Carters Mountain Apple Orchard is one of the most fun fall activities in Charlottesville! Pick some apples, get some Bold Rock (a favorite local spiked cider) from the taproom, and don't forget to buy some of their famous apple cider donuts! It has beautiful views, and is a particularly amazing place to watch the sunset and soak up the fall vibes with a drink and a snack!
I've been here for my mom's 60th birthday and a friend's bachelorette! Always so beautiful and fun. Big, beautiful indoor and outdoor space with corn hole!
This is my favorite hike, but it is not for the faint of heart. It is eight tough miles, and includes a rock scramble. It's about an hour outside of Cville, but if you're up for the challenge, you will be well-rewarded as it has some of the most beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains ever. I did this hike often in college.
Hiking humpback at sunrise is a UVA right of passage! This is a much shorter, closer hike, but it is very steep! But beautiful beautiful views at the top of the rocks!
This is a great, easier trail and you can follow it with a visit to historic Monticello!
This is a total dive bar, but it was my absolute favorite bar in college. If you're heading to UVA's campus to explore, this is a good place to stop for a drink and a snack after. And, it's right beside Mincer's, the best campus merch store if you want to get some UVA gear. Other places to grab a meal on the corner include the UVA institution greasy spoon diner, The White Spot, or Boylan's! Love them all!
Feast is my favorite sandwich spot in town plus a great gourmet grocer with amazing wine, cheese, and more! Grab a sandwich here and then walk about a half mile to the downtown mile for some great exploring and shopping.
If you're looking to do some shopping while in town, this is the store I worked out all through college! It's a bit pricey, but amazing! It's right across from Feast and right beside the Quirk!
This is a Charlottesville breakfast classic right on the downtown mall. Classic, diner-style breakfast.
This is one of my favorite restaurants in all of Charlottesville - fancy, great sushi! I would make a reservation.
Favorite barbecue in town! Great for breakfast or lunch! VERY casual
On Saturday morning there is a great Farmer's Market in IX Art Park and right off the downtown mall. They're two separate farmers markets but they're super close to each other. It would be a fun morning to visit both farmers markets and walk around the downtown mall.
This is a really fun place for a group dinner -- it's all small, shared plates and fun cocktails! Right at the start of the downtown mall!
Tons of beer, tons of burgers. Very casual. Right on the downtown mall. My absolute favorite burger in the world. On Sundays, you can get a burger on glazed donuts instead of a bun, which is fabulous!