Charlottesville, Virginia: Parks, History & Local Eats

1. Thomas Jefferson's Monticello

Monticello, located on Thomas Jefferson Parkway just outside of Charlottesville, was the home of Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States and is one of the things to do in Charlottesville. Consisting of 5,000 acres, the plantation was used to grow tobacco and other crops. Jefferson designed the house, which sits on an 850-foot (260 meter) hill: Monticello means “little mountain” in Italian.

He began designing and building the house when he was 26 years old. He chose a neoclassical design and incorporated many elements that were popular in Europe during the latter part of the 18th century. Monticello is listed as a U.S. National Historic Landmark, and it is the only private house in the country to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA, Phone: 434-984-9800, Map

2. The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia

The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia is located in the Thomas H. Bayly Memorial Building which was built in 1935. The museum has a collection of 13,000 art objects dating from ancient times up until the present.

The exhibits include American and European paintings, ancient art from the Mediterranean area, Asian art, Native American art, photographs, five centuries of sculptures, and much more. In addition to the permanent collection and temporary exhibits, the museum offers docent-led tours for students and other groups, as well as lectures and special events.

The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia, 155 Rugby Road, Charlottesville, Virginia, 434-924-3592

3. Historic Downtown Mall

The Historic Downtown Mall is a pedestrian dining, entertainment, and shopping mall on Main Street in the historic downtown heart of Charlottesville. There are over 120 shops and more than 30 restaurants housed in historic buildings along a seven block area of tree-lined and brick-paved streets. The downtown mall is a beautiful mixture of restored buildings that also house cinemas and theaters, which feature plays and musical performances.

Some of the restaurants have outdoor eating areas that visitors can enjoy during the warmer months of the year. Other features include romantic fountains, an ice park, and the Virginia Discovery Museum. The Charlottesville Parks and Recreation Department is responsible for maintaining the Historic Downtown Mall.

4. James Monroe’s Highland

Located on James Monroe Parkway, Highland was the home of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States. Situated adjacent to Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe’s Highland is currently owned by Monroe’s alma mater, the College of William and Mary.

Encouraged by Jefferson, Monroe purchased the 1,000-acre property in 1793 and moved there in 1799. Over time, he bought more land and increased the acreage to more than 3,500 acres and, at the same time, added on to the house.

High debts forced Monroe to sell the property in 1825. Today, the 535-acre property is a working farm, a venue for performances, and a museum.

James Monroe’s Highland, 2050 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville, Virginia, 434-293-8000

5. Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia is an art collection housed at Pantops Farm on Worrell Drive.

Pantops Farm was owned by Thomas Jefferson at one time, and is today owned by the University of Virginia. The art museum is the only museum in the nation that is exclusively devoted to the art of Australian Aborigines, and it is renowned for its large collection of indigenous Australian art, one of the finest in the world.

The museum was founded in 1997 when John W. Kluge donated his collection of Aboriginal art that included the collection of Edward L. Ruhe. Today, there are more than 1,700 objects including artifacts, paintings, and sculptures in the collection.

Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia, 400 Worrell Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia, 434-244-0234

6. Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery

Located on Wolf Trap Road, Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery founded in 1995. Les Yeux du Monde means “The Eyes of the World” in French, and the gallery focuses on works of art created by regional, national and international artists artists, some of which include William Albert Allard, Anne Harris Massie, and Russ Warren.

The art gallery works in conjunction with other art institutions such as the Second Street Gallery and the University of Virginia Art Museum. In addition to exhibiting works of art, the art gallery offers tours and lectures by artists.

Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery, Charlottesville, Virginia, 841 Wolf Trap Road, Charlottesville, Virginia, 434-973-5566

7. Ivy Creek Natural Area

Spanning across approximately 219 acres, the Ivy Creek Natural Area is owned in partnership by both the City and County of Charlottesville in Virginia. Management of the nature area is also assisted by the Ivy Creek Foundation, a volunteer organization that helps in caring for the area and operating its nature programs. The Ivy Creek Natural Area offers more than seven miles of nature trails for walking. Horseback riding, bicycles, trail running, and pets are not permitted. Other amenities include historic barn tours, educational classes, and restroom facilities. The Central Red Trail takes visitors from the parking lot to the barn.

Ivy Creek Natural Area, 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903, 434-973-7772

8. Carter Mountain Orchard

Carter Mountain Orchard is located on Carters Mountain Trail in Charlottesville. Visitors are able to pick apples, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, and vegetables between April and November. One of the special events that the orchard offers is the “Thursday Evening Sunset Series.” Visitors can enjoy dinner at picnic tables or on blankets or lawn chairs while they savor hard cider or wine and great sunset views.

The orchard also provides musical entertainment and hayrides. Other events include the Apple Harvest Celebration, the Easter Egg Hunt, and the Peach Festival. In addition to the orchard and its events, there are several other places to explore: the Country Store & Bakery, and the Mountain Grill.

Carter Mountain Orchard, 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville, Virginia, 434-977-1833

9. Ivy Inn, Charlottesville, Virginia

Located in the 18th century charming clapboard red house with a wide white porch about a mile from the University, Ivy Inn is romantic, tranquil and elegant. Ceiling beams, a cozy fireplace, and white damask tablecloths remind you that you are in the South, where a meal should be a relaxed, pleasant affair.

With four dining rooms and a spacious covered patio, the place is popular with large parties and groups. Chef/Owner Angelo Vangelopoulos uses local, seasonal ingredients to create his version of American cuisine, combining Southern favorites such as shrimps and grits with some more cosmopolitan treats, including a few delightful Greek dishes such as Lamb Served Two Ways. The Ivy Inn has very fine wine lists that feature a few good Virginia wines.

2244 Old Ivy Rd., Charlottesville, Virginia, 434-977-1222, Map

10. The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio

Located on East Market Street, The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio gives guests of varying ages a chance to create works of art using glass. The studio provides instructions, materials, and tools and offers classes and workshops mostly designed for older teenagers to adults. There are introductory classes, weekend workshops, and one night “Glass Art Experience” classes.

The studio’s “BYOB Glass Art Experience” takes place on Thursday evenings and requires reservations. After sips and snacks, guests create glass works of art. Private parties can also be held at the studio, which supplies all the materials and food.

The Glass Palette - Interactive Glass Art Studio, 1304 East Market Street, Charlottesville, Virginia, 434-977-9009