Charlottesville Things to Do

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Humpback Rocks is a short and steep hike to a beautiful viewpoint in the Blue Ridge Mountains, about a half hour drive from Charlottesville. From the Humpback Gap parking area, the very wide and well maintained trail climbs continuously uphill, with benches along the way if you get tired. The trail eventually narrows and ascends a rock staircase until reaching a junction on the ridgetop, where a spur leads slightly downhill and reaches Humpback Rock about a mile from the trailhead. The rocks are quite extensive but are unfortunately covered with graffiti; despite that, the views from the top are still amazing. The views into the Shenandoah Valley are wide: you can see Waynesboro in the distance. To the north, the ridges of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park are visible. To the east, the views encompass the Piedmont's rolling hills.

The hike is one of the most scenic in the Charlottesville area. Locals often hike this mountain to see the sunrise; if you choose to do so, bring a flashlight! The rocks lie within George Washington National Forest. It's possible to make the hike a circuit by returning to the main trail and heading down the other side of the mountain through a pleasant forest with plenty of deer; however, there are no views on that trail.

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Situated atop Carter Mountain, a large hill in the Piedmont, this orchard not only offers delicious apples in the fall and peaches in the summer- it also offers incredible views over the city of Charlottesville. From the patios of the orchard's shops, you can look out over the University of Virginia and the downtown mall and see the Blue Ridge Mountains rise over the entire area. Turning around, you can see the hills of the Piedmont roll off to the south.

In the summer and fall, you can come to Carter Mountain Orchard to do pick-your-own peaches and apples for reasonable prices. You can also pick up any number of delicious apple-based goods produced by the orchard- be sure to try the apple cider, apple butter, and apple donuts!

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The old city hall was once the Levy Opera House in 1852 and in 1981 it was remodeled and converted into the Old City Hall. Grigg, Wood, and Brown who designed the present City Hall in 1967 and sadley two years later the old city hall was razed for a parking lot.

What makes this City Hall unique is the three figures that grace the corner of City Hall. James Madison, Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.

Open: Monday - Friday
8:00am - 5:00pm

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This barn was once a place to hang and dry harvested tobacco plants. Tobacco was the primary cash crop in early Virginia. Many large landholders, including the Michies, grew tobacco as their principal money-making crop. However, in time, these same planters cursed tobacco for depleting the soil. Furthermore, as the 19th century approached, tobacco became less profitable. Farmers switched to wheat, corn and other "small grains" which allowed the Old Dominion to be more self sufficient. This barn was relocated to Michie Tavern in 1992. In the near future this structure will restored much like the The Clothier and Metal Smith Shop.

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Not far from the Tavern, the Michie family owned and operated a mill and general store. At the turn of the century the mill fell from decay. In order to recreate the Michie's Tovern plantation (which stretched for several miles) Historic Michie Tavern relocated The Meadow Run Grist Mill from nearby Laurel Hill, Va. The 18th century mill was painstakingly reconstructed to ensure the preservation of milling operations of that time. The General Store, housed on the first floor, offers visitors a mercantile atmosphere of the 1800s.

The store has lots of wonderful gifts and be sure to head towards the back to see some artifacts.

Open daily, year-round 9:30 am – 5:30 pm

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The Sowell House was acquired by Michie Tavern in 1993. The initial construction took place 173 years ago, six miles south from here. The original owner, Pleasant Sowell, is believed to have been a cabinetmaker. His craftsmanship and craftmanship of his heirs renders an intimate portrait of a rural Virginia family who owned the house for 150 years. Unlike many other historic houses which illustrate a specific time period, the Sowell House reveals the structure's development over time. We show this structure's development in transition, revealing the transitions in this family's life. Much like Michie Tavern itself, the Sowell House was dismantled piece by piece and moved to this location. Soon after its reconstruction the Sowell House was recognized with three architectural preservation awards.

Now it is a lovely shop of colonial wear.

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Virginia's virgin forest provided materials for the settlers' most basic shelter. Centuries ago, first growth trees were felled and the wood hewn to form this single room log cain in Peny River, Virginia, 45 minutes south of here. The structure is being reconstructed on this site and will be used to highlight 18th century trades. Now is serves as a gift shop of metal crafts and art.

Next to the Michie Tavern and Monticello.

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Established in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie, served as the social center of its community and accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging. In 1927, the Tavern was moved 17 miles to its present location close to Monticello. Today, visitors can enjoy encountering the Tavern's past, which creates its 18th century life. They have a lovely restaurant, gift shop and a mini musuem. They also give tours, so you'll need to check when you visit here.