The Downtown Mall is a vibrant collection of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants housed in historic buildings along the city's Main Street. Enjoy dining al fresco at a number of fine restaurants or shop at a number of unique boutiques. Watch a movie, play or live music at one of several performance venues. Convenient parking is available in nearby garages and parking lots, as well as a free trolley service connecting the Downtown Mall to the University of Virginia.
Fridays After Five is a Charlottesville institution, a FREE weekly concert series is held every week of the summer at Ting Pavillion, on the opposite end of the Downtown Mall from the Omni. Performing on Sept 20th are "yacht rock" cover band Empty Bottles and Richmond folk group Dalton Dash. I've never heard of either of them but it sounds like a very "Charlottesville" lineup. You'll see what I mean.
City Market offers fresh produce, herbs, plants, grass fed meats, crafts, and baked goods from over 100 local vendors every Saturday, 8am-12pm. City Market is located in downtown Charlottesville at the corner of Water Street & 2nd Street SE, steps from the Omni Hotel.
Charlottesville has about a billion independent breweries, cideries, and distilleries, many within walking distance of Downtown. Check out the Charlottesville Ale Trail for a list! South Street Brewery's Satan's Pony and Blue Mountain Brewery's Full Nelson are particular McGinnis family favorites.
Funky spot for a pot of tea or a hookah - one of my favorite hangouts!