well as fine dining and lots of fun activities for the entire family.
Dinsmore House: Immerse yourself in Charlottesville history with a stay at this Federal Style home built by none other than Thomas Jefferson’s master builder, James Dinsmore. The inn has nine distinctive guest rooms and an acclaimed on-site restaurant called Farm Bell Kitchen. The home is conveniently placed in the University of Virginia’s Corner District – making it a convenient base camp for C-Ville adventures. Website
Oakhurst Inn: A popular B&B near UVA’s campus is the Oakhurst Inn, where you can check into their relaxing rooms and enjoy a delicious meal on site at the Chateau Lobby Bar or Oakhurst Cafe. Website
10th Street Bed and Breakfast: Nestled in a quiet neighborhood, this charming B&B wants guests to view this spot as their ‘home in Charlottesville’ Website
For more hotel ideas click here
Ready to book your Albemarle County and Charlottesville Adventures. Here are additional planning resources to help chart your course for fun!
Visit Charlottesville Official Tourism Site
I’m always happy to help with planning your adventure, feel free to reach out for advice at americannomadtraveler@gmail.com
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Hi, I’m Adele Lassiter, the travel enthusiast behind American Nomad Traveler. This is where I share my love for history, cool museums, art, and travel tips. When I’m not writing, I’m a singer-songwriter with a passion for Americana music. You can find my new album here: adelelassiter.bandcamp.com
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