WHY GO: What are the best things to do in downtown Charlottesville VA? Home to the Thomas Jefferson designed University of Virginia, it’s also part of a region rich in the arts, spirit making, and full of creative entrepreneurs and chefs with diverse backgrounds.
Contrary to the tiki-torch-toting Neo-Nazis who marched in downtown Charlottesville in the summer of 2017, the town exudes an open-minded friendly vibe, with a diverse and international populace. Charlottesville is everything that those angry White Supremacists are not: respectful, peaceful, and proud of their birth or adopted country and community.
I discovered that residents of Charlottesville want you to come and see what they are really like, and enjoy some incredible sights, food, and drink while doing so.
Discover Georgia O’Keeffe’s artistic origins, the only Australian Aboriginal Art Museum in the United States, the only Sake Brewery in Virginia, a thinking (wo)man’s Wine Shop, the Charlottesville Historic Downtown Mall, great shopping, fantastic restaurants, and so much more.
Things to Do in Downtown Charlottesville
VISIT: Fralin Museum of Art, on UVA Campus
The Fralin Museum of Art is a dynamic, community-integrated college art museum with the vibe of a much larger institution. One of its signature programs is the creative “Writer’s Eye,” developed for 3rd graders to adults, which serves as a catalyst for experimental poetry and prose.
Though the Fralin’s focus is on American Art and Photography, European Prints, and other works on paper, the museum has an encyclopedic collection, albeit a small, select one, which makes a visit here so satisfying. Not overwhelming, you can spend time with your favorite art pieces.
Contemplate a bold Frank Stella sculpture in the lobby, Rodin’s “The Kiss” on the stairwell, and Mexican, Mesoamerican, Columbian, Greco-Roman, Egyptian, Asian and East Asian figures, plates, and vessels in the Object Study Gallery on the 2nd floor.
Witness American art that spans time, and is worth studying deeply: possible in this highly accessible place. My own favorite is a painting by Childe Hassam – one of our country’s first Impressionist Painters – that captures the moment when the trolley overtook the horse and buggy in our country’s transportation history. It’s a picture that certainly sparks all kinds of conversations.
O’Keeffe in Virginia
And, you thought Georgia O’Keeffe was strictly a Western artist? Not quite. At a time when only men were allowed to attend University of Virginia, she found a loophole. Just when the artist had all but given up on her craft, O’Keeffe discovered that she could take classes in the less restricted summertime.
So, from 1912-1916 the famed artist was both a student and teacher in Charlottesville, wandering the town, UVA campus, and the Blue Ridge Mountains, rendering in watercolor everything in sight. These pieces are printed on a “Georgia O’Keeffe Walking Tour” map, which you can pick up in the museum for free. Fans of O’Keeffe will thrill to see Charlottesville through her eyes.
VISIT: Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Museum (adjacent to Hilton Garden Inn)
“The land has everything it needs. But it couldn’t speak. It couldn’t express itself. Tell its identity. And so it grew a tongue. That is the Yolngu. That is me.” – Djambawa Marawili.
Affiliated with UVA, and four miles from campus, the Kluge-Rube Aboriginal Art Museum is the only museum in the USA dedicated to indigenous Australian art.
Named after Ed Ruhe, an English Professor who traveled to Australia on a Fulbright Scholarship, purchasing pieces directly from the indigenous people he met in the 1960’s and ‘70’s, and media mogul, John Kluge who bought Ruhe’s collection and commissioned Aboriginal works of his own then donated it all to UVA, the Kluge-Ruhe is a must-see while in Charlottesville.
The creative output from a wide range of Aboriginal communities hangs in brightly lit rooms in, ironically, a whitewashed Federal-style building that sits on land once owned by Thomas Jefferson.
Art of Aboriginal Australia
Part of the museum’s mission is to illuminate the surprising diversity among Australia’s indigenous people who live in urban, desert, grassland and shoreline environments.
Quotes from these different sources on educational panels serve to amplify their voices and lend credence to their existence. When colonists first came to Australia, they didn’t see the landscape as being inhabited – all they saw was territory for the taking. This museum not only recognizes Aboriginal ownership of the land, it showcases its many facets.
The oldest piece in the collection is from the 1940’s, though most are contemporary. From stunning “sacred” Bark Paintings with hidden meanings that reflect the life and values of each particular tribe, to graffiti art incorporating metallic foil, exhibits at the Kluge-Ruhe shed light on the transformation of Aboriginal Art over 8 decades – most dramatically by juxtaposing old with new.
