nTelos Wireless Pavilion: Concerts on the Lawn

Few things are better than enjoying a great concert at an outdoor pavilion under the stars. nTelos Wireless Pavilion is just the spot to do it in Charlottesville. Artists like Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Dave Matthews, Counting Crows, Widespread Panic and Allison Kraus have graced the venue, which includes assigned seating as well as general admission on the lawn. Bring your own picnic, or partake of the food and drink from the pavilion’s vendors, which includes beer and wine. Stop by for Fridays After Five, a free event that happens every week from the end of April through mid-September. It’s a fun time for all ages, with music, food and drink. Concession sales from Fridays After Five go to support local non-profits. 

321 E. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 817-0220 
 

Bikram Yoga Charlottesville

Stretch, sweat, tone and invigorate at Bikram Yoga Charlottesville. If you’ve never done yoga in a room heated to 105 degrees, you’re in for a special experience. Why so hot? Bikram aficionados say the purpose of the heated room is to improve flexibility, stimulate mental clarity and promote detoxification. They also claim the intense heat increases muscle flexibility and decreases the incidence of injury. The trained staff of certified Bikram instructors is there to guide you through the poses as you twist yourself into invigorating pretzel shapes. Yoga mats and towels are available and the studio is clean and comfortable. A small boutique sells stylish yoga wear, yoga mats and accessories. Daily class start-times range from 6:15 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Classes last for 90 minutes. 

Bikram Yoga Charlottesville
107 5th Street SE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 220-1415
 
 
 

The Whiskey Jar

The Whiskey Jar is a favorite Charlottesville spot to relax with some great music and tasty libation like their signature Moonshine Punch. Craft beers and an extensive wine list are also on hand. It’s also the place to chow down on some tasty down-home southern cooking. If you’re looking for something super-healthy try the Romaine Salad with hearts of romaine, pickled cucumbers, pickled onions, croutons and ranch dressing. Featured sandwiches include Blackened Catfish, Black-Eyed Pea Hummus, Hickory Smoked Barbeque, and Roasted Chicken. Dinner gets you some yummy starters, as well as entrees like Fried Chicken with collards, Grilled Pork Chops with tomato bread salad, Pan Seared Catfish with okra stew and Sweet Potato Dumplings with creamed spinach. The Whiskey Jar is open Mondays through Saturdays.

227 W. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 202-1549
 

Kenny Ball Antiques: Beautify Your Surroundings

Need a Louis XV French needlepoint footstool, a Queen Anne walnut side table or a pair of Italian Bassano candlesticks? Kenny Ball Antiques is the place to find them, as well as a splendid selection of other items to beautify your surroundings in high style. Kenny’s been a direct importer of 18th and 19th Century French, English, and Italian antiques for 18 years, supplying individual clients, designers and decorators with an elegant array of furniture and decorative items. Need help putting it all together? Interior design consulting is also available, with expert assistance at furniture placement, paint and fabric selection, art placement, furniture selection, lighting placement and reupholstering. Downsizing or estate sale planning? They can help with that, too.

2125 Ivy Road
Charlottesville, VA 22903
(434) 293-1361
 

Vinegar Hill Theatre: Indie Gem

Vinegar Hill Theatre has managed to retain its charm and originality since the 1980s. Located near the Downtown Mall not too far from Lakeside Apartments, Vinegar Hill Theatre is the only place in Charlottesville to see current independent movies. On one screen, the current feature typically shows three times on a weekday and four times a day on weekends. Though the interior remains modest, people still flock to Vinegar Hill to watch highbrow movies in a decidedly unpretentious atmosphere. The theater has a well-stocked snack bar, though. Along with independent features, Vinegar Hill also hosts screenings by the Virginia Film Festival every fall. If you’re driving to the theater, arrive early as their lot is small and street parking fills up quickly. You wouldn’t want to miss the previews!

