Coming to Cville? This Downtown Charlottesville Information will stroll you thru a few of the finest eating places, bars, and issues to do.
Charlottesville, VA is a small metropolis with large appeal! Nestled within the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and residential to the College of Virginia, it’s recognized for its historic buildings, vibrant artwork galleries, unbelievable meals scene, and reside music that spills out onto the streets. Some of the beloved areas to discover is the downtown mall—a pedestrian-only stretch that has been the center of Charlottesville for many years.
After residing right here for 15 years, I’ve eaten, sipped, and strolled my method by means of numerous spots on the mall. There are such a lot of nice locations to select from, however at this time I’m sharing my very favorites on this Downtown Charlottesville Information that can assist you take advantage of your go to. Whether or not you’re coming for a day journey, a weekend getaway, otherwise you’re an area searching for recent inspiration, this submit is for you.
Downtown Charlottesville Information
This information is ideal for first-time guests, foodies trying to find the finest charlottesville eating places, or mother and father searching for kid-friendly actions. You’ll discover every thing from cozy espresso outlets to elegant wonderful eating, plus enjoyable actions for each youngsters and adults. In case you take pleasure in this, you may additionally 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 positioned proper within the coronary heart of the town, a couple of mile from the College of Virginia. The world 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 Lodge 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 live shows).
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 numerous road parking if you happen to’re courageous sufficient to parallel. The Market Road and Water Road garages are the most well-liked and are each centrally positioned. In case you desire public transit, Charlottesville Space Transit buses cease close by, and the Amtrak station is only a quick 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 fantastically restored historic venue, The Paramount is the place to go for live shows, exhibits, and particular movie screenings. It’s family-friendly, elegant, and at all times a deal with to go to. Verify to see if there’s a present when 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 house to Charlottesville’s free Fridays After 5 live performance sequence within the spring and summer time, plus bigger touring acts and festivals all year long. It’s among the best locations on the town to take pleasure in reside music and/or let youngsters 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 area hosts every thing from in style 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 functional spot!
Immersion Escape Room
Good for a bunch of associates or households with teenagers, the Escape Room challenges you to resolve puzzles and work as a crew 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 youngsters and teenagers!
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 youths below 10 and gives numerous totally different play-based studying actions.
The place To Eat In Downtown Charlottesville VA
Now for the most effective half—the meals! Downtown Charlottesville is full of eating places, bars, and cafes, however listed here are my prime 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. Important 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-Means Tie
- Whiskey Jar for the S’mores Outdated Usual. 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 inventive martini menu.
- The Alley Gentle, if you may 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—if you happen to’re exploring downtown, that submit gives you much more concepts.
Greatest Espresso Store: Grit Espresso
Vibrant, trendy, and filled with pure mild, Grit Espresso is the place I’m going for my morning latte or a day pick-me-up whereas people-watching.
Greatest Dessert: Chaps Ice Cream
A Charlottesville basic, Chaps serves up scoops of home made ice cream. The birthday cake taste is a must-try.
Closing Ideas
You would 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 finest charlottesville eating places for much more eating inspiration.