(In the Spring)
Spring time is finally here! What better way to celebrate the onset of warmer weather than give you my completely subjective opinion on the top 3 things to do in Charlottesville. The choices will come as no surprise to anyone already living here. But hey, what do I care? I’m just a guy tossing his thoughts and feelings at you even though you didn’t ask for them.
1. It’s Patio Season!
There’s nothing Charlottesville folks love more (besides Thomas Jefferson) than sitting on a patio with a frosty adult beverage. The downtown mall offers the perfect people watching platform. You can take in the table merchants, street musicians, and maybe even the Free Hugs guy. With over a dozen patios to choose from you’ll be well provided for. Is being amazed at how pedestrians can head directly through a crosswalk without looking both ways more your thing? The Corner is the place for you! Stonefield shopping center might have less foot traffic, but the patio selection is on point. With such fantastic options available, Charlottesville must’ve been the inspiration behind the famous saying “April showers bring May patios and beers.”
2. Take a Hike!
Unless you’ve been living under a (Humpback) rock, you’re keenly aware how much our locals love to hike. If you’re doubting me, go create an online dating profile and report back in half an hour. There’s hardly an empty trail within 30 miles when the weather is nice. With Skyline Drive spanning our fair region, the hike options are plentiful. From quick in-an-outs to overnight backpacker excursions everyone from beginner to pro can satiate their hiking hunger. Some of the local favorites are the aforementioned Humpback Rocks trail, Sugar Hollow (finish at a swimming hole!), and the Riprap trail off of Skyline Drive. What are you waiting for? Grab your backpack, plenty of water, and get to stepping!
3. Wineries, Cideries, and Breweries – Oh My!
This one ties in to the first pretty well. You’d be hard pressed to find a local Facebook profile or Instagram page that doesn’t offer evidence of a recent trip to one of these outdoor drinking experiences. Maybe even on Snapchat too, but I’m not entirely sure how that one works (#getoffmylawn). Heck, you can even hit a few wineries on horseback! Most of the wineries are just outside of town but if you’re willing to drive an hour in any direction the options are overwhelming. The Nelson 151 corridor alone has around a dozen options. Within city limits leans a little heavier on the brewery side, but we do love choices. Whatever mood you’re in when the thirst hits, Charlottesville and central Virginia have you covered!
There you have it, my top 3 things to do in Charlottesville. In conclusion, this part of Virginia is awesome! We might not do everything well, but we do a handful of things in a pretty darn epic fashion. If you want a personal recommendation on any of the above, or anything else for that matter, don’t hesitate to holler at your boy!
