There’s a decidedly special quality to this small Southern city with an impressive footprint.

To visitors, Charlottesville feels simultaneously humble yet celebrated, groundbreaking but still connected to its roots.

Planning a trip to central Virginia in the near future?

Drone View of River Gorge in Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina

Christian Horan Photography

May, June, and July when the university is not in session will be less crowded.

Autumn in Charlottesville is both beautiful and busy.

Fall foliage blankets the landscape, and college football brings crowds from across the country.

Jessica Poitevien at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards

Expect to hear chants of “Wahoowa” while rooting on the Cavs.

In 1987, UNESCO named the university, along with Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a World Heritage Site.

Uber and Lyft rides are also available in the area.

Vineyards at King Family Vineyards

Best Restaurants

Bodo’s Bagels

Address:

1418 Emmet St. (Rt.

There are three locations in the area; most students go to the location on The Corner.

Reservations are recommended, but bar seating is first-come, first-serve.

Northbound Crescent crosses Lake Pontchartrain after leaving New Orleans

The Lawn is surrounded by academic and residential buildings dating back to the early 1800s.

At the north end, you’ll see the Rotunda, one of the most recognizable buildings on campus.

During the academic year,tours of the Rotundaare offered every day at 11am.

Lobby detail at Graduate Hotel in Charlottesville

Christian Horan Photography

If you continue north, you’ll come across Beta Bridge on Rugby Road.

TheMonticello Wine Trailhas an extensive list of wineries all within a 25-mile drive of Charlottesville to visit.

At Castle Hill, guests can order their Virginia-made cider by the flight, glass, or bottle.

Pastries at MarieBette Cafe and Bakery in Charlottesville

Courtesy of MarieBette Café and Bakery

Most need a full day to complete the hike, as the 9.5-mile loop usually takes around five hours.

One thing to note is that the City Market is for the early risers.

Surrounding neighborhoods include Venable, Jefferson Park Ave, Poplar Glen, and 10th & Page.

The Rotunda at the University of Virginia. Built in 1826 at the public university in Charlottesville, Virginia.

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Belmont:Within walking distance of the Downtown Mall, the Belmont neighborhood is quieter and more residential.

Belmont sits southeast of the city and combines two neighborhoods in one, Belmont and Carlton.

Barracks/Rugby:As its name suggests, Barracks/Rugby is made up of several neighborhoods.

Autumn fall orange foliage season rural countryside landscape at Charlottesville winery vineyard in blue ridge mountains of Virginia with cloudy sky and rolling hills

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The Barracks area, on Barracks Road, features narrow residential roads and elegant homes.

In autumn, crisp temperatures arrive in the city, and the occasional snowfall occurs in the winter months.

The following are average Fahrenheit lows and highs by month.

Devil’s Knob Overlook with fence and green grass field meadow at Wintergreen resort town village in Blue Ridge mountains in summer clouds mist fog

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