Vinegar Hill Theatre
220 W. Market Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 977-4911

 

The Glass Palette: Glass-Blown Fun

In an extremely art-friendly city, The Glass Palette invites the entire family into enjoying the process of creating art. Open every day except for Monday, The Glass Palette is a safe, clean environment for families to create one-of-a-kind gifts out of glass. Walk-ins only pay for what they create, which can be jewelry, vases, plates, and more from the staff-lead processes of fusing, slumping, or sand-blasting. Complete beginners are invited to try their hands, though if you’d like more instruction and attention, sign up for one of the evening or weekend classes. More advanced techniques include stained glass, fused glass jewelry, and lampwork. Classes are recommended for high school students and adults, though younger children are welcome to walk-in or participate in week-long Summer Studio Camps. Other reasons to visit include private parties or gallery events!

The Glass Palette
110 5th Street NE
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 977-9009

Kemper Park: Stunning Views

After visiting Monticello, relax in Virginia’s natural beauty at Kemper Park. Along the Thomas Jefferson Parkway, the park spans 89 acres of woodlands, grassy expanses, and a 2-acre pond. Out-of-town visitors and locals alike are drawn to Kemper Park for its scenic seclusion and restful recreation opportunities. Park guests can jog, bike, or stroll through the numerous hiking trails, including the Saunders-Monticello Trail, that afford the opportunity to enjoy natural flora and possibly spot wildlife. In particular, Kemper Park offers great birdwatching of various Virginian species. Inspired by Jefferson, the Arboretum is a collection of over 130 trees and shrubs to be enjoyed in any season. Tucked away in the Arboretum is the Palmer Woodland Theater, an outdoor classroom. Park visitors will also be blown away by the majestic views of Charlottesville and the Blue Ridge Mountains at Carter Overlook.

Kemper Park
Thomas Jefferson Pkwy
VA Highway 53
Charlottesville, VA 22902

Jefferson Theater: The Whole World’s Stage

The Jefferson Theater has undergone many incarnations during its life as a mainstay of the downtown Mall. Its iconic awning has remained intact through its life as a play venue, a discount movie theater, and its current role as a medium-sized music venue. Taken under the wing of music bigwig Coran Capshaw, the Jefferson underwent a major face-lift and reopened with a splash in 2009. The Jefferson retains many classic details, such as the awning, the balcony, and its general decor, while now providing an ambient musical experience. The venue is an attractive space for musicians, having hosted acts like local favorites Trees on Fire, and Parachute, classic tribute bands, along with big names like Joanna Newsom, RJD2, Gogol Bordello, TV on the Radio, and even Snoop Dogg. Most shows are all-ages. Check the website for upcoming events!

Jefferson Theater
110 E. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 245-4980

Alakazam Toys and Gifts: Magical World of Toys

Alakazam Toys and Gifts is the creme de la creme of toy shops in Charlottesville. Opened in 2005, the locally-owned store is dedicated to helping children and adults cherish their youth and foster their imaginations. The toys held within this captivating downtown storefront promote interaction and creativity — a stark contrast to many currently popular toys. In fact, many adults who walk into Alakazam marvel at being transported back to their own youths through the familiar toy selection. These classic favorites are crafted from materials that are made-to-last through the years and through tough play. Other highlights include costumes for your child and their dolls along with art, craft, and science kits. There is a carefully curated selection of children’s books such as “special interest” areas for pirates, fairies, and horses. Call ahead to inquire about specific toys, or let the knowledgeable staff guide you.

Alakazam Toys and Gifts
100 E. Main Street
Charlottesville, VA 22902
(434) 971-1717

Ivy Creek Natural Area: Tranquil Preserve

Virginia has an abundance of beautiful and scenic natural areas, and Ivy Creek Natural Area is one of the most popular and well-maintained in Charlottesville. Nestled beneath the Blue Ridge Mountains and beside the Rivanna Resevoir, Ivy Creek is a 215-acre preserve highlighting the diversity of Virginia flora and fauna. With seven different nature trails, both adults and children alike can explore and enjoy woodlands, open fields, spans of pine trees, and dividing creeks. Most visitors are lucky enough to spot birds and deer during their walks, and Ivy Creek also offers a Quiet Observation Area and A Watchable Wildlife Area, complete with a bat house, for observing wildlife. Ivy Creek also offers free guided tours with experts in vegetation, herbs, birds, insects, and more throughout the year. Students can be treated to field trips and hands-on environmental science lessons.

Ivy Creek Natural Area
1776 Earlysville Road
Charlottesville, VA 22901
(434) 973-7772