Though works of art rotate in the galleries, go on a “Behind the Scenes” tour that brings you downstairs to the Storage area. There – learn about the Bark Paintings that form the core of the collection. These are some of the most poignant works of art I’ve ever seen, each with symbolism worth more than 1,000 words. Check website for hours, dates, and times open. Free admission.
TASTE: North American Sake Brewery, in IX Art Park
I’d always assumed that Sake was distilled even though it’s called Japanese Rice Wine. But surprise, surprise, sake is actually brewed like beer.
And, for those who are firm in their belief that sake is served warm, you’ll be in for a surprise. According to North American Sake Brewery owner, Andrew Centofante, “sake is traditionally served chilled.”
You learn about the making of sake in the unlikely town of Charlottesville, from the unlikelier owners of this Sake Brewery, Centofante and Jeremy Goldstein, a former award-winning filmmaker.
The not-at-all-Japanese Centofante dabbled in home brewing beer before taking a trip to Japan in the early 20’teens. He loved everything about the country, especially the sake, which led him to wonder how it was made, and if he could make it himself. Determined, Centofante went back to Japan to learn.
The result is this very rare brewery – one of only about two dozen in United States and the only one in Virginia – that makes craft sake. For those who have gagged down warmed over versions of the drink, these cold-brewed, cold served varieties are a delicious revelation.
The cloudy Brewer’s Style sake and fruit infused varieties, dry to sweet, satisfy a range of tastes. Hungry? You don’t have to leave. You’ll find Southern and Japanese bites on the menu.
WALK/SHOP: Downtown Pedestrian Mall
The city of Charlottesville website refers to this pedestrian mall, called the “Jewel of Charlottesville,” as home to a vibrant collection of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants located in the historic buildings on and around old Main Street Charlottesville.”
These are some of our favorites:
Tilman’s
This contemporary wine, charcuterie, and cheese bar has become a go-to for friends/family meeting on the Mall.
O’Suzannah
I walked through this unique gift shop with a smile on my face. Items from tea towels to scarves to Feminist books are grouped by color, not by category. Pop in even if you’re not in the market for a cool gift.
Rock, Paper, Scissors
Card lovers, scrap bookers, and anyone looking for fine wrapping paper will adore this store.
Market Street Wine Shop
Not to be confused with “Market St. Market,” To find this one, walk up 4th, take a left on Market St., cross the street, and you’ll see a sign marking the entrance to the grotto-like basement Market Street wine shop, that has been here for years yet few know about. It’s a beautiful space and a true “hidden gem.” New owners have refocused on small brands and producers from around the world, with a good selection of local, organic, natural, and Kosher wines.
SHOP/PROVISION: Main Street Market Shops, Charlottesville VA
These include Feast! Pick up prepared foods at the deli counter, wine, cheese, preserves, olive oil, charcuterie – anything for a tailgate or picnic.
SHOP/PROVISION: International Grand Market, Charlottesville VA
Across the Street from Main St. Market, Grand Market serves a very diverse community. Many refugees from Afghanistan came here via the International Rescue Committee – most who helped US Troops with translation and security and required asylum in America. So, there’s Afghan food – great nuts and spices – and foodstuffs of other lands. I purchased a lovely Turkish jar of nuts in honey – a work of art in itself.
SHOP: Gearharts Fine Chocolates
Even if you don’t buy anything – stop by to watch chocolates being made in the production kitchen of Gearharts Fine Chocolates. And breath in that unmistakable, sensuous scent of cocoa. Stay for a cup of hot chocolate and dessert.
Where to Eat Downtown Charlottesville VA
EAT: C&O Restaurant
The fine-dining C&O Restaurant was carved from the bunkhouse built for railroad workers in 1900. It opened in 1976 with reclaimed barn-wood walls (out of frugal necessity: decades before this décor became popular).
Earlier in the evening, it’s an intimate, candlelit French restaurant serving up dishes like the signature Steak Chinoise with scallions and tamari-ginger pan sauce. It’s been on the menu for over 40 years.
But seven days a week, during what would be considered after hours at almost every other restaurant, C&O turns into a haunt for “industry people” who order the favored Cheeseburgers and hang out till 2am. Be like a local, and join in.
EAT: Oakhart Social
One of Charlottesville’s dining sensations, Oakhart Social serves up some Southern vittles with panache. On a cool, Autumn Monday night, the high-top tables at this gas station turned restaurant were packed with people grazing on excellent innovative small bites, and sipping wine.
Chilled Roasted Cauliflower, Chicken Wangz with salsa and Buttermilk Dressing, Lamb Ribs, Hangar Steak, House pizzas, and more keep ‘em coming back. My perfect dinner? The Wangz and a glass of Cab Franc.
EAT: Farm Bell Kitchen at Dinsmore Inn Charlottesville VA
The Dinsmore Inn in-house restaurant, Farm Bell Kitchen serves up Southern Cuisine with a bit of wit and whimsy, in an art-splashed space.
Choose the café area – formerly the town-home’s sleeping porch – or one of two more formal dining rooms. Order “Game of Scones,” “Come N Get It Platter,” or other small bites from the “Hello From the Other Sides” section.
DESSERT/MUSIC: The Bebedero
On the Pedestrian Mall, this Mexican restaurant, The Bebedero offers live Latin music select nights. Come for dessert and an after-diner drink, especially if you love Mezcal (there’s an expansive Tequila and Mezcal list).
TASTE/EAT: Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen and Brewery
Named for the main east-west road during the Colonial era, Three Notch’d Craft Kitchen and Brewery sits right above the North American Sake Brewery. Its vast interior encompasses rows of communal tables, beer garden style, on which you can eat decent elevated pub food and try a passel of brews, including sours.
For IPA lovers, order a pint of 40-Mile IPA – a reference to “Virginia’s own Paul Revere,” Jack Jouett, who rode 40 miles to warn about the Brit’s arrival, and purportedly saved Thomas Jefferson from capture.
EAT: Locals Love
Smyrna for Mediterranean, The Ivy Inn – fine dining in an old home, Luce for Italian, Black Cow Chophouse for steaks, Public Fish & Oyster for seafood, the Alley Light for French food, and Chang Thai for, well Thai.
Where to Stay Downtown Charlottesville VA
STAY: The Graduate Charlottesville
Nearly abutting college campuses, the well-located, “thoughtfully crafted” Graduate Hotels are sprouting up in many University towns throughout the USA, and offer a quirky, fun, boutique alternative to other stuffy, corporate competitors.
To whit, Charlottesville: where The Graduate Charlottesville, across from UVA campus and a 10 minute walk from the Downtown Mall, has a 40’s-era College-Meets-Summer-Camp vibe, and guest rooms sport a “dorm room” motif of a simpler era. Of course, with all the modern amenities of a luxury hotel.
STAY: The Draftsman, Autograph Collection
The Draftsman stands on the site of former art supply store. There’s a drafting table in the living room-library-lobby, a Jefferson-style alcove bed that serves as seating, and a 1700’s map of Charlottesville painted on the ceiling.
Rooms sport contemporary furnishings, wine from Blenheim Winery (honor bar), barn-door bathrooms, subway tile showers, and orange and blue seersucker robes.
STAY: Dinsmore Inn
With just nine luxury rooms, the Dinsmore Boutique Inn is more intimate than those previously mentioned, but, near UVA, is just as conveniently located. While a student at UVA, Ryan Hubbard walked by this Federal style red brick townhouse – constructed in 1822 by Thomas Jefferson’s builder – nearly ever day. In 2003 he bought it.
Almost immediately, Hubbard opened his property as the Dinsmore Inn. In 2016, he completely renovated the rooms to luxury standards, and in 2017 opened an on-site restaurant, Farm Bell Kitchen. Rooms are elegant, with lovely attention to detail.
There are tiled showers and clawfoot tubs, original floors and doors, four-poster beds and fireplaces – what you’d expect from a small posh inn. But I’d venture to say that this is the only lodging where the restaurant chef also makes the proprietary bath salts.
Add These Getaways For More Around Charlottesville
Things to Do Near Charlottesville: Monticello and Wine Country
Have more time to wander? Combine this Downtown Charlottesville Getaway with a visit to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a top art gallery tucked miles away on hilly farmland, and a cattle ranch distillery with some of the best bourbon you’ll ever scarf down. This, and more, are in our post on things to do near Charlottesville; put them together and you’ve got yourself a three-day vacation just a short drive away.
Romantic Getaways in Virginia
Charlottesville is on our list of 20 Surprisingly Romantic Getaways in VA. Check it out if you wish to explore the state further.
Romantic Getaways Northeast US: New England and Mid-Atlantic
Looking for someplace dreamy outside of Virginia? Check out our 150 Best Romantic Getaways in the Northeast US (Virginia to Maine).
