Our 10 Best Things to Do In Charlottesville, Virginia article takes a look at one of the United States most significant historic cities. This city was once home to three former presidents of the United States. The city covers an area of 26.58 square kilometers. According to the population census of 2019, the number of people in this historic city is estimated to be around 47,096. Charlottesville’s area code is 434, and it has an elevation of 181m. Charlottesville’s amazing city is home to various museums, parks, art centers, and national parks. There are various unique, fun, and amazing things to learn and do in Charlottesville, Virginia.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Charlottesville, Virginia.
# 10 – The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia
We open up our 10 Best Things to do in Charlottesville, Virginia article with a great Charlottesville Museum. The Fralin Museum of Art is located at 155 Rugby road. Additionally, the museum is located in the Thomas H. Bayly Memorial Building, built in the 1930s. The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia features more than 13,000 collections dating from ancient times to the present day. Some of the exhibits in this museum include European paintings, ancient art from the Mediterranean zone, Asian art, Native American art, photographs, several centuries of sculptures, and many more. Besides, the museum features both permanent and temporary exhibits. The temporary exhibits are available during certain times of the year. Docent-led tours, lectures, and special events are some of the other activities in this museum.
# 9 – Walnut Creek Park
This park is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts. Walnut Creek Park covers a vast area of up to 525 acres. The park is heavily wooded with various well-marked hiking trails. Therefore, this park is suitable for hiking. Additionally, inside this 525-acre state park, there is a lake. In the lake, there are sunfish, crappies, and catfish, among other types of fish. Swimming and canoeing activities are available in the lake. Further, the park also features bike trails with sharp climbs and rapid descents, making it an ideal place for mountain biking. Walnut Creek Park is located at 4250 Walnut Creek Park Road.
# 8 – Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia
The art collection is housed at Pantops farm, located at 400 Worrel Drive. Moreover, this museum exclusively features the art of Australian Aborigines. Inside this museum, there is a large collection of indigenous Australian art which is one of the best and the finest art globally. The museum also features over 1,700 objects in the present day. Some of the collections found at the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia include artifacts, paintings, and sculptures, among other amazing and unique collections from Australia.
# 7 – Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery
This art gallery is a contemporary art gallery, and it was founded in 1995. The word ‘Les Yeux du Monde’ is a French word for ‘The Eyes of the World.’ This contemporary art gallery mainly focuses on regional, national, and international artists’ works. Some of the artists’ works found in this museum include William Albert Allard, Anne Harris Massie, and Russ Warren, among other artists. This art gallery is found at 841 Wolf Trap Road in Charlottesville. Art gallery tours and lectures by artists are other activities other than an exhibition of art works in Les Yeux du Monde Art Gallery.
# 6 – McGuffey Art Center
The artwork is one of the great things to do in this amazing city of Charlottesville, Virginia. This art center located at 201 Second Street NW, in Charlottesville, is also an art school, and it houses studios for artists and artisans. Additionally, McGuffey Art Center is open to the public interested in art exhibits and lectures. New exhibits are available for viewing every first Friday of every month. Some of the exhibitions housed in this art center include “Central Virginia Watercolor Guild’s Annual Exhibition” and “Kim Kelley-Wagner-Something Forgotten,” among other several exhibits.
# 5 – Virginia Discovery Museum
When visiting Charlottesville, Virginia, and you want to learn about the history of humanities and art, Virginia Discovery Museum is ideal for visiting. The museum is located at 524 East Main Street, in Charlottesville. The exhibits featured in this museum focus on the arts, history, the humanities, nature, and sciences, among other interesting topics. Some of the outstanding exhibits in Virginia Discovery Museum include ‘A-Mazing Airways,” “Little C’Ville,” and Pollination Station and Bee Hive,” among other exhibits. Last, the museum is open daily except for Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
# 4 – Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive
Shenandoah National Park covers up to 200,000 acres, and Skyline Drive is the only public road that passes through this national park. The national park is home to various species and types of animals. Some of the wildlife that calls Shenandoah National Park home include deer, black bears, and wild turkeys, among other woodland animals. This national park features amazing trails that are suitable for hiking.
Shenandoah National Park Website
# 3 -The Glass Palette – Interactive Glass Art Studio
This glass art studio is a perfect place to learn how to create art using glass. The Glass Palette – Interactive Glass Art Studio is located at 1304 East Market Street. Materials, instructions, and tools are offered to individuals interested in creating works of art using glass. Additionally, the studio offers classes and workshops for youths and adults. Besides, there are introductory classes, weekend workshops, and one night “Glass Art Experience” classes available in The Glass Palette – Interactive Glass Art Studio.
# 2 – Michie Tavern
This is a great place to visit while in Charlottesville, Virginia. The tavern offers visitors knowledge about what hotels people stayed at in the 18th century, the kind of fun they had, and general life in the 18th century. Michie Tavern is found at 683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway. The property is 200 years old, and it is a great place to learn Charlottesville’s history of the 18th century.
# 1 – Monticello
Monticello is found at 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway. This 5,000-acre ground is Thomas Jefferson’s former living quarters and an architectural masterpiece. Additionally, visitors to the amazing property will learn lessons about the American Revolution and the issues the role of slavery in the history of the United States. Inside this 5,000-acre ground, there is a digital exhibit within the house known as “The Life of Sally Hemings.” This property is open daily except on Christmas day. The operation hours differ with seasons. During the summer, spring and fall, it opens between 9.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.