Things To Do
Breakfast at Mariebette
Fuel up for another full day with killer baked goods and the best brunch in town. (Pippin Hill serves their bread – so good!) Pro-Tip: Go early on weekends, but if crowded, never fear, there’s a second location on the Downtown Mall.
BREAKFAST AT BODO’S BAGELS
Every college town worth its salt has a great bagel shop, and Charlottesville is no exception. Bodo’s is a staple. Fresh, filling and fun. Pro-Tip: The line moves fast, so don’t be deterred. And grab a to-go bag for late afternoon snacking or travel noshing.
DINNER AT TAVOLA
A local favorite, Tavola is cozy and friendly, serving up authentic rustic Italian fare full of heart and soul. Pro-Tip: Make a reservation—it's a popular spot! Go early for a cocktail at Tavola’s Cicchetti Bar, tucked down an alley.
DINNER AT BLACK COW CHOPHOUSE
A must visit for its upscale yet approachable atmosphere, consistently well-executed steaks, and elevated takes on classic comfort dishes in a lively downtown setting.
DINNER AT CAFE FRANK
James Beard-nominated Chef Jose De Brito brings you everyday food from a classic French kitchen. Cafe Frank is nestled in the Downtown Mall.
REFUEL AT THREE NOTCH’D BREWERY
"Virginia’s Freshest Beer”. Three Notch’d has been brewing up award winning beer since 2013. They have followed through on our commitment to offering only the freshest and highest quality beer in the Commonwealth.
WALK THE LAWN AT UVA
The Lawn on The Grounds is haloed terrain in TJ’s town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the center of Thomas Jefferson’s Academical Village and home to the classic Rotunda at the north end and Old Cabell Hall at the south with the Pavilions and Lawn rooms connecting them.
GO MALL WALKING (of a different sort) ON THE CHARLOTTESVILLE DOWNTOWN MALL
The Downtown Mall is the hub of Charlottesville’s dining, entertaining, and shopping district, and one of the country’s longest pedestrian malls. This terrific example of historic repurposing and revitalization is always a vibrant scene. Pro-Tip: Get your caffeine fix at Petit Marie Bette or Mudhouse, or a cocktail at the basement of C&O. From April to September, check out Fridays After Five for live music on the Mall.
MEANDER ALONG THE SAUNDERS-MONTICELLO TRAIL
This easy, accessible trail is an arboreal wonderland, with beautiful native trees, ample shade and a good sampling of some of the stellar hiking in the Charlottesville area. Begin at Carter’s Mountain on gravel paths and boardwalks and end at the Monticello Visitor Center.