Charlottesville Guide » More About Charlottesville: Overview

Overview

For a city of less than 50,000 people, Charlottesville manages to maintain a cosmopolitan feel that distinguishes it from other Southern towns of the same size. For starters, the eclectic dining scene benefits from the proximity of local vineyards, offering epicureans everything from French bistro-style settings to sleek, post-mod joints that you'd expect to find in places like New York or L.A. Next, the European-flavored Downtown Mall is a pedestrian-only zone that features more shops, eateries, and bars than a person can visit in one day's time. This unique area, which includes Main Street and its subsequent cross-streets, is the cornerstone of the city's social scene, featuring a variety of family-friendly galas each season. You've also got the Corner, where UVA's students blow off steam and do a bit of mingling and partying until the wee hours of the morning. But this isn't your normal, "beer-only college scene," since upscale places like Michael's Bistro, the Buddhist Biker Bar, and the Virginian reflect the styles and attitudes of their clientele. Next, the city's embracing of its history and traditions ensures that historic places like Albemarle Court House, Town Hall, and the 19th century buildings in and around the Mall are carefully preserved for future generations to enjoy. Last but not least are the city's ties to Thomas Jefferson, who built his home, Monticello, here and came up with the original plans for the Rotunda and Academic Village. Is it possible that Mr. Jefferson, all those years ago, knew what a special place this tiny foothills community would become?