Title

Then and Now in Charlottesville, VA.

Category

History/Culture

Where

Charlottesville, VA

Where to Eat...

Breakfast

Start your day at The Tavern on Emmet Street. This simple diner is a favorite of UVa students, tourists and locals. You can get all of your southern favorites, such as biscuits and gravy and grits, or you can take advantage of the extensive breakfast or l

Lunch

If you're enjoying a historical tour of Charlottesville, you can't miss Michie Tavern. This tavern, which has been open for more than 200 years, serves Southern favorites like fried chicken and biscuits. It's a buffet-style line, but you'll be assigned a waitress in old-timey duds for drinks, refills and dessert.

Dinner

Dinner isn't dinner unless you eat it on the Downtown Mall. Charlottesville's pedestrian mall is in the heart of the city on the formerly drivable Main Street. If you're up for fish, try the Blue Light Grill. Wanting wine? Enoteca serves hundreds of bottles along with paninis. If you're feeling like spending a bit extra for fine Americana fare, seek out Hamilton's.

What to Do...

Morning

There's no better place to start your day than Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. The presidential home has been restored to its original facade. You can take a tour and walk yourself around this vast plantation, which features stellar vistas and a great gift shop.

Afternoon

After you've hit up Michie Tavern, it's time to stop in at Montpelier, the home of James Madison. This presidential home just went under a massive restoration project. In addition to historical tours, you can visit an archeological dig where people are discovering items of Madison's past.

Evening

The evening is best spend on the Downtown Mall, which is bustling and a perfect place to people watch. If you can, catch a movie or a show at the historical Paramount Theater or see a play at Live Arts. If you're feeling up for a mainstream flick, there's a Regal Cinemas right on the mall.

Late Night

Much of Charlottesville is closed late at night, so step inside Miller's Pub on the Downtown Mall for a piece of more recent history. This is the place where Dave Matthews of the Dave Matthews Band worked while the band was forming. The bar often has live music.

By

Tasha