Children always seem to see things differently than their parents, whether it be music, television, clothing styles or even college life. Perhaps you've already visited the University with your parents. After seeing all the splendor of Mr. Jefferson's Academical Village, they probably think you'll never have any reason to leave Grounds. Meanwhile, you're probably still trying to figure out what students do for fun in Charlottesville on weekends - and much to your parents' dismay, you'll find that the social scene will lead you outside the University bubble. Here are some favorite spots in and around Charlottesville where students can get away from their studies and relax, in many cases for free.
The great outdoors
Fortunately for outdoor enthusiasts, Charlottesville is just a short drive away from a variety of recreational areas. Shenandoah National Park is probably the most popular location for students and local residents and is only about a 30-minute drive from Grounds. The park contains over 500 miles of trails and a 40-mile segment of the Shenandoah River, all nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. Visitors to the park can climb up Humpback Rock, Mary's Rock or Old Rag Mountain, all of which offer stunning panoramic views.
Smaller regional parks near the University include Crabtree