Black Charlottesville Can't-Miss Experiences
The Draftsman & The Ridley
Stay and eat at this upscale boutique hotel, located just blocks from the Downtown Mall.
Learn MoreMonticello Wine Trail
Explore over 40 acclaimed wineries, whether you'd like to savor award-winning vintages, take a tour, or attend an event.
Learn MoreIX Art Park
Go through The Looking Glass at this immersive art museum and outdoor mural and sculpture space.
Learn MoreCharlottesville is known for historic landmarks, but it’s making new history as the premier wine destination of Virginia—the Monticello Wine Trail was designated Wine Region of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2023. Whether you’re looking for guided tastings, pairings with live music, or simply soaking in the views, visitors can experience over 40 wineries nestled among the beautiful rolling hills of Virginia. Oenoeverse, rooted at Blenheim Vineyards, is working to make Virginia wine a more welcoming and inclusive community. Their collaborative festival, Two Up Wine Down, gives visitors a chance to sample Virginia’s finest wines while cultivating community.
Plan to stay at The Draftsman, an upscale boutique hotel that brings a modern twist to Southern charm. Just steps from the Downtown Mall, it’s perfectly located for exploring the city’s vibrant culinary scene and nightlife. Their restaurant, the Ridley, pays homage to the first Black graduate of the University of Virginia. Balance indulgence with a bit of whimsical joy at IX Art Park. Experience everything from towering sculptures and vibrant murals to The Looking Glass, Virginia’s first immersive art museum. A short drive down the road is the birthplace of Edna Lewis, who popularized Southern cooking. Whether you’re sipping fine wine, exploring local art, or dining on soul food staples, Charlottesville serves up the best of Virginia.
Charlottesville Heart & Soul Itinerary
Sip your way through Charlottesville as you experience world-class wine, interactive art, and shopping from local makers.10th Street Bed & Breakfast
Family-owned bed & breakfast.
Alley Light
Tucked away in the side streets of Charlottesville's Downtown Mall, The Alley Light offers classic French shared plates, craft cocktails and…
Blenheim Vineyards
Blenheim is located on the historic farm claimed by Secretary of the Colony John Carter who had a 1730 patent for 9,350 acres of land in…
Bodo's Bagels
This bagel shop has a huge following of both locals and visitors who wait in line for the freshly-baked New York-style bagels.
Botanical Gardens of the Piedmont
Take in local flora and fauna at this garden, located inside McIntire Park.
Carter Mountain Orchard
Located next to Monticello and Michie Tavern, Carter Mountain Orchard is family-owned and operated. Our mountaintop location affords…
Cooking Classes at Pippin Hill Vineyards
Partake in an immersive culinary experience, complete with garden tour, hands-on demonstrations and, of course, wine.
Dairy Market
As foodies search for culinary experiences in an unending world of options, Stony Point Development Group set out to deliver a food market…
Dop3 Fashion
Empowering our customers to express themselves and embrace their unique style, with exceptional quality products and expert guidance.
Downtown Mall History Walking Tour
A meandering stroll along Charlottesville’s downtown pedestrian mall including discussions of local presidents Thomas Jefferson, James…
IX Art Park + Looking Glass
The outdoor Ix Art Park is a mural and sculpture area open year-round to the public. It is the location of many events, festivals, and…
Jefferson School African American Heritage Center
Highlighting Charlottesville’s African American history and culture of the African diaspora through exhibits, galleries and events.
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection is the only museum dedicated to Indigenous Australian art in the United State and the most…
MarieBette
A combined bakery and restaurant, MarieBette has become a favorite spot for Charlottesville residents looking for a delicious treat.
Matchbox
High-energy New American chain with wood-fired pizzas & bistro fare served in industrial-chic digs.
Mel's Cafe
With homemade salads and submarines full of any and every kind of yummy tasting veggie and meat you can think of, Mel’s Café is the…
Monticello Wine Trail
Late in his life, atop Monticello mountain located adjacent to the small hamlet of Charlottesville, Virginia, Thomas Jefferson envisioned…
Paramount Theater
The mission of The Paramount Theater of Charlottesville, Inc., is to operate the newly-restored and adapted historic Paramount Theater…
Pearl Island Cafe
Whipping up Caribbean classics including meat & veggie platters, plus craft drinks.
Petite MarieBette
Combining a bakery concept with a traditional coffeehouse, Petite MarieBette offers a warm space to enjoy pastries, breads, salads and…
Polo at King Family Vineyards
Set up a picnic and sip on King Family wines while watching weekly polo matches with a stunning backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Rivanna Trail
A 20-mile rustic "urban wilderness" hiking trail built and maintained by volunteers that encircles the City of Charlottesville
Riverview Park
A 27-acre riverfront preserve offering a playground, picnic areas & adjacent biking & walking trail.
Saunders-Monticello Trail
Created and maintained by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation at Monticello, the Saunders-Monticello Trail currently stretches 2 miles along the…
Stella's Cuisine
Wings, fried fish, and other soul food favorites offered in an easygoing setting.
Ten
The Japanese word ten can mean "heaven", "above" or "celebration" and the dining experience at TEN modern Japanese restaurant is all of these…
The ArtBar Cville
Unleash your creativity with a wide selection of art supplies and our unique "Splatter Room."
The Doyle Hotel
More than just a place to lay your head, The Doyle encourages curiosity for the unique, inspiring and beautiful. A momentous tribute to the…
The Draftsman
The Draftsman is a vibrant upscale boutique hotel beautifully situated on W. Main Street in downtown Charlottesville with easy access to the…
The Fralin Museum of Art
The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia exhibits art from around the world dating from ancient times to the present day. In…
The Indigo House
With interiors inspired by the great outdoors, relaxing hang-out spaces, and convenient access to Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge…
The Ridley
An upscale, Black-owned restaurant serving fresh seafood and southern cuisine, named after the first Black graduate of UVA.
Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
No other home in the United States more accurately reflects the personality of its owner than Monticello. Monticello is the autobiographical…
Ting Pavilion
Located on the east end of the historic downtown mall, the Sprint Pavilion is the city’s premier outdoor venue for live performance.Open…
University of Virginia
Visit the Grounds of this public institution founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819.
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Explore Charlottesville’s directory of Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and activities to inspire your journey.
Black Cville
Charlottesville's directory of Black-owned businesses, restaurants, and activities to inspire your journey.
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Meet the curators behind heart & soul
Matt
A resident of Charlottesville, Matt Harmon spent the past 5 years developing a love of wine. As his passion for wine developed, he wanted to share that passion with family and friends. As he did so, he noticed people’s preconceived ideas about wine, and who “should” drink wine and sought to change this perception. And thus, his entrepreneurial journey with Harmony Wine was born. Matt challenges the perception of who and what wine drinkers should be in his everyday life—sometimes he drinks wine in a suit, sometimes he kicks back and drinks his wine wearing his joggers.
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