Coming to Cville? This Downtown Charlottesville Information will stroll you thru among the greatest eating places, bars, and issues to do.
Charlottesville, VA is a small metropolis with huge allure! 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, unimaginable meals scene, and dwell music that spills out onto the streets. One of the crucial beloved areas to discover is the downtown mall—a pedestrian-only stretch that has been the guts of Charlottesville for many years.
After dwelling right here for 15 years, I’ve eaten, sipped, and strolled my means by 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 will help 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 in search of contemporary inspiration, this publish is for you.
Downtown Charlottesville Information
This information is ideal for first-time guests, foodies trying to find the greatest charlottesville eating places, or mother and father in search of kid-friendly actions. You’ll discover the whole lot from cozy espresso outlets to elegant superb eating, plus enjoyable actions for each youngsters and adults. In the event you get pleasure from 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 situated proper within the coronary heart of the town, a few 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 Lodge anchors one finish with the Ting Pavilion the place Fridays After 5 reveals are hosted each Friday within the hotter months together with mid-sized live shows.
In the event you’re driving, you’ll be able to park in one of many public parking garages or floor tons simply off the mall. There’s additionally a lot of road parking if you happen to’re courageous sufficient to parallel. The Market Road and Water Road garages are the preferred and are each centrally situated. In the event you choose 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 here 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, reveals, and particular movie screenings. It’s family-friendly, elegant, and at all times a deal with to go to. Test 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 dwelling 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 top-of-the-line locations on the town to get pleasure from dwell music and/or let youngsters play within the grass.
The Jefferson Theater
Situated proper on the downtown mall, the historic Jefferson Theater is one other unimaginable dwell music venue. The wooden-floor, mostly-standing area hosts the whole lot from well-liked bands to native performances to DJ events, making it a should for music lovers.
Violet Crown Cinema
This boutique movie show reveals 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
Excellent for a gaggle of mates or households with teenagers, the Escape Room challenges you to unravel puzzles and work as a group 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 youths!
Virginia Discovery Museum
In the event you’re touring with little ones, the Discovery Museum is a should. This hands-on, interactive museum is ideal for youths beneath 10 and supplies a lot of completely different play-based studying actions.
The place To Eat In Downtown Charlottesville VA
Now for the perfect half—the meals! Downtown Charlottesville is filled with eating places, bars, and cafes, however listed below are my high picks after 15 years of eating out:
Greatest Total Restaurant: Zocalo
With its fashionable 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 other people watching. Situated at 201 E. Principal St., it’s smack in the course of the downtown mall.
Greatest Fancy Restaurant: Fleurie
In the event 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-Approach Tie
- Whiskey Jar for the S’mores Outdated Usual. It’s on the sweeter facet 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 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 lined in my Greatest Lunch Spots in Charlottesville VA publish—if you happen to’re exploring downtown, that publish provides you with much more concepts.
Greatest Espresso Store: Grit Espresso
Vibrant, fashionable, and stuffed 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 basic, Chaps serves up scoops of selfmade ice cream. The birthday cake taste is a must-try.
Closing Ideas
You could possibly say I dwell 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, dwell music, household actions, and unimaginable eating places, the downtown mall is a spot the place everybody can discover one thing they love.
In the event 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.
