Summer’s about to kick into high gear, and to help you avoid the risk of FOMO, we’ve put together a list of must-dos before the leaves start to turn.
Go soak yourself
Take the plunge at one of the area’s many watery attractions, like Mint Springs or Chris Greene Lake. Or head to Sugar Hollow and hike to Snake Hole or Blue Hole, and cool off with a refreshing dip once you get there. If you’ve got kids in tow, take them to one of Parks & Rec’s outdoor spray grounds: Tonsler Park, Forest Hills, Belmont, or Greenleaf.
Get high
It’s not just hot air—a balloon ride through our clear blue skies is the stuff that memories are made of. Monticello Country Ballooning, Blue Ridge Balloon, and more can send you soaring over the mountains and Shenandoah Valley. Monticello Country offers sunrise and sunset flights, but keep in mind that balloon flights don’t come cheap.
Take a hike
Bring a partner—or a book from a public library—and hit the many trails open to nature-lovers around the city and nearby counties.
Get lost (but not too lost) at Ragged Mountain Natural Area and Walnut Creek Park, or climb Humpback Rocks or another of the challenging ascents on the Appalachian Trail. Take in the scenery with friends, or post up with that book you brought. Just make sure to pack water and dress appropriately: You’ll be walking for a while.
Round the Corner
The Corner is a completely different scene after the students leave for the summer. Behold: Parking! Seating! Silence! Well, not complete silence—it’s still a lively and fun place to shop, eat, and walk, even when it’s not slammed with students. Take this opportunity to
enjoy Bodo’s, Roots, and Boylan Heights before you have to endure the endless lines again.
Pack a picnic
Charlottesville’s many vineyards and cideries (cider houses?) are the perfect venues for laying out a blanket and enjoying the view with some bevies and cheeses, meats, and other treats. Bring your own charcuterie board to Potter’s Craft Cider, Blenheim Vineyards, or Hazy Mountain (to name a few!), or partake in what’s on offer on-site (hello, food trucks). There’s nothing like sipping cider or wine straight from the source.
Hit up the farmers’ markets
All summer long, local vendors bring their seasonal produce, yummy baked goods, mouthwatering meals, and eye-catching arts and crafts to our many area farmers’ markets. You might already be familiar with the Charlottesville City Market and the IX Art Park market, both held on Saturday morning, but did you know about the Saturday Albemarle Farmers’ Market at Hollymead Town Center? Or the Meade Park Farmers in the Park on Wednesday afternoon? There’re plenty of places in and around town to satisfy your craving for fresh produce and style.
Enjoy some cold comfort
Pick your own strawberries at Chiles Family Orchards, or buy pre-picked peaches and cherries—and don’t neglect the orchard’s peach ice cream and peach cider donuts. Or, combine the two with a “dondae,” a sundae topped with a donut. Berries, peaches, and cherries are available throughout the summer, so there’s no reason not to savor the flavors.
Listen up
A Charlottesville mainstay for decades, Fridays After Five rocks the Ting Pavilion every week. For a perfect start to your weekend, head to the Downtown Mall after work any Friday through September 8 to enjoy the best musicians the area has to offer (for free!). Plus, meet the volunteers at concession stands who work the event on behalf of local nonprofits.
Reach for the stars
On the first and third Fridays of every month, the Leander McCormick Observatory is open to the public for spectacular stargazing. Take in the cosmic sights through clear summer skies via the 26-inch McCormick refractor telescope. You can also hear astronomer presentations and take a tour of the facility. Just make sure to register first (tickets are free).
Flex your green thumb
This is the year you’ll keep all your plants alive—right? Sunny summer days are the perfect time to adopt a green friend. Fifth Season is a great place to pick up plants, seeds, and supplies, or learn from its knowledgeable staff, while the new Plant Based Studio on the Downtown Mall will teach you how to make your own terrariums.
Honorable mentions
- Walk the Blue Ridge Tunnel.
- Tour the gardens and grounds at Monticello and James Monroe’s Highland.
- See a drag show at The Southern or Botanical Fare.
- Paddle down the Rivanna.
- Enjoy a blockbuster (or an indie gem) in an air-conditioned theater.
- Root for the Tom Sox.
