Welcome to summer in beautiful Charlottesville and Albemarle County! We’ve got all you need for a summer getaway: stunning views, outdoor adventures, an extensive wine and craft beverage scene, and so much more. Use this Summer Bucket List to make a plan of all the activities you and your family can take part in during your summer getaway.

Looking for a place to stay? Explore all our accommodations – including winery stays, B&Bs, and resorts with outdoor pools. Summer is a slower season for visitors here which means you can snag discounted rates at many of our lodging properties.

Get Outdoors

Get Out On the Water

Explore the Rivanna and James Rivers, as well as local lakes and reservoirs, when you plan a paddling adventure this summer.

Get Out On the Water

Book a Batteau Ride

Step back in time with a guided boat tour from the James River Batteau Company in Scottsville, VA.

Book a tour

Savor Sweet Treats & Cool Drinks

  • Sip chilled wines in the shade of 40+ wineries along the region’s Monticello Wine Trail — recently named Wine Region of the Year!
  • Explore the craft beer scene with the Charlottesville Ale Trail's "Pints on Preston" event on June 1st.
  • Take a craft beverage tour to sample the best of the area's beer, wine, cider, and spirits.
  • Celebrate National Ice Cream Month at these favorite local creameries.
  • Find fresh peach ice cream at Chiles Peach Orchard.
  • Indulge in apple cider donuts and wine slushies at Carter Mountain.

Bonus: Book a stay at a vineyard property!

5 Wines to Cool Down with in Charlottesville & Albemarle County this Summer Summer is here and that means wine choices turn to lighter, more refreshing options. So, out with the red wines and in with the whites. Right? Not so fast. Some reds deserve a slight chill and it’s a great time… Learn More
Craft Beverage Tours Leave the driving to the professionals when you book a craft beverage tour of Charlottesville & Albemarle County. Learn More
10 Places to Enjoy National Ice Cream Month in Charlottesville and Albemarle County Although we all will happily enjoy some creamy goodness at any time, you deserve to treat yourself to some delicious ice cream this July. It is National Ice Cream Month after all! Learn More

Visit Orchards and Farmers Markets

  • Soak in Saturday mornings at multiple farmers markets. Visit the Charlottesville City Market, Farmers Market at Ix Art Park, and Scottsville Farmers Market.
  • Pick your own fresh fruit, like peaches and blueberries, at Chiles Peach Orchard and Carter Mountain Orchard.
  • Make Thursday the new Friday with the Sunset Markets at Ix Art Park and Sunset Series of live music at Carter Mountain Orchard.

Bonus: after your market trip, enjoy an outdoor lunch on the patios of restaurants along the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall.

Enjoy Annual July 4th Celebrations

  • Join a special day for dozens of fellow countrymen and women at the 62nd Annual Independence Day Celebration and Naturalization Ceremony at Monticello.
  • Take in a full day of festivities at Carter Mountain’s “Happy Birthday America!” event.
  • Catch a parade and fireworks show at Keswick Hall or the Independence Day Party and Fireworks Display at Boar’s Head Resort.
  • Visit downtown Crozet for the Crozet Independence Day Parade & Celebration.

Take in the Arts

  • Make your own music festival with outdoor live music happening every week of the summer.
  • Attend the Virginia Theatre Festival (June 27 – August 4). It's the 50th Anniversary of this statewide festival! Here's five reasons why you shouldn't miss it.
  • Visit the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection – the nation’s only museum dedicated to Indigenous Australian Art!
  • Take in two classics – The Music Man and The Elixer of Love – from the Charlottesville Opera, performed at the historic Paramount Theater on the Downtown Mall.
  • Get a free taste of the local music scene at Fridays after Five – a free weekly concert on the Downtown Mall!
  • Create your own art at Pikasso Swig, City Clay, the Art Bar, or the studio at the Scrappy Elephant.
Five Reasons You Should Attend the Virginia Theatre Festival This Summer The Virginia Theatre Festival (VTF) is celebrating its 50th Anniversary season this summer with a trio of shows that are not to be missed! Learn More
Make Your Own Music Festival in Charlottesville & Albemarle County this Summer! Learn More

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