Monticello was the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States, who began designing Monticello after inheriting land from his father at age 26. For almost 100 years, Monticello has been maintained and kept open to the public by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Inc., which owns over 2,500 acres of Jefferson's 5,000-acre plantation. Advance tickets are recommended.

Though the word “mall” might have you imagining food courts and enclosed spaces, the Historic Downtown Mall is actually a pedestrian mall where Charlottesville locals and students alike shop, dine, and have a good time. Though you can simply stroll the mall, there’s so much there to see and do. With over 250 retail shops, restaurants, cafes, and service-oriented shops, you can window shop until you drop, savor some of Charlottesville’s best flavors, or people watch to your heart’s content. The Paramount Theater and IX Art Park are also near the mall so you can extend your outing well into the evening.

As the state museum of natural history, the Virginia Museum of Natural History has award-winning exhibits, ground-breaking scientific research and collections, and transformational educational programs for all ages. With its statewide outreach education and distance learning programs, online resources, and traveling exhibits and displays, the Virginia Museum of Natural History is truly a Museum Without Walls.

Just minutes from downtown Charlottesville and Monticello, visitors overlook lush groves and breathtaking views of the valley below. Against this stunning backdrop, families and friends pick sun-ripened peaches and crisp apples while breathing in the fresh mountain air. From season to season, there’s always something fun!

Wings and tacos coexist at Asado Taco so you’ll never have to choose between your favorite snacks. Asado Taco opened in 2018 after perfecting their take on both tacos and wings. Choose from seven unique dry rubs for your rings before chowing down on jumbo tacos piled high with toppings like pineapple and teriyaki shrimp, smoked brisket, or buffalo sauce-drenched cauliflower or chicken. Though their menu is packed with mouthwatering options, don’t let the food steal the show. Charlottesville locals rave about their specialty cocktails, extensive beer list, and their margarita with a sour patch rim.