Signature Charlottesville Experiences
One of the best things about living in or visiting the City of Charlottesville is the variety of experiences you can have here.
It’s no mystery why so many people love this city. Inspired by a world-class university, Charlottesville is full of creative people, ideas, destinations. And that’s reflected in our diverse dining and shopping offerings. When it comes to unique things to do, Charlottesville can’t be beat. There’s so many great places in the city, you won’t know where to start. So, we decided to break down the best of the best of signature Charlottesville experiences.
Restaurants
Bodo’s Bagels: world-famous experience available in three locations: On the corner, on Emmet Street, and downtown on Preston Avenue.
Ask any local, and they’ll tell you Bodo’s Bagels is a quintessential C’ville dining experience. This isn’t just true for students It’s true for residents and visitors as well. You can load their hot New-York-style bagels with whatever smear or topping your hungry stomach desires. On a lazy weekend morning, the signature roast coffee is sure to wake you up for the day ahead. Easy on the wallet and heaven for the tastebuds. You can only find this bagel shop in the city of Charlottesville, which makes it quite the can’t-miss option in town.
Citizen Burger: 212 East Main Street, Charlottesville, 22902
In a town where Riverside Lunch has ruled for over 50 years, UVA alum Andy McClure stunned the Ville when he opened Citizen Burger in the center of the Downtown Mall. Yep, the price of beef went up significantly, but the gourmet quality of his locally-sourced burger, served with a craft pint in a chic town-gown setting, is so good that C-Ville Weekly has named it the Best Burger for many years running. If you’re visiting from out-of-town, and want a delicious burger and flavorful ambiance, this is your place.
Cocktails and dinner at Cafe Frank
A Will Richey-inspired French Cafe that exudes old-world ambiance with tingling spirits and tangy dishes. Dine at the bar or small table nearby. The sight lines here are fantastic, while the ambiance and service are among the best in town.
Marco and Luca: 112 West Main in York Place, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Perfect for grabbing food to-go and strolling through the Historic Downtown Mall to grab a spot on the grass at Ting Pavilion and people watch. The dumplings are beloved by locals, inexpensive, and delicious. We recommend also grabbing an order of noodles before spending the afternoon enjoying your pavilion picnic.
Miller’s Downtown: 109 West Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Other than the University of Virginia, the Dave Matthews Band may be the best-known thing about Charlottesville, and Matthews himself once worked in this historic bar on the mall. It’s already quite the draw to visit where Matthews grew up, but this great dive combines that mystique with a killer menu in an enjoyable atmosphere. With live music three nights a week, great happy hour and specials, and a whole lot of history, Miller’s is a solid bet for lunch, dinner or late night grub. Tip: If you do go, don’t sleep on the bratwurst & mustard!
In what’s virtually orchestra seating at The Paramount Theater, Sal’s Caffe Italia awaits right next door, making it perfect for a pre-show or apres-show meal. Their garden seating under the Oaks is also beneath the glow of the theater’s “blade.” No need for mood-lighting here! Sal’s menu includes an array of traditional pasta dishes as well as seafood and chicken entrees. An expansive wine list and juicy cocktails may be enjoyed at two outdoor bars. Sal’s is fully in the heart of the Downtown Mall and the people-watching doesn’t get any better than here.
Shopping
C’ville Arts: 118 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
The Downtown Mall offers so much that overlooking a great shop or two is a simple mistake. However, Cville Arts is a place that you absolutely can’t pass over. This art cooperative combines a gallery and gift shop into one colorful, beautiful storefront. In addition to a monthly exhibition for solo or group artwork, C’ville Arts sells a variety of crafts and art, from home decor to jewelry to photography and paintings. Even if you’re not in the art-buying mood, this eclectic little storefront has a great vibe to walk through and just explore.
The Virginia Shop: 1047-B Emmet St North, Charlottesville, VA 22903
Up at Barracks Road Shopping Center, you’ll find The Virginia Shop, and the name says it all. Proprietress Tiffany Smith, an unofficial mayor of Charlottesville, understands your needs. Here, you’ll find all sorts of Virginia-related gifts and novelty items. The business primarily specializes in VA-themed gift baskets and welcome bags – great for souvenirs and mementos from a visit to Charlottesville – but they also have a surprisingly large selection of Virginian items from all departments. Highlights from the store’s inventory include wine from local names like Barboursville Vineyards, or AR’s tantalizing Hot Southern Honey.
New Dominion Bookshop: 404 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Wanna visit John Grisham’s favorite book store? The gem we know as New Dominion Bookshop bills itself as the oldest independent bookstore in Virginia – their history dates back to 1924! Although the store maintains a slight focus on the subjects of regional history, architecture, and landscaping, the store’s regulars will vouch for both an incredible atmosphere and a wide, sometimes surprisingly good selection. At its barest level, the store is an important piece of Charlottesville’s history; at its deepest, the store remains a haven for book lovers and a pillar of the community. Store owner Julia Kudravetz is nationally acclaimed for her curation of books and for her energy in hosting frequent readings by acclaimed authors. You can find their schedule HERE.
Attractions
The Jefferson Theater: 110 East Main Street, Charlottesville, VA 22902
The Charlottesville area has a revered music scene that rivals that of major metropolitan areas, and The Jefferson Theater is one of go-to venues. John Paul Jones Arena may handle the biggest acts that Charlottesville enjoys, but “The Jeff” routinely puts on shows 3 nights a week, from well-established acts to industry up-and-comers. Acts are booked by DMB Manager Coran Capshaw’s Red Light Management, and quite frequent they’re bumping in this 800-person venue that serves excellent beer. Originally built in 1912, the theater is a great place to take in a night of music, with beautiful architecture and a high-energy atmosphere (well, depending on the artist).
The Paramount Theater: 215 E Main St, Charlottesville, VA 22902
The Paramount Theater is a central jewel in Charlottesville’s cultural crown. Located smack in the center of The Downtown Mall, The Paramount presents evening programming — from concerts, to film screenings, to comedy shows and more — over 300 nights per year. It’s the engine that brings people out, that fires kitchens up, and that draws buskers like moths to a flame. When the historic “Blade” of The Paramount pulses with a neon glow, footsteps and voices quickly follow and an evening in Cville is underway. Check out The Paramount’s Calendar of Events and buy tickets online to see a show. Arrive early because the “Jefferson-inspired” interior, including lavish chandeliers and murals on three floors, are a sight to behold. The Paramount’s concessions offer lots of treats and beverages to sustain you throughout the show.
Monticello: 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902
For a town so clearly built in the image of Thomas Jefferson, we would be remiss to go without mentioning Monticello, Jefferson’s sprawling estate. Nestled in the Carters Mountain range south of downtown Charlottesville, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a sight to behold; the property includes his plantation, house, presidential library, institute of research, and a museum to boot. With so many activities at your disposal at Monticello, exploring Jefferson’s old stomping grounds can be an all-day affair. Luckily, pricing for day passes, tours, and harvest tastings at Monticello is quite reasonable, making this a prime option for an outing with the family.
Michie Tavern: 683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Less than 10 minutes to the west of Jefferson’s Monticello, Michie Tavern is another Charlottesville icon that acts as a time machine. Built in 1784, the Tavern was originally located in Earlysville, Virginia, and was operated there by the Michie family until the next owner moved it nearer to the site of Monticello in 1910. Nowadays, the Michie Tavern serves food with an 18th-century flair; the dining area has historic character and the meals attempt to stay as true as possible to the palette of the late 1700’s. After your meal, there are a number of shops within the Tavern that carry on with the historic vibe: a general store, a gift shop, an armory and artifacts shop, and a metal smith shop.
