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attractions

CHARLOTTESVILLE DOWNTOWN MALL

A pedestrian street in the heart of Charlottesville - the Mall is the center of action for our wedding weekend.
Our wedding block hotels are right on the mall, and there are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop.
We are so excited to show you one of our favorite parts of Charlottesville.

THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

About a 20 minute walk from the Mall, UVA's campus is known as "The Grounds."
Take time for a jog or walk to see this gorgeous southern university designed by Thomas Jefferson.

MONTICELLO

A 15 minute drive from downtown, Monticello was the home and plantation of Thomas Jefferson.
The newly updated tour presents a more modern historical perspective of our third President and his home. 
Book a guided tour in advance, and plan for about a 2-hour visit.

SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK

The beautiful Shenandoah National Park has plenty of hiking and biking trails and gorgeous drives. The closest entrance to downtown is in Afton, VA at Rockfish Gap.  Skyline Drive is a beautiful way to see the park.

OTHER CHARLOTTESVILLE SITES

HUMPBACK ROCKS
This two-mile hike in the Blue Ridge is one of the most popular in Charlottesville. Intersecting with the Appalachian Trail, the hike is about a 750 ft climb. 

THE CORNER
The 5 block area near UVA known as the Corner is full of bars, restaurants, bookstores, and night spots on University Avenue directly across the UVA Grounds and is the center of student nightlife.

MONTPELIER
35 minutes from downtown Charlottesville, President James Madison's plantation home.
The Mere Distinction of Color is a groundbreaking new exhibit on slavery at Montpelier.

HIGHLAND
15 minutes from downtown Charlottesville, President James Monroe's plantation home.

VINEYARDS & BREWERIES

More than 200 years ago, Thomas Jefferson had a vision for producing high quality wines in the Charlottesville area.  Today there are 30+ vineyards in the region. Charlottesville has also developed a craft beer scene, with breweries both in town and in the surrounding area. Most vineyards and breweries are a short drive outside of town - you can visit just one or make an afternoon of it and see a few. Vineyards are generally open until 5pm and the breweries until around 7pm. Uber is an option, but if you want to make a day or afternoon of it, we suggest booking in advance and going through Albemarle Limousine or Camryn Limousine.

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS
Great wine in Charlottesville, on an estate designed by Thomas Jefferson with a fantastic restaurant. 35 minute drive.

BLEINHEM VINEYARDS
Owned by Charlottesville's own Dave Matthews.  Great views, good wine.  20 minute drive.

KING FAMILY VINEYARDS
Beautiful views, great wines - and sometimes you can catch a polo match. Great picnic spot. 25 minute drive.

BLUE MOUNTAIN BREWERY
Good beer, good food - an ideal spot for beers or lunch outside on the sunny patio. 30 minute drive.

SOUTH STREET BREWERY
Charlottesville's longest running brewery and pub. 5 minute walk from the Downtown Mall. 

STARR HILL BREWERY
Independent and locally owned, Starr Hill is the second oldest craft brewery in Virginia.  20 minute drive.

THREE NOTCH'D CRAFT KITCHEN & BREWERY
Great food, great beer. 10 minute walk from the Downtown Mall.

RESTAURANTS

ALLEY LIGHT
A hidden spot in an alley just behind the Mall (look for the lantern over the door)
Amazing cocktails, amazing food - mostly small plates.

BAGGBY'S GOURMET SANDWICHES
A solid lunch spot with great sandwiches.

BLUEGRASS GRILL & BAKERY
Fantastic brunch spot with great food and no frills. No reservations, so get there early.

C&O RESTAURANT
 An elegant meal at a historic Charlottesville icon. Reservations a must.

CHAPS ICE CREAM
Delicious homemade ice cream and donuts.

CHRISTIAN'S PIZZA
Good pizza. Super casual.

CITIZEN BURGER
Great burgers, great beer.

GRIT COFFEE
Coffee, tea, baked goods.

MARCO & LUCA'S NOODLE SHOP
Yummy dumplings, pork buns, and noodles with no-frills counter service.
Supported by and hires refugees in connection with the International Rescue Committee.

MILLER'S DOWNTOWN
This bar on the Mall has a claim to fame as the location where Dave Matthews used to work and where DMB got its start.  Most nights you can still find live music. No reservations.

PUBLIC FISH AND OYSTER
Top-notch seafood and southern fare, a 10 minute walk from the Downtown Mall.

BRAZOS TACOS
Best tacos in 100 miles, a 5 minute walk from the Downtown Mall.