About Charlottesville
Charlottesville is a small town of about 50,000 people that hosts a major university and medical center. We have the best of both worlds including small-town charm but there is always something going on to suit everyone’s interest. Across the street from the medical center complex is a three-block string of charming restaurants, sandwich shops, pubs, and coffee bars. A few blocks away (easy access via a free trolley) is the Downtown Mall with more restaurants, most with outdoor seating, movie theatres, a variety of shops, more coffee bars, and an outdoor amphitheater that hosts free Friday after Five concerts as well as big-name events. Washington, D.C., is only two hours away by train. The Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive are 30 minutes away while the beach is a couple of hours in the other direction. Three presidents (Jefferson, Monroe, and Madison) lived in the Charlottesville area and their historic homes are open for visitors. Charlottesville and the surrounding area have seemingly innumerable marvelous restaurants. Or if you prefer to picnic, there are almost as many vineyards and breweries in the area producing amazing wine and beer to wash down that food.
The Charlottesville-Albemarle region boasts an outstanding array of accomplishments and attractions. Each year thousands of tourists view the Grounds of the University of Virginia, the homes of Presidents Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe, and the wineries of Albemarle County. The Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley offer plentiful recreational opportunities, adding to the high quality of life provided by the historical character and natural beauty of the area. A vibrant University and student landscape supplies cultural and social outlets for any interest. Musical and cultural venues including the Charlottesville Sprint Pavilion, John Paul Jones Arena, Paramount Theater, and the Virginia Film Festival bring national and international performers to town. Charlottesville-Albemarle is also host to an incredible selection of casual and fine dining establishments.
Some of the unique community resources include:
- Full range of collegiate sporting events, including football, basketball, lacrosse, polo, and soccer
- University film festivals and national/international speakers’ series and musical events
- Several historical plantations, including Monticello, Ash Lawn, and Montpelier
Charlottesville is also conveniently located for a variety of day and/or weekend trips:
- 20 miles from the Skyline Drive (Shenandoah National Park & Appalachian Trail) and the Blue Ridge Mountains (hiking, camping)
- 45 miles from Lake Anna (sailing, canoeing, and boating)
- 110 miles from Colonial Williamsburg
- 110 miles from Washington, D.C.
- 150 miles from Virginia Beach resort area, with ready access to the National Seashores of Virginia’s eastern shore peninsula and North Carolina’s Outer Banks