Family-Friendly Fall Weekends in Charlottesville

• Carter Mountain Orchard: Just a short drive from downtown Charlottesville, visitors can soak in the beautiful orchard views, grab a hot apple cider donut, and take in the views of the rolling valley below. It’s the perfect setting for families and friends to wander the rows, picking crisp apples in the fall, all while breathing in the fresh mountain air. The fall season also brings hayrides, pumpkin picking, and great food truck options for everyone. It’s a place you will want to visit again and again.

• University of Virginia football games: There’s nothing quite like the excitement of a University of Virginia football game at Scott Stadium. The energy and camaraderie of Wahoo Nation is truly contagious! Families especially enjoy the tradition of tailgating before kickoff and cheering as the Cavalier and their horse make their grand entrance onto the field.

• Humpback Rocks hiking trail: About a half-mile up the trail leads to Humpback Rock. The climb is a bit challenging, and only recommended for experienced hikers, but the effort is well worth it, rewarding you with breathtaking views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys.

• Blue Ridge Tunnel: Built between 1850 and 1858 beneath Rockfish Gap in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Tunnel offers a unique and memorable experience for visitors of all kinds. Hikers and cyclists, wildlife lovers, history buffs, and railroad enthusiasts will enjoy exploring this long, dark passage and feel like they’ve stepped back in time while in the beauty of the surrounding mountains.

• Wintergreen: Enjoy stunning mountain views and endless outdoor adventures. Spread across 11,000 acres on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this beautiful destination is surrounded by winding trails, bubbling streams, and lush forests. It’s a four-season spot with something for everyone—from hiking and golf to skiing, spa days, and more.

• Monticello: Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s personal masterpiece with a complex history. It is a must-visit in the Charlottesville area.

Food

• Farm Bell Kitchen: Locally-inspired, Southern cuisine that embraces the farm-to-fork movement.

• Tavola: Rustic Italian with an incredible bolognese!

• Smyrna: Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with a reputation for always hitting the mark. Don’t miss it.

• The Spot: A UVA staple. Go for the Gus Burger.

• Bodos Bagels: A Charlottesville institution.

Breweries

• Brewing Tree: Great brews with a huge “backyard” area complete with a sand pit for the kids, a stage for live musicians, cornhole, hammocks, a field, and creek. Casual eats are available at the food truck.

• Blue Toad Hard Cider: Craft cider from farm to can. Fall is a wonderful time to plan a visit with a corn maze and lots of fun fall activities for the kids, including obstacle courses, swings, and pumpkin picking.

• Blue Mountain Brewery: Super fun atmosphere with live music, cornhole, and great pizzas.

• Three Notch’d Nellysford: A brewery, distillery, and craft kitchen all under one roof with locally-sourced, beer-infused dishes that highlight the flavors of the season and pair perfectly with what’s on tap.

• Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub: Award-winning brews, full-service dining, and cozy firepits.

• King Family Vineyards: A gorgeous spot for wine tasting with lots of room for kids to play. Check their website before planning your visit—they sometimes have polo matches on Sundays.