City-Charlottesville

Welcome to Charlottesville, VA!

Rich in both history and natural beauty, Charlottesville is a true gem nestled in the dense forests and rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virgina! Home of two Presidents (Jefferson & Madison), many discussions that shaped the government we have today likely took place along the hills & streets you’ll be exploring! Though steeped in tradition, Charlottesville has evolved with the times (being a college town certainly helps!) offering visitors creative, modern cuisine as well as an impressive music scene. Wineries, outdoor recreation, golfing, history, and farm-to-table dining await! Get ready to explore (and maybe you'll even learn a bit while you're having fun!).

Stream now

Here is a playlist to help you get into the spirit of your destination!

One last thing...

Here's Whym's top ten things to know about Charlottesville, VA

Welcome!

Charlottesville is touted as the perfect place to explore our nation’s past, by visiting the homes of our first presidents, and our nation’s future, where some of the brightest students in the country attend The University of Virginia. Set in rolling green hills, this city has a burgeoning culinary scene, world-class golf, over 40 wineries, plenty of hiking trails and a full calendar of events and activities to keep you entertained.

Finding Your Way

Just two hours south of Washington DC, with a regional airport, Amtrak rail service, and Greyhound bus lines, travel to this area is a snap. Once you get there, you can park the car and walk to a myriad of attractions and activities. Ranked the third most walkable city in the country, it is easy to get around downtown and the neighborhoods with more pedestrian and bicycle lanes being added all the time. The CAT bus system is free and runs 6 days a week. City busses are only $1.50/day and there is a free trolley service that runs every 15 minutes and makes a figure eight around the major areas of hotspots. Of course, ride-sharing services are available too.

Airport Deets

The Charlottelville-Albemarle Airport (CHO) is a small airport with three jar airlines offering some nonstops. The more popular choice is Richmond Airport (RIC) which is an hour away and and is called the best little big airport you’ll ever visit. Eight airlines serve this newly renovated space and all the major rental car companies are located near the central entrance of the terminal building. Lyft and Uber have two pickup locations, one ton each level. A rideshare will take about and 1-1.5 hours to C'ville and set you back $80-100. Dulles and Reagan airports are about two hours away.

History

Named after Charlotte Sophia, consort of King George III of England, it grew as a tobacco-trading point and later became famous as the home of presidents Jefferson and Monroe and explorers Lewis and Clark. The town played a major role is the American Revolution, Civil War and the Reconstruction Era and desegregation. Monticello and the University of Virginia are popular attractions.

Why Am I Here?

C'ville is a hidden gem with everything from historical sites, great college life, music, art, and fantastic outdoor activities. With all the amenities of a big city but the community of a small town, you can celebrate all that C'ville has to offer all year long with visits to renown historic sites, hiking trails, water sports, many delicious restaurants representing every corner of the world, 40+ wineries and a vibrant arts scene. Don't forget the good southern food establishments!

Weather

Residents experience all four seasons here. Summers tend to be warm and muggy and the winters are cool and snowy and it’s partly cloudy year round. May-September are the wettest with a chance of an afternoon shower every day. Winters are somewhat cool, as low as 35° by day and into the teens at night. Spring and Fall are transitional and Summers are hot and humid with highs up to 90°. The best times to visit for clearer skies and more moderate temps are the month of June and August-October.

Local Delicacies

The City Market is a foodie paradise and one of the best farmers markets in America giving way to farm-to-table restaurants that have really taken hold in the city. Traditional southern cooking like fried chicken, hickory-smoked pork barbecue, buttermilk biscuits and black-eyed peas are a hit here! Also a growing community of international residents have brought Asian, Himalayan, and Chinese cuisines to town. Bodo’s Bagels continues to win awards for best sandwich, specialty food, and best cheap date spot!

Souvenirs

The downtown mall is known for Gearharts Fine Chocolates, local toy shop Alakazam, and O’Suzannah gifts. The farmers market offers local artisans wares and boiled peanuts galore. Of course, UVA swag and anything from the historical shops is a memorable gift idea.

Style

You'll see plenty of college kids in college gear, but think casual attire works in all but the nicest restaurants. Comfortable walking shoes are a given, but don’t forget warm socks and gloves in the winter months. A raincoat is a plus year round. If you’re planning to hike, waterproof hikers are a good idea.

Must Know

C'ville is located in the center of Virgina and along the Rivanna River. Charlottesville is steeped in history and natural beauty. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage site in Virginia. The former home of three founding fathers, and the home of the University of Virginia, this city is suffused with an appreciation for history and intellectual vigor. At the college, see grassy malls and grand buildings designed by Thomas Jefferson, or peak into a dorm room once occupied by Edgar Allen Poe. The great homes of America's early presidents - Monroe, Jefferson, and Madison are also open to the public.