Cover photo: Pratt Gingko at the University of Virginia
Photo credit: Melody Robbins Photography

Some would argue that September – November is one of the most beautiful times to visit the Charlottesville area, and it’s a tough point to argue. The town buzzes with activity and cooler temperatures provide a renewed sense of energy – the kind best used for adventure. If you are planning a fall excursion to Charlottesville and Albemarle County, here are some must-dos!

Calling all wine lovers – October is Virginia Wine Month! Charlottesville is centrally located within the Monticello AVA, or American Viticultural Area, and is home to over 40 wineries. Many wineries feature special offerings and events throughout wine month, so be sure to visit winery websites and social media to “know before you go.”

There’s another special reason to celebrate Virginia Wine Month in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Our region, the Monticello American Viticultural Area, was named Wine Region of the Year at the end of 2023 by Wine Enthusiast, beating out locations like Lambrusco, Italy and Provence, France!

More tips for visiting wineries in Charlottesville and Albemarle County:

• Make a day of it and hire a Charlottesville wine tour company to do the driving for you!
• Sip and stay at an area vineyard that offers on-site lodging.
• Use the "Plan Your Visit" feature from the Monticello Wine Trail to map your trip.
• Pack a picnic blanket in case you want to enjoy an al fresco lawn experience, or let our local experts do the work by booking a luxury picnic experience with Be Just Be Well Experiences.

Can you think of a more classic fall activity? We’ll wait…

No matter how many times you've done it, it just feels good to head out to a local orchard, pick up a basket from the rustic orchard counter, and walk amongst the trees selecting those perfect apples. Meandering each row with friends and family chatting about your grand plans for the bounty – a classic pie, a new recipe, or simply fresh, local apples for the lunchbox. Snap a couple of photos and treat yourself to a refreshing cider and donut (or orchard treat) while enjoying the scenery and company. You can discover other local ciders at Albemarle CiderWorks, Potter's Craft Cider, and Trump Cidery.

Looking to pick more than just apples? No problem — we've got a list of local pumpkin patches, too.

While the Blue Ridge Mountains draw high volumes of visitors year-round, fall is prime time for leaf peepers to enjoy the annual change in colors. There are many spots to witness the beauty of fall foliage, depending on the amount of time you have for leaf peeping during your visit to Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

You'll experience top foliage by driving sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway or Shenandoah National Park, both just a 30 minute drive from the heart of Charlottesville. If you want to immerse yourself in nature a bit deeper, opt for one of the many hikes along these routes. Closer to town, the University of Virginia Lawn is great spot for a picnic, photo op, or stroll to take in the striking juxtaposition of the colors against the columns.

Check two things off your fall weekend list at once as many winery and craft beverage tasting rooms are in lovely settings with optimal fall foliage opportunities. Check out our blog post below for more places to enjoy fall foliage in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.

Pro Tip: the timing of peak fall color varies from year to year, but usually occurs in the last two weeks of October, although it can sometimes spill over into November!

Outdoor dining in Charlottesville is at peak enjoyment during the fall season. Whether you’re interested in a quiet morning coffee alfresco, a lively dinner, or boozy brunch – there’s an option for everyone!

See and be seen on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall. The area with the most patio seating per capita, the mall abounds with folks enjoying a delicious meal or raising their glasses to toast the occasion, creating an electric kind of excitement. Café Frank, Hamiltons' at First and Main, Citizen Burger Bar, and The Whiskey Jar are just a few locations on the Downtown Mall that offer outdoor dining. Take a stroll and discover more!

The Belmont neighborhood, just a few blocks south and east of the Downtown Mall, has become a destination within Charlottesville featuring a lively patio scene at restaurants like Conmole, The Local, Mas Tapas, Belle, The Southern Crescent, Lampo, and more. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at the "I Love Charlottesville A Lot" sign at Fitzgerald’s Tire on your way to dinner!

Ix Art Park, just steps from the Downtown Mall is another fantastic spot for outdoor dining that features Brazos Tacos, North American Sake Brewery, Three Notch'd Brewing Company, and more! Plus, kids and adults alike will love the hands-on art installations, perfect for exerting a little energy before or after your meal.

West of town exploring for the day? Several Crozet restaurants feature outdoor seating areas, some with mountain views, such as Pro Re Nata, Smoked Kitchen & Tap, Restoration at Old Trail Golf Club, Starr Hill Brewery, Bar Botanical, and Crozet Creamery.

There are so many more indoor and outdoor dining options not mentioned above. For a comprehensive list, check out our Food & Drink page.

Opportunities for outdoor recreation are plentiful in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Whether you want to work up a sweat or immerse yourself in nature, fall is a great time for outdoor activities.

Check out the various trails in and around Charlottesville and Albemarle County. The Saunders-Monticello trail is a great option (that's also ADA accessible!) to combine with a visit to Monticello, Carter’s Mountain Orchard and Jefferson Vineyards. It’s great for families and features beautiful foliage.

For those who prefer a hike, Blue Hole at Sugar Hollow is great on a warm day. This out-and-back winds along the Moormans River and features a swimming hole to cool off in, for those warmer, early-fall days. Make sure to wear waterproof shoes or sandals as you will be crossing streams along the way.

Beautiful scenery and challenging layouts make Charlottesville golf courses sought after amongst lovers of the game. Plus, golfers of all experience levels can tee off year-round. Visit Birdwood Golf Course, part of Boar’s Head Resort. Birdwood’s reimagined golf course was designed by golf pro Davis Love III and includes a short 6-hole “approach course” which can be played in under an hour. For an option nestled against the Blue Ridge Mountains, check out Old Trail Golf Club in Crozet.

Autumn in Charlottesville is home to events galore!
Plan your visit to coincide with one of these special happenings to make your trip even more memorable:

Home UVA Football games
Stop by the UVA Alumni pregame tailgate to grab enjoy some food and drinks, get recommendations about the area from our Mobile Visitor Center, and ride the complimentary shuttle to Scott Stadium.
https://virginiasports.com/football-ticket-information/

Foxfield Races – Sunday, October 6th
Don’t forget your floppy hat! The fall races feature lots of kids activities, so be sure to bring the whole family.
https://www.foxfieldraces.com/fall-races/

Farmers Markets
Support local growers, farmers, and makers by shopping local farmers markets during harvest season. Each week you visit will likely be a bit different, showcasing all that mother nature has to offer! Check our link for a list of regional farmers markets and their calendars. If you want more insider information on the area, you're in luck! Our Mobile Visitor Centers are at the Scottsville Farmers Market and the Farmers Market at Ix on Saturday mornings.
https://www.visitcharlottesville.org/events/farmers-markets/

Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival – October 12 & 13
This twice annual juried arts and crafts event draws talented artisans from states away! The festivals were started in 1980 to benefit Claudius Crozet Park, a non-profit community owned and operated park located in Crozet, just 15 minutes west of Charlottesville. Today, the festival draws thousands of visitors from near and far, and features live music, food trucks, and craft beverage tastings, in addition to the arts and crafts available for purchase.
https://www.crozetfestival.com/

Virginia Film Festival – October 30 - November 3
“A cultural experience that goes far deeper than the movies we screen…” says it all! Now in its 36th year, the Virginia Film Festival typically screens 100+ films throughout the festival – which take place throughout various venues in Charlottesville. Keep an eye on the Virginia Film Festival's website, as program announcements begin on October 3, and public ticket sales begin October 11.
https://virginiafilmfestival.org/

Artisans Studio Tour – November 9 & 10
Have you ever wondered how iron is forged, a clay pot is thrown, or what it really takes to make jewelry? This November, you can have these questions answered, and what’s more – see talented artisans in action in their very own maker spaces. This two-day tour is free and open to the public! Pick up a passport at any participating studio and collect a stamp at each studio you visit. Visit five or more studios for the chance to win a $300 credit!

Visit the Artisan Studio Tour website for complete information:
https://www.artisanstudiotour.com/

These are just a few of many Charlottesville area events happening throughout the fall months. Check our calendar for more happenings as your visit draws closer; they are updated almost daily throughout the season. Since this is a truly bustling time of year for residents, students, and visitors alike, it is best to make your lodging reservations early. Planning a last-minute visit? Not to worry! Midweek reservations are highly encouraged to get the best rates and avoid the crowds! In addition, activity and dining reservations may be more plentiful during those times.

We look forward to welcoming you to Charlottesville and Albemarle County this fall!