Matthew & Kristina
Things To Do
Downtown Mall
As one of the lengthiest pedestrian malls in the country, Downtown Mall is a busy district with more than 150 bars, restaurants, and shops along its tree-lined streets. Visitors will find specialty vintage stores, along with sidewalk cafes popular for people-watching. Families can explore the Virginia Discovery Museum. There’s also regular live music at the 1912 Jefferson Theater and the Ting Pavilion.
University of Virginia
The University of Virginia (UVA) is known for its historic founding by Thomas Jefferson, its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site with unique architecture, and its highly-regarded McIntire School of Commerce and Darden School of Business.
Carter Mountain Orchard and Country Store
Just minutes from downtown Charlottesville and Monticello, visitors overlook lush groves and breathtaking views of the valley below. Against this stunning backdrop, families and friends pick sun-ripened peaches and crisp apples while breathing in the fresh mountain air. From season to season, there’s always something fun! This is where the apples are picked for Bold Rock Cider!
Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive
Shenandoah National Park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia, just west of Washington, D.C. The Park stretches 105 miles from its northern entrance at Front Royal to its southern entrance near Waynesboro. There are four entrance stations to Shenandoah National Park, but only one has a physical address. Skyline Drive is the main road that runs the span of Shenandoah. The campgrounds, dining and lodging options, gift shops, and the majority of hiking trailheads are directly off of Skyline Drive. There are a select number of trails that start at the Park boundary, such as Old Rag Mountain and Whiteoak Canyon.
James Madison's Montpelier
James Madison's Montpelier, located in Orange County, Virginia, was the plantation house of the Madison family, including Founding Father and fourth president of the United States James Madison and his wife, Dolley. The 2,650-acre property is open seven days a week.
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
Home of the author of the Declaration of Independence. A World Heritage Site, historic house and plantation, museum, research institute, presidential library, and private, non-profit organization.
Charlottesville Wineries and Breweries
We love taking weekend trips to Charlottesville and have a few favorite places to go for a drink: - Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub (Roseland, VA) - Blue Mountain Brewery (Afton, VA) - Wood Ridge Farm Brewery (has a driving range as well!) (Lovingston, VA) - Bold Rock (Nellysford, VA) - Keswick Vineyards (Keswick, VA) - Tasting Room and Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve (Charlottesville, VA) Honorable Mention: - Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards (North Garden, VA) - King Family Vineyards (Crozet, VA) - Glass House Winery (Free Union, VA) - Hazy Mountain Vineyards & Brewery (Afton, VA) - Three Notch'd Brewing Company (Charlottesville or Nellysford, VA) - Rockfish Brewing Company (Charlottesville, VA)