We were introduced by our friend Rick Vavolizza on an outing to King Family Vineyards to watch a polo match. King Family hosts a polo match almost every Sunday afternoon in the summer and fall, which is free to the public. This is great fun for the whole family. Bring a picnic and enjoy the beautiful scenery! Matches begin at 12:00 pm, and gates open at 10:00 am.
We like to joke that Marc plans dates for Alicia to "toil in the field" picking apples, peaches, strawberries...If you would like to pick some apples of your own, Carter Mountain is a lovely orchard in Charlottesville. There is also a country store that sells local produce and goods. We like to enjoy some fresh apple cider doughnuts while looking out at the panoramic views of Charlottesville.
The Charlottesville Downtown Mall is a historic pedestrian mall in the heart of Charlottesville with many interesting shops and restaurants. We like to wander through some of the independent bookstores before grabbing a bite to eat on the weekends.
The centerpiece of UVA grounds is the Rotunda, designed by Thomas Jefferson as a "temple to learning." This is open to the public and is an interesting historic site to explore!
Monticello is Thomas Jefferson's estate. Self-guided and guided tours of the property are available. We recommend booking tickets in advance if you plan to visit. There is a nice walking trail at the foot of the property called the Saunders-Monticello trail that is free to the public (stroller-friendly!).
One of our favorite parts about living in Charlottesville is the easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, a beautiful drive through a national park in the mountains with multiple scenic overlooks and hiking trails. We like to go for a drive along the parkway to enjoy the views. There are multiple places to stop and take photos, as well as numerous hiking trails, some of which connect with the Appalachian Trail.
This is a great hiking trail with spectacular views at the top! Most people do this hike as a 1 mile trip up and back. There is a moderately strenuous 700 foot climb near the top of the trail, but the views are worth the work!
A trip up the Blue Ridge Parkway is not complete for us without a stop at 12 Ridges. The winery has 360 degree mountain views and we love the peaceful setting. Make a day trip of it with a drive along the parkway, hike at Humpback Rocks, and a cool drink at 12 Ridges!
The Charlottesville area is known for its wineries, but also produces some excellent hard apple cider. Potter's Craft Cider is located at historic schoolhouse. They often have live music and a food truck on summer Friday nights.