Best Things to Do in Charlottesville this Summer: 7 Days of Heaven

“Best Things to Do in Charlottesville this Summer: 7 Days of Heaven”

 A local’s guide to Charlottesville’s best things to do this summer for every day of the week.

Looking for the best things to do in Charlottesville this summer?  As a local, it is easy to fall into the trap of monotony: doing the same thing every weekend.  But with this 7-day guide, you can find a slice of heaven every day in central Virginia:

MONDAY // Sugar Hollow, County Lakes

Sugar Hollow’s Blue Hole is a popular swimming hole located 40 minutes from downtown Charlottesville. The surrounding trails provide beautiful mountainous scenery all while breaking a sweat. Beat the weekend crowds by hiking the trails and taking a dip in this popular local spot during the week.

Alternate / Not looking to drive that far? Take advantage of one of Albemarle County’s four lakes where you can canoe, swim, lie on the beach, hike or bike miles of trails, fish, and even take your furry child to the dog park.

TUESDAY // Hot air balloons, Geeks Who Drink Trivia

The end of spring brings hot air balloons rising over the horizon to a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  Do not just soak in the view, take a part of the fun by taking a ride.  There are many local companies that offer flights.   

Alternate / Not ready to take flight or want something to eat afterwards?  Enjoy the mountain views from Blue Mountain Brewery while playing their weekly Geeks Who Drink Trivia.  Do not forget to order their fulfilling pretzels and locally sourced thin crust pizzas.

WEDNESDAY // Sunset Pass, Michie Tavern, Ash Lawn-Highland, UVA

Touring Monticello, one of the best things to do in Charlottesville, gets even better with the option to visit during sunset; try seeing it from a different perspective. Looking to make this an all day historic visit? Eat  Michie Tavern’s southern fried chicken before touring James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland.

Alternate / Take the other historic route by walking the University of Virginia Grounds, perfect for a picnic or dog play date while the students are away. Enjoy a slightly less crowded Mellow Mushroom Trivia Night to take your best chance at winning.

THURSDAY // Thursday Night Sunset Series, Saunders-Monticello Trail

Carter Mountain Orchard’s Thursday Night Sunset Series not only provides an excuse to eat one too many apple donuts, but also a chance to relax after work while watching the sunset disappear behind the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy listening to local musicians, dinner, wine tastings at the Carter Mountain Wine Shop, and sweets from the bakery for purchase.

Alternate / Looking for a relaxing walk? Try the Saunders-Monticello Trail, a well-graded, 2-mile trail between the trailhead on Route 53 to the Monticello ticket office.

FRIDAY – Fridays After Five, Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Parkway

Fridays After Five, a Charlottesville classic, continues to provide a family friendly atmosphere while appealing to all audiences, creating a sense of community.  From live music to beer and food trucks, this event never disappoints. 

Alternate / On the other hand, if you are looking to escape the city, watch the sunset from Ravens Roost Overlook or Humpback Rocks off the Blue Ridge Parkway, or hike one of the many trails in Shenandoah National Park.

SATURDAY – Riverview Park, City Market, Downtown Mall, Brewery/Winery Tours

Wake up in time for a relaxing run on the Riverview Park trail before heading to the City Market downtown for a cup of joe and, oddly enough, tacos from the very popular Mexican Tacos. Continue your shopping on the Downtown Mall.

The view from King Family Vineyards.

Alternate / Grab a group of friends and hire transportation to enjoy a brewery and/or vineyard tour.  

SUNDAY – Polo, Star Hill Brewery Tour, Tubing on the James River

If you need a reason to wear a sundress and floppy hat or picnic while sipping on one of the best Virginia wines, then head to King Family Vineyards Polo. Follow it up with a brewery tour at Star Hill by 4 pm.

Alternate / Tubing on the James River is an equally relaxing trip. Bring a cooler for food and drinks and waste the day by floating in a tube. For bookworms, sink into a comfortable chair and relax in the Alderman Library McGregor Room, or more commonly known as “the Harry Potter Room.”

Local Feature: Michie Tavern

....and I'm still inundated with wedding planning - 1 month left!  After our honeymoon, it'll be back to normal blogging, especially since I have so many sessions to feature.  It's been a busy Spring.  Until then, here are a few film shots from Michie Tavern. 

Cheers!

Processed and scanned by Pro Camera.

UVA - #cavalanche film pictures

Sorry I haven't been posting on my blog as much.  Work, working out, wedding blogging and planning are taking over my free time!  I post on my Facebook page more often so Like my page to stay updated.  Here are a few film throwbacks from Pax.  Looks like we might get more snow on Monday!

Saunders-Monticello Trail

Winter scenes from the Saunders-Monticello Trail in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Scenes from UVA Football

Scenes from the last home football game against Oregon.  Although we won't have as nice weather this weekend, I think we'll at least win!  Wahoowa!

The World of SB // Learn more on the right-hand side of this page in the "About Me" section.

The 411 // Follow me on Facebook and Pin with me or e-mail me at samanthabrookephoto@gmail.com.

Fly Fishers

Just another work day in Charlottesville...

The World of SB // Learn more on the right-hand side of this page in the "About Me" section.

The 411 // Follow me on Facebook and Pin with me or e-mail me at samanthabrookephoto@gmail.com.

Architectural Project Preview

A quick preview of an architectural photography project I'm working on - a good change for me!  It has historic restoration/renovation written all over it. 

The World of SB // Learn more on the right-hand side of this page in the "About Me" section.

The 411 // Follow me on Facebook and Pin with me or e-mail me at samanthabrookephoto@gmail.com.

Carter Mountain Orchard

As a local, the beauty of Charlottesville never ceases to inspire and amaze me.  I could not think of having my wedding any place but here (Michael feels the same!).  It is not only where we first met, but it is also where I grew up.  I am slowly working on a personal project for my small wedding.  It involves featuring many of the places Michael and I enjoy and wish to share with the few immediate family members who are coming into town.  I will hopefully share its completed version next year but until then, please enjoy the local features and suggested places to visit when in Charlottesville. 

Carter Mountain Orchard will forever remind me of my childhood.  With my high school a few miles away, stopping at the orchard for warm apple donuts and hot cider always seemed like a genius idea.  And it was.  The donuts and cider still taste the same and are the best in town.  Their store jams are also to die for; I highly recommend the berry blend called "BEAR Jam".  This is a wonderful, inexpensive place to visit.  From wine tasting to hayrides, it has something to please the whole family.  Don't miss out on the Thursday Night Sunset series, which is a weekly event involving local music, good food from the grill and of course, watching the sunset as it dips behind the Blue Ridge.  As you sip on wine from the wine shop, your kids can play or take pictures with the giant wooden apple (shown below).  Don't forget to walk the entire orchard as there are even better views from the highest point. 

If it's your first time in Charlottesville, I suggest combining this with a trip to Monticello, Michie Tavern, or Ash Lawn Highland (all nearby).  There are also many local vineyards nearby and the Downtown Mall and the University are within a ten minute drive.  Find out more information on their website.

The World of SB // Learn more on the right-hand side of this page in the "About Me" section.

The 411 // Follow me on Facebook and Pin with me or e-mail me at samanthabrookephoto@gmail.com.