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 attraction! 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 stay 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 dwelling right here for 15 years, I’ve eaten, sipped, and strolled my means via 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 a neighborhood in search of recent inspiration, this publish 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 in search of kid-friendly actions. You’ll discover all the pieces from cozy espresso retailers to elegant fantastic eating, plus enjoyable actions for each youngsters and adults. When 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 town, a couple of 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 retailers, cafes, bars, and theaters. The Omni Resort 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.
When you’re driving, you’ll be able to park in one of many public parking garages or floor heaps simply off the mall. There’s additionally a lot of road parking when you’re courageous sufficient to parallel. The Market Road and Water Road garages are the preferred and are each centrally situated. When 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. Word 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 superbly 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 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 dwelling to Charlottesville’s free Fridays After 5 live performance collection within the spring and summer time, plus bigger touring acts and festivals all year long. It’s probably the greatest locations on the town to get pleasure from stay 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 stay music venue. The wooden-floor, mostly-standing area hosts all the pieces 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
Good for a bunch of pals 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
When you’re touring with little ones, the Discovery Museum is a should. This hands-on, interactive museum is ideal for youths below 10 and offers a lot of completely different play-based studying actions.
The place To Eat In Downtown Charlottesville VA
Now for one of the best 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 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. Situated at 201 E. Fundamental St., it’s smack in the course of the downtown mall.
Greatest Fancy Restaurant: Fleurie
When you’re celebrating one thing particular, Fleurie is a should. The French-inspired tasting menu is elegant and full of pleasant surprises from begin to end.
Greatest Bars: A Six-Manner Tie
- Whiskey Jar for the S’mores Previous 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 Mild, 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 publish—when you’re exploring downtown, that publish gives you much more concepts.
Greatest Espresso Store: Grit Espresso
Brilliant, trendy, and filled 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.
Last Ideas
You would say I stay 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, stay music, household actions, and unimaginable eating places, the downtown mall is a spot the place everybody can discover one thing they love.
When 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.