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