{"id":62111,"date":"2023-11-07T16:51:12","date_gmt":"2023-11-08T00:51:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=62111"},"modified":"2025-08-20T02:59:23","modified_gmt":"2025-08-20T09:59:23","slug":"charlottesville-virginia-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/charlottesville-virginia-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"A COMPLETE GIRLS GETAWAY GUIDE TO CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA"},"content":{"rendered":"

Charlottesville in picturesque town in Virginia that boasts a vibrant arts culture, great shopping, world-renowned historic sites, scenic parks and an abundance of waterways providing opportunities for endless outdoor adventures.<\/p>\n

Charlottesville is also a college town, known for being the home of the University of Virginia.<\/p>\n

The city is small (population 45,672 as of 2023) and has a hometown feel. Downtown Charlottesville offers wine and beer tours, ballooning, hiking, and world-class entertainment.<\/p>\n

Charlottesville is also home to the Downtown Mall, which is one of the longest outdoor pedestrian malls in the nation. The mall features stores, restaurants, theaters, and civic attractions. The city is located just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which adds to its stunning natural beauty. Charlottesville is rich in culture and offers endless activities to enjoy.<\/p>\n

Here’s our ultimate girls’ getaway guide to Charlottesville, Virginia with all the tips you need to plan an unforgettable girls’ trip!<\/p>\n

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Things To Do In Charlottesville On A Girls’ Getaway<\/h2>\n

Charlottesville, though small, offers numerous things to see and do. It is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is just a short 30-minute drive away from the 500 miles of trails in Shenandoah National Park, providing ample opportunities to explore the great outdoors.<\/p>\n

The city is surrounded by farms, orchards and dairies, making it a haven for foodies. Charlottesville boasts one of the highest numbers of restaurants per capita in the US, ranging from funky food trucks to trendy food halls and buzzing brunch spots.<\/p>\n

Here are ten fun things to do in Charlottesville on a girls’ getaway!<\/p>\n

1) Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Home At Monticello<\/h3>\n

Just a 15-minute drive from Charlottesville is Thomas Jefferson’s Home at Monticello. This 19th-century plantation has a superb educational tour and spectacular gardens. The garden boasts a diverse array of trees and flora, making it a must-see for any garden enthusiast.<\/p>\n

2) Hike The Blue Ridge Mountains<\/h3>\n

Charlottesville is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains with a large number of hiking trails with incredible views of the surrounding area. The Shenandoah National Park<\/a> is located close to the city, which has over 500 hiking trails if you and your girls would like to leave the city and spend some time in the great outdoors. <\/p>\n

3) Follow The Monticello Wine Trail<\/h3>\n

The Monticello Wine Trail<\/a> boasts over 40 wineries inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s passion for viticulture and winemaking. The trail is made up of wineries that are members of the Monticello Wine Trail. Each member has a tasting room to offer guests the wines made from their Monticello AVA vineyards.<\/p>\n

Each winery is different and has different things to offer. Pippin Hill Farm<\/a> is a boutique vineyard and winery that produces award-winning wine and has tasting rooms, along with its signature wines, the Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Franc. In contrast, King Family Vineyards<\/a> offers a laid-back experience with a tasting room and tours and both indoor and outdoor seating areas.<\/p>\n

4) Try Some Virginia Cider<\/h3>\n

In Virginia, it’s worth following the locals’ lead and opting for a refreshing glass of cider instead of a pint of beer. Virginia is renowned for its hard cider, so it’s highly recommended that you visit a local cidery such as Bold Rock Cidery & Taproom<\/a> or Castle Hill Cider<\/a>.<\/p>\n

5) Visit The Downtown Mall<\/h3>\n

Spend an afternoon exploring the pedestrian-friendly Downtown Mall in historic Charlottesville, brimming with shops, restaurants and cafes. Here, you will find three-story bookstores, a Saturday morning market (in the summer months) and many local boutique stores to explore.<\/p>\n

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6) Visit the Art Museums<\/h3>\n

The Fralin Museum of Art<\/a> is a must-visit for art lovers with an extensive permanent collection and different exhibitions. Another great art museum is the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection<\/a>, the only museum dedicated to Indigenous Australian art in the United States.<\/p>\n

7) Watch The Sunset At The Carter Mountain Orchard<\/h3>\n

Located in the mountains close to Charlottesville, you will find a country store and bakery. During the summer, they often have live music and visitors and locals bring a blanket and sit and enjoy the music and views. During fall, they also have apple picking and pumpkin picking. There is also the Prince Michel Wine Shop and Mountain Grill, where you can get something to eat or pick up a bottle of wine for your picnic.<\/p>\n

8) Drink Beer Along The Charlottesville Ale Trail<\/h3>\n

The Charlottesville Ale Trail<\/a> consists of craft breweries, cideries and distilleries. Charlottesville has become a significant player in the craft beer scene. To participate in the Charlottesville Ale Trail, all you need to do is visit their website and download your passport. Each time you visit a location on the tour, get a stamp. This is an excellent way to explore all the great spots while earning a gift. You can also turn the trail into a walking tour or a bar crawl.<\/p>\n

9) Explore The University of Virginia<\/h3>\n

Established in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, The University of Virginia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the “Public Ivies” of the United States. Here, you will find The Rotunda<\/a>, a national historic landmark, the Serpentine Walls<\/a> and Edgar Allan Poe’s Room<\/a>. From the historic Rotunda, daily tours wind through beautiful gardens, an expansive courtyard called the Lawn, ten pavilions, and various other historic structures.<\/p>\n

10) Visit The Dairy Market<\/h3>\n

Dairy Market<\/a>, one of the most incredible attractions in Charlottesville, is housed in the historic 1936 Monticello Dairy building. It is the first market hall in Central Virginia and opened its doors in 2020. The space is home to around 18 unique vendors, all offering fantastic food and products. Dairy Market regularly hosts pop-up events and live music performances, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists.<\/p>\n

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Best Tours To Take In Charlottesville For A Girls’ Getaway<\/h2>\n

Charlottesville offers a variety of enjoyable tours for exploring the area, taking to the water and visiting historic landmarks. For a girl’s getaway, here is a great option:<\/p>\n