Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, practically on the way home for Northeast-bound Elon students, is Charlottesville, Virginia. The city of C’ville is well-known as the beloved home of Thomas Jefferson, but has so much more to offer than just history. We’re going to walk you through some of the must-see spots, and by the end of this article we guarantee you’ll want to stop by on your next road trip up North.

Bodo's Bagels

When in C’ville, the first thing you’re going to want to do is get a bagel at Bodos: the city’s prized possession. Trust us, it’ll be one of the best egg sandwiches you’ve ever had. What’s better than a New York-style bagel at a small town-bagel shop pricing? Absolutely nothing (sorry New Yorkers, we think Bodos might be better).

Egg, cheese and a whole lot of goodness. Photo by Izzy Johnson. — Egg, cheese and a whole lot of goodness. *Photo by Izzy Johnson.*

The IX Art Park

The IX Art Park is a Charlottesville classic… It's basically an adult playground. It’s a huge, constantly rotating art exhibit that’s free to the public─and you even get to be a part of the art. Write your life goals on “the before I die wall,” mess around with chalk, and explore all of the amazing sculptures. It’s also an incredible photoshoot location. Insider tip: check out the crazy tacos at Brazos Tacos next to the art park. Mashed potatoes in a taco? Are you kidding?!

We LOVE Charlottesville—HBY? Photo by Ali Scheinfeld. — We LOVE Charlottesville—HBY? *Photo by Ali Scheinfeld.*

Downtown C’ville

After you visit the IX park, stroll around the Historic Downtown Area. Home to some amazing local businesses and restaurants, this district could entertain for hours─with window shopping and tons of places to explore. Be sure to walk up and down the side streets so you don’t miss the amazing wall art. If you’re hungry, we recommend checking out the Asian-inspired tapas at Bang!, the rooftop at The Quirk Hotel. Or, grab some Mexican food at the Bebedero. If we’re going to be honest, though, you can’t go wrong with the restaurants Downtown.

Just happy to be here. Photo by Ali Scheinfeld. — Just happy to be here. *Photo by Ali Scheinfeld.*

UVA

The University of Virginia is right up the road from the Downtown Mall and is the heart of Charlottesville. Whether you want to learn about the history of Virginia or admire the beautiful brick buildings and the notorious Rotunda, UVA is the best stop. Shop around in the boutiques on The Corner, sit on the lawn, and enjoy the gorgeous campus. Insider tip: if you need a little more structure to your day, check out the exhibits at the Fralin Museum of Art.

21+ Scene

Now, attention to all 21-year-olds! Charlottesville has some of the most breathtaking vineyards and breweries which you absolutely cannot miss. Some of our favorites are King Family Vineyards, Pippin Hill, and the Brewing Tree, but there are so many other scenic locations to grab a drink. A quick Google search will bring up plenty of options. Even if you’re not 21 or prefer not to drink, you can still be happily entertained by taking some gorgeous photos, having a picnic, and enjoying the views (often with live music).

Nice view, huh? Just wait until you see it for yourself. Photo by Ali Scheinfeld. — Nice view, huh? Just wait until you see it for yourself. *Photo by Ali Scheinfeld.*

Sunset Time

When it’s time to wrap up the day, we know the best spot in town to see the sunset. Carter’s Mountain Orchard is an adorable apple orchard with cider donuts, wine, and a view of the entire city of Charlottesville. The sunset in the Blue Ridge Mountains truly hits different, so grab some friends and a blanket and enjoy the sun go down from this beautiful mountain top.

Now THAT’S a sunset. Photo by Ali Scheinfeld. — Now THAT’S a sunset. *Photo by Ali Scheinfeld.*

Humpback Rock

If you ever spend the night in Charlottesville, the sunrise hike at Humpback Rock might be our top recommendation. Keep in mind it requires a little more planning and time. Right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, this hike is steep but quick, taking about an hour total. So, being “out of shape” or “not a huge hiker” is no excuse not to have this amazing experience. When you get to the top, you’re rewarded with a 360 degree view of the mountains, the valley and─if you time it correctly─the sunrise. Standing up on the mountain watching the sun come up is a truly magical experience. We know it’s hard not to hit snooze on your alarm, but if you have the chance to do this hike we know you won’t regret it.

Have we sold you on Charlottesville yet? We sure hope so.

Featured image by Ali Scheinfeld.

A Day in Charlottesville, VA.