Summer is in the air in Charlottesville! We have updated our list of fun summer activities to get you out of the house.
- Hike along the Moorman River and take the Sugar Hollow Trail to the Blue Hole. To escape the sometimes stifling Virginia heat, the river offers several spots to explore and splash around. The Blue Hole is a longtime local favorite spot to cool off. Also, bank fishing is permitted along the river.
- The Claudius Crozet Blue Ridge Tunnel trail is located in Crozet, just outside of Charlottesville. Completed in 1858, the 4,273 ft. Blue Ridge Tunnel was, at one point, the longest railroad tunnel in North America. Accessible to the public, you can now walk through and admire the work of the industrious laborers that built this masterpiece of engineering. Be sure to bring a headlamp or flashlight!
- While in Crozet, stop by Sherando Lake, perfectly situated in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Visitors can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, camping, or swimming and relaxing on their sandy beaches.
- If you’re a local, you might want to break up the busy work week by winding down at Carter Mountain’s Thursday Evening Sunset Series! Enjoy the beautiful sunset view while listening to live music, drinking Carter Mountain Wine, and eating from a local food truck.
- Let’s face it, the humidity in Charlottesville can make being outside pretty miserable. An all-time favorite cooling-off activity is tubing with James River Runners. Be sure to check the river conditions before heading out.
- Looking to win(e)d down on a Friday? Check out Chisholm Vineyard’s Friday Night Sunset Soiree. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings, yummy wine, local music, and delicious food trucks. Every Friday during the summer from 6-9pm.
- If you are looking for something to do that doesn’t involve hiking or swimming, visit the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia. Learn the story of the thousands of pioneers that came to America during the 1600s and 1700s from Europe. Experience their day-to-day lives and how they acclimated to this region.
- The Blue Ridge Mountains offer many opportunities for hiking, picnics, and taking in their breathtaking beauty. A popular trail accessible for people of all ages is the Saunders-Monticello Trail. Enjoy a leisurely walk on ramps that ascend on a slight incline toward Monticello with lovely forest views. After you’ve worked up your appetite, take a step back in time and enjoy lunch at the historic Michie Tavern.
- Check out the Grand Caverns, a national natural landmark right here in Virginia. The Cavern is one of the oldest, continually operating show caves in the US. The tours provide fun and educational activities. Visit their website to make reservations to book a tour.
- Visit the beautiful scenery at King Family Vineyards and enjoy a tasting of some local, fine, delicious wine. If you happen to be visiting on a Sunday, you can enjoy a free polo match (if you’re feeling adventurous, they also offer lessons!)
- If you’re looking for a unique Blue Ridge Mountain experience, allow the Indian Summer Guide Service to take you on a guided horseback ride on a trail of your choice. They offer several packages on different types of terrain.
- Fridays After Five an all-time Charlottesville summer favorite, offers live and local music, food trucks, drinks, and lots of socializing.
- Another unique way to experience Charlottesville is with the Blue Ridge Bicycle Tours. Their services include city and campus tours and significant group events, or you can customize your tour to your liking.
- There is no lack of stunning vineyards around Charlottesville, and Veritas is no exception. Visit any day of the week or check out their summer event, Starry Nights, with more live music.