Charlottesville

Excellent architecture. Great scene. Lots of bars. Cool place. Went here and got a chance to see the Top of the Hops Beer Festival last year.

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, SUPERASIABUFFET!

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