Charlottesville

Related to other tips mentioned: be sure you know if there is a UVA home game playing (just check local sports page). If so, keep away from University area pre-game and post-game (unless you happen to be attending the game). The traffic is horrendous, and if they win there will be a similar “red plastic cup syndrome” as another poster mentioned.

Charlottesville is packed with history. The University was founded and initially designed by our third president, Thomas Jefferson. There are also 3 presidental homes within a 25 mile radius:
- Monticello – Thomas Jefferson’s home. Pronounce “Mont-i-CHello” if you don’t want to immediately be pegged as a out-of-towner. It’s just about 15 minutes outside of town
- Ashlawn-Highland – James Monroe’s home. Only about 5 minutes from Monticello.
- Montpelier – James Madison’s home. About 25 miles from Charlottesivlle (if memory serves me).

Other attractions are the University of Virginia which has gorgeous Jeffersonian architecture, The Rotunda building at the University, Historic Michie Tavern (close to Monticello and Ashlawn), Historic Downtown Mall (good for shopping for interesting items and for eating), plus many other little places. Be sure to visit the visitors center which can give updated info on happenings, and interesting places.

Nightlife is also pretty decent with musical entertainment provided at a number of the local eateries, as well as several clubs that provide live music. Charlottesville has some of the best restaurant selection that I’ve seen in a city it’s size. Don’t go for the usual travel fare, since there are really excellent restaurants here. Ask locals for their favorites. I lived in or near Charlottesville for 7-8 years, and still go there regularly, so when I have time, I’ll try to put up some of my favorite Charlottesville eateries here on 43places.

My husband grew up here and I lived here for a year. It is a fun college town with lots of historic sites. The Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful and offer great hiking nearby. Visiting Monticello is a must! You also have to go to Bodo’s for lunch. Oh- and drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall.

despite being a hokie, charlottesville has the best sushi all you can eat resturant, SUPER ASIA BUFFET!

it used to be its own building, but now its in a shopping center, its not as focused on sushi, but its a really pretty atmosphere

(coming from blacksburg) if you take the exit that lets you get on (i think) 95 north when youre arround c-ville, (there will be a best buy right next to the overpass) then you keep going down the road (i think) 4 stop lights and itll be on the left in a brown roofed shopping center, the same one as the whole foods store

I was visiting a dear friend, and she took me to a lovely tea house, where I had the world’s BEST chai tea EVER! (which is saying a lot for me, because I abhor chai.)

I went here with a friend years ago and he lived in Richmond so he was my “tour guide”.

I am from coastal NC so the hills and mountains were so beautiful to me.

The winding road to Monticello and the VIEW from there…took my breath away!

The town was so great. I think we ate at a place called the Hardware store.
It was so yummy and fun.

I loved the whole vibe of that district.

Can’t wait to go back.

just got to visit. spent 3 days her on a semi-business trip. I think me and the fam will be moving down here in mid october. time to start apt. hunting.

i went to school here. great town. it’s got “bubble syndrome” in my opinion, but still pretty chill place to be…

My ex-boyfriend went to law school there and I lived there for two years. While I lived there I first worked at Boxer Learning in the downtown mall and later at the University Virginia as a Flash developer.

My girlfriend used to live here and she’s telling what a nice place it is. I want to go there.