There’s an ongoing debate around our office: What’s the best season in Charlottesville? After last winter, no one is voting that way…and this summer’s heat has knocked summer out of the running. So, it seems to be split pretty evenly between the Spring and Fall. Both are spectacular times in Cville. Since the Fall is upon us, let’s take a look at some things to do in and around Charlottesville over the next few months:
- UVa Football. The Cavaliers enter the 2010 campaign coming off one of their worst season’s in years. New coach Mike London comes back to Charlottesville to lead the Wahoos on a winning path. Scott Stadium is one of the country’s most beautiful venues and Cavalier football games are great fun – whether you’re a hardcore fan or just looking for a day of family fun. Check out the 7-game home schedule (and all things Wahoo) over at TheSabre.com.
- Skyline Drive. There’s not many places where you can catch the Fall leaves better than Skyline Drive. Pack a picnic, jump in the car, and just head West. There’s plenty of short hikes, picnic areas, and gorgeous overlooks along the way.
- Sunday Polo at King Family. If you haven’t done this, you need to. It runs from May – September on just about every Sunday (weather permitting). Admittedly, it’s a bit too hot in the summer. But you can’t beat the weather in September. It’s a great setting and environment – bring a picnic lunch, your lawn chairs, and a few bucks for a bottle of King Family’s award winning wine. Details here.
- September 18th: River Bend Beer Festival in Scottsville. Take a quick trip down to the charming town of Scottsville for their beer festival featuring 12 local and regional breweries. Details here.
- September 25th: The Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival. Head Downtown for the 14th annual Vegetarian Festival. Check out more here.
- September 26th: Foxfield Family Day. This is the ‘low key’ version of Foxfield. Whereas Spring is a bit of a wild party scene, the Fall Foxfield is chock full of fun events. And, yes, you’ll probably see the horses at this one.
- October 1-3: Crozet Music Festival. In it’s 4th Year, this event just keeps on growing. This year, there are over 45 musical acts.
- October 2-3 and 9-10: Apple Harvest Festival at Carter’s Mountain. Take the hike up to Carter’s Mountain and look down on the rest of Charlottesville…literally. But if you go, get there early. This event gets packed and since you’re at the top of Carter’s Mountain, there’s not much room to spread out. Carter’s Mountain web site.
- October 9-10: Crozet Arts and Crafts Show. This semi-annual event is always a hit. With over 100 exhibitors and plenty of food vendors, it’s a great afternoon outing. Details here.
- October 15th: UVa Men’s Soccer vs. Virginia Tech at Klockner Stadium. Friday night under the lights – go check out some top notch NCAA soccer as the defending national champs take on their in-state rival, Virginia Tech. UVa Soccer schedule.
- Nov 11 and 12: Dave Matthews Band at JPJ. Charlottesville’s favorite ‘local’ music group heads home to finish off their 2010 tour. In fact, DMB is taking 2011 off (their first tour break in 20 years), so this is sure to be a hot ticket.
That should keep you busy for a while. Let us know what we forgot…