Coming to Cville? This Downtown Charlottesville Information will stroll you thru a few of the greatest eating places, bars, and issues to do.
Charlottesville, VA is a small metropolis with massive attraction! Nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and residential to the College of Virginia, it’s identified for its historic buildings, vibrant artwork galleries, unbelievable meals scene, and reside music that spills out onto the streets. One of the vital beloved areas to discover is the downtown mall—a pedestrian-only stretch that has been the center of Charlottesville for many years.
After dwelling right here for 15 years, I’ve eaten, sipped, and strolled my approach by means of numerous spots on the mall. There are such a lot of nice locations to select from, however immediately I’m sharing my very favorites on this Downtown Charlottesville Information that will help you benefit from your go to. Whether or not you’re coming for a day journey, a weekend getaway, otherwise you’re a neighborhood in search of contemporary inspiration, this submit is for you.
Downtown Charlottesville Information
This information is ideal for first-time guests, foodies looking for the greatest charlottesville eating places, or mother and father in search of kid-friendly actions. You’ll discover every thing from cozy espresso outlets to elegant wonderful eating, plus enjoyable actions for each children and adults. In case you take pleasure in this, you may also like a few of my different posts like Wineries in Charlottesville, Greatest Breweries, Greatest Lunch Spots in Charlottesville VA, or Greatest Day Journeys From Cville.
The place Is Downtown Charlottesville?
Downtown Charlottesville is situated proper within the coronary heart of the town, a couple of mile from the College of Virginia. The realm is anchored by the downtown mall, which stretches for about eight blocks of brick-paved pedestrian walkways lined with outlets, cafes, bars, and theaters. The Omni Resort anchors one finish with the Ting Pavilion on the opposite (the place Fridays After 5 exhibits are hosted each Friday within the hotter months together with mid-sized concert events).
In case you’re driving, you may park in one of many public parking garages or floor heaps simply off the mall. There’s additionally a number of road parking in case you’re courageous sufficient to parallel. The Market Road and Water Road garages are the most well-liked and are each centrally situated. In case you choose public transit, Charlottesville Space Transit buses cease close by, and the Amtrak station is only a brief stroll away. The mall is flat and totally walkable, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Be aware: bikes aren’t allowed!
What To Do In Downtown Charlottesville
There’s extra to downtown than simply meals! Listed below are my favourite issues to do on the mall:
The Paramount Theater
A superbly restored historic venue, The Paramount is the place to go for concert events, exhibits, and particular movie screenings. It’s family-friendly, elegant, and at all times a deal with to go to. Examine to see if there’s a present whilst you’re right here.
Ting Pavilion
An out of doors live performance venue that anchors the east finish of the downtown mall, Ting Pavilion is residence to Charlottesville’s free Fridays After 5 live performance sequence within the spring and summer season, plus bigger touring acts and festivals all year long. It’s probably the greatest locations on the town to take pleasure in reside music and/or let children play within the grass.
The Jefferson Theater
Positioned proper on the downtown mall, the historic Jefferson Theater is one other unbelievable reside music venue. The wooden-floor, mostly-standing house hosts every thing from standard bands to native performances to DJ events, making it a should for music lovers.
Violet Crown Cinema
This boutique movie show exhibits each indie and mainstream movies and has the bonus of a full bar and kitchen. Seize dinner and a film multi function spot!
Immersion Escape Room
Good for a gaggle of pals or households with teenagers, the Escape Room challenges you to resolve puzzles and work as a workforce to “escape” earlier than time runs out.
A long time Arcade
Step again in time and play your favourite arcade classics from the 80s and 90s. It’s nostalgic enjoyable for adults and a complete hit with children and youths!
Virginia Discovery Museum
In case you’re touring with little ones, the Discovery Museum is a should. This hands-on, interactive museum is ideal for teenagers below 10 and offers a number of completely different play-based studying actions.
The place To Eat In Downtown Charlottesville VA
Now for one of the best half—the meals! Downtown Charlottesville is full of eating places, bars, and cafes, however listed here are my high picks after 15 years of eating out:
Greatest General Restaurant: Zocalo
With its trendy Latin menu, Zocalo is my go-to for teams. The cocktails are top-notch, the stuffed pepper entree is my favourite dish, and the patio is ideal for heat evenings and folks watching. Positioned at 201 E. Major St., it’s smack in the course of the downtown mall.
Greatest Fancy Restaurant: Fleurie
In case you’re celebrating one thing particular, Fleurie is a should. The French-inspired tasting menu is elegant and crammed with pleasant surprises from begin to end.
Greatest Bars: A Six-Method Tie
- Whiskey Jar for the S’mores Outdated Normal. It’s on the sweeter aspect however SO GOOD.
- Bebedero for the unforgettable drink “Donde Estan Mis Pantalones?” Simply belief me!
- Zocalo once more, however this time for the margarita flight!
- Bang for his or her artistic martini menu.
- The Alley Mild, if you will get in, for its speakeasy vibes.
- Crush Pad for wine!
Greatest Lunch Spots
- Nook Juice for his or her sandwiches and wholesome smoothies.
- Tilman’s for salads, paninis, and French bites—very a lot in my common rotation.
- Tea Bazaar within the winter for its cozy vibe, Moroccan mint tea, and the wholesome salmon salad.
These lunch spots are a part of what I additionally coated in my Greatest Lunch Spots in Charlottesville VA submit—in case you’re exploring downtown, that submit provides you with much more concepts.
Greatest Espresso Store: Grit Espresso
Vivid, trendy, and filled with pure mild, Grit Espresso is the place I am going for my morning latte or a day pick-me-up whereas people-watching.
Greatest Dessert: Chaps Ice Cream
A Charlottesville traditional, Chaps serves up scoops of selfmade ice cream. The birthday cake taste is a must-try.
Remaining Ideas
You might say I reside on the downtown mall — I’m there on a regular basis, whether or not I’m sipping espresso at Grit, catching a present on the Paramount, or grabbing dinner at Zocalo. With its mixture of historic buildings, reside music, household actions, and unbelievable eating places, the downtown mall is a spot the place everybody can discover one thing they love.
In case you’re planning your go to, begin with this information, and don’t miss my full checklist of the greatest charlottesville eating places for much more eating inspiration.
