A few weeks ago, my mom and I went on a road trip to Charlottesville, VA. Usually, I go every year to visit my friend Alicia and love all of the great restaurants and wineries and it’s such a fun little college town. Mom and I desperately needed a socially distanced getaway so we hopped in the car and headed north. I’m excited to share with y’all our safe and socially distanced top Charlottesville VA things to do.
Mother-Daughter Getaway: 5 Top Charlottesville VA Things to Do
Monticello
Mom and I love history and old homes so we were excited to go to Monticello, home of President Thomas Jefferson. The home was definitely unique in the way Jefferson incorporated French elements into his home after being an ambassador to France. We walked around the grounds, enjoyed the garden, and enjoyed the exhibit on Sally Hemings, a slave owned by Thomas Jefferson who had six of his children.
Book your tickets online before you visit and make sure you have a clear bag if you’re bringing in a purse.
Walk around the University of Virginia
UVA was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and it is such a gorgeous campus. It was a beautiful fall day and we walked around the lawn and Rotunda and took in the architecture and history. Wear comfortable shoes and you must wear your mask at all times while on campus.
Go Apple Picking at Carter Mountain Orchard
It’s fall, the air is crisp, go pick some apples! To get in you have to get a ticket and you’re assigned a time. Monday-Thursday it’s free but you do have to pay on the weekends. You can walk around the apple orchard and pick your apples yourself or go into their store. We picked up apple cider, apple donuts, and Bold Rock cider. The mountain has the most amazing views. Mom and I got some apple cider and sat and enjoyed the spectacular view!
Walk Around the Downtown Mall
The Downtown Mall in Charlottesville has some of the cutest restaurants and shops. We mainly focused on food at had wine and sandwiches at Superette Saison and cheese and wine at Tilman’s.
This thoroughfare is home to more than 120 shops, 30 restaurants (many with outdoor seating), art galleries, multiple performance venues, and a Saturday farmers market. It’s definitely worth it to stop by one evening and stay for drinks and dinner!
Hit Up the Wineries
Virginia is home to several great wineries. I’ve visited quite a bit over the years and been to several wineries. I’ve written a full post about it here, but this visit my mom and I went to Stinson Vineyards, Early Mountain Vineyards, and Afton Vineyards. In this COVID-age, check the vineyards beforehand to see if you need a reservation. A lot of the wineries are only open Thursday-Saturday right now.
If you want a fun, socially-distanced getaway. Charlottesville is the perfect option. There is lots to do outside, there’s not a lot of people and it’s a great place to get away and enjoy a girls’ weekend. Please be safe when traveling, wear a mask, and always check for travel restrictions.
Which of these top Charlottesville VA things to do would you try? Let me know in a comment below!
Thank you for sharing your experience! This article is so helpful for me!
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Looks like so much fun. Doesn’t look crowded at all. I had visited there a few years back. Such a charming town.
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I’ve heard so many good things about Charlottesville – Clearly I need to plan a trip!! I’m so glad you and your momma had fun!
Rachel
http://www.hello-her.com
I love that you go on all these mother daughter getaways; they seem so fun!
Sounds like good times! Would love to make it out there someday! xoxo, Sarah
I used to want to see Monticello, but I’ve been completely turned off by it. But the wineries look absolutely amazing!
This trip sounded so much fun! I love mother daughter trips, they’re the best!
This sounds like so much fun! I need to take a mother-daughter trip with my mom soon, this sounds like a blast! Xx.
How fun! This looks like a good time! Will have to keep these in mind when I go back there!
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
What a fun little trip. I looks like y’all had a great time!
Charlottesville looks so cute- I hear great things about their wineries. Need to plan a trip one of these days!