Spoiler alert: Summer’s almost halfway over. But there’s so much more fun to be had! We’ve compiled 24 must-dos for your summer bucket list. Check them off as you go, and use hashtag #cvillesummerbucketlist to share what you’re up to.
Pop by the City Market.
If you don’t visit the City Market at least one Saturday morning in the summer, did summer even happen? Head downtown to reunite with in-season favorites like Planet Earth Diversified, The Orchid Station, and Caromont Farm. And, duh, grab some Shenandoah Joe to go.
Float on the Rivanna.
In the movie of Charlottesville’s life, the Rivanna would be a major character. Not only is this 42-mile tributary of the James a glimmering topographical feature of our area, it’s also the coolest (literally?) place to be in the summertime. Grab an intertube and put in anywhere you can.
Be a tourist in your town.
If the last time you visited Monticello was on a sixth grade field trip (guilty), take advantage of Monticello’s Local Discount—if you’re an area resident, enjoy a two-for-one ticket price for a Gardens and Grounds Pass. (Or get in free when you accompany an out-of-towner who’s paying full price!)
Pick a peck of peaches.
White, yellow, or donut (the flat ones that are good for snacking), Chiles’s peaches are a must-have in the summertime. Pick your own, then grab a cone (or two) of the Crozet spot’s signature seasonal ice cream and enjoy the Blue Ridge Mountain view.
Get drippy with it.
The return of summer means the return of Chandler’s Ice Cream stand, that Instagrammable soft-serve spot on River Road.
Albemarle County Fair.
Two words: funnel cake.
Return to the Corner.
Ah, summertime. Birds are chirping, flowers are blowing in the breeze, and the Corner is all but emptied of undergrads. We like to take the opportunity to explore this uncharted (during the school year, at least) territory.
Dine al fresco.
We don’t have to tell you the best place to do this (ahem, the Downtown Mall). Another good option? Pack a picnic and stroll UVA’s Pavilion gardens.
Go on a bike ride.
Ready to feel the wind in your hair? Blue Ridge Cyclery offers bike rentals for $60 per day.
Go fly a kite.
No, really. Find a fun one at Alakazam or Shenanigans, then head to Pen Park and let ’er rip.
Eat a hot dog from the grill.
We say hot dog, but really anything will do (see: Pick a peck of peaches). The point is: Grill it, eat it. (Need a grill? Ace Hardware sells a classic Big Green Egg, but many picnic shelters at Pen and McIntire parks have grills, too.)
Root for the home team.
Head to Crutchfield Park, where the Tom Sox—40+ elite collegiate baseball players from across the country—kicked off their 42-game season in early June. Admission is free, and the schedule is at tomsox.com. Not a baseball fan? Charlottesville Blues launched earlier this summer and both the men’s and women’s teams are #goals. Find more info at charlottesvillebluesfc.com.
Shoot for the stars.
The Leander McCormick Observatory public night program (it’s free on the first and third Friday nights of every month) is a can’t-miss any season, but we especially like going in the summer. Register early to observe celestial objects through the observatory’s 26-inch McCormick Refractor—and keep your eye out for UFOs.
Drink on a rooftop.
You have four choices: Quirk Hotel, The Graduate, LEVEL10, or Blue Moon Diner. The first three offer sweeping views of the city, while Blue Moon boasts a charming view of West Main’s midtown stretch.
Eat watermelon.
Grab this classic summer treat from the City Market, slice it open, and go to town. Bonus bucket list points if you let the juice run down your chin.
Go fish!
Walnut Creek, Chris Greene Lake, Ragged Mountain Reservoir… There’s no end to the great places you could nab a fresh catch in our area.
Plant veggies for fall.
You reap what you sow, so get your fall vegetable bounty going in the summertime for optimum results. In July, plant beans, beets, broccoli, carrots, kale, peas, radishes, spinach, and winter squash from seed.
Make lemonade.
If life’s handed you lemons, Splendora’s—also a good summer stop!—owner PK Ross recommends the gelato shop’s lavender lemonade: Pour boiling water over two cups of dried lavender and four cups of sugar and stir until the sugar dissolves. Cover with plastic to steep for 20 minutes with 1kg lemon juice in an eight-quart container. Strain the lavender syrup and then top with water to 5kg total weight.
Head to Blue Hole.
The final destination of a hike through Sugar Hollow, Blue Hole isn’t actually blue. It’s a refreshing swimming home with a small waterfall that cascades into the basin. In other words, a great spot to relax after a 1.5-mile hike.
Join a CSA.
Fresh veggies all season long and none of the work of planting, watering, or harvesting? Sign us up.
Dance to live music.
Summer offers an abundance of opportunities to get your groove on, from free concerts at Fridays After Five or The Garage to ticketed shows at Ting Pavilion. Or catch a glimpse of live music through the windows of downtown restaurants. Miller’s and The Whiskey Jar often have bands jamming loud enough to have a listen.
Catch a firefly.
When the weather warms up, humidity-loving fireflies come out to play. Trap one with your hands or in a jar and watch the magic of bioluminescence come to life.
Watch a sunset.
Sure, you could hike to Humpback Rock or Raven’s Roost to catch an epic sunset over the mountain range, but we recommend more urban destinations: the Belmont Bridge, the Lawn at UVA, or the top of a parking garage downtown.
Take a staycation.
Can’t get away? Live like a tourist in one of the area’s 300+ vacation rentals through Airbnb or, more locally, Stay Charlottesville. Let the hosts be your guide to the city, with recommendations for restaurants and tourist attractions.
