While a majority of UVA families are veterans of move-in weekend, many families visiting this upcoming weekend will be returning to Charlottesville for the first time since they took that college tour two years back. Even for the weathered Hoo parent there is always a new piece of Charlottesville to discover.
Enjoy the end of our Charlottesville summer with some of our favorite things to do during UVA’s move in weekend.
@stockprovisions
1. Grab Charlottesville’s “Signature Dish”
“Last autumn, several chefs, food historians, and culinary writers held meetings to discuss how they could pinpoint and find a dish that encompassed the culture, character, and cuisine of Charlottesville. Through a series of campaigns, Tom Tom and the legendary food folk researched, reached out, and welcomed ideas from the public on what should be considered Charlottesville’ Signature Dish.” – Tom Tom Fest Website
Enter the Ham Biscuit- Grab this C’ville signature sandwich (and dinner) from JM Stock Provisions (pictured above), The Whiskey Jar, or Ace Biscuit and Barbeque.
“I appreciate the simplicity of Ace [Barbeque’s] take on the staple,” noted Nathan Hatfield, Executive Chef at The Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve, “They let the stars of the sandwich- the ham and the biscuit- actually be the stars with high quality ingredients. The biscuit is soft and flaky but can hold up to a runny yolk if you opt to add the fried egg. Which you should.”
@fralinmuseumuva
2. Visit The Fralin Museum of Art at UVA
While you’re exploring the grounds of UVA be sure to stop at the University’s art museum. Located just a block away from The Lawn, Fralin is home to fine art of various mediums and hosts traveling exhibitions. Enjoy the current exhibition, In My Room: Artists Paint the Interior 1950—Now. The Museum is free to the public. See hours and find out more here.
@sprintpavilion
3. Hang out at Fridays After 5
This Charlottesville summer staple is a free all-ages block party at the Sprint Pavilion on the Downtown Mall. Running each Friday through mid September, enjoy music by The Barons, food truck fare, and local wines and beers.
5:30 – 8:30 pm. More info here
@farmsofturkeyrun
4. Explore Southern Albemarle
Escape the town’s busy city center and head south. 15-25 minutes from the heart of Charlottesville you will find the country charm of tree-lined drives, award winning vineyards and breweries, the charming town of Scottsville, and rolling hills as far as the eye can see. Grab lunch at Scottsville’s Tavern on the James and walk the town’s history trail or make a day out of sampling wines from Blenheim Vineyards and First Colony Winery. Keep an eye out for The Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve coming soon to southern Charlottesville’s family of vineyards and breweries this fall.
@circacville
5. Furnish that college apartment in style
While you’re moving your student into their new home find the perfect overstuffed couch, writing desk, or vintage poster that your Hoo will surely display next to their Dave Matthews poster at Circa Antiques and Vintage Decor. Explore Circa’s three buildings of vintage and hand-picked treasures.
“I can’t even begin to estimate how many times I’ve visited a friend’s home and asked, ‘WHERE did you find that piece?’ to be told, ‘Circa.’ The staff’s hand-curated collection is amongst the most stylish in town. I especially love their mid-century mod pieces. I’ve seen everything from the simplest dishware up to 100+ year old ornate armoires,” raves Catie Richards, marketing designer at Mount Ida Reserve.
@bellairfarmcsa
6. Visit City Market
Each Saturday morning downtown Charlottesville is buzzing with local farmers, artisans, and food carts for City Market. Shop over 100 tents of local produce, plants, and hand-crafted goods between Water Street and South Street. Grab a coffee or brunch from one of the many food stands and stock that new-apartment fridge with fresh provisions. Be sure to pay a visit to the Whisper Hill Farm, Free Union Grass Farm, and Bellair Farm tents during your visit- they are a few of the local vendors who we work with at the Tasting Room & Taphouse at Mount Ida Reserve . 7:00 am – 1:00 pm.
@bodosbagels
7. Brunch like a local
C’ville has no shortage of brunch spots from its many greasy spoons to swanky downtown spots. Fuel up for the day at local favorite Bodo’s Bagels. Far more than just a bagel shop, enjoy house-made bagel sandwiches with fresh toppings and house made spreads. Visit locations on The Corner, downtown, or up route 29. Find a location here. More info here
@tjmonticello
8. Walk the Monticello Trail
If you want to experience the natural splendor of Charlottesville without venturing too far from town, hit the Monticello Trail. Beginning at the very bottom of Monticello (“little mountain”), the two mile pathway leads up gravel paths and boardwalks, ending at the Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Visitors Center. Bonus: Grab some post walk imbibements at Jefferson Vineyards just down the road. Our Tasting Room & Taphouse assistant manager and lover of all things local wine, Stephanie Vogtman, highly recommends a bottle their Vin Rouge.
@mountidareserve
Extra Credit:
We are thrilled to be opening our Tasting Room & Taphouse this upcoming fall semester serving up wine, beer, food, and a view. We look forward to hosting the Hoos’ well deserved study breaks and family visits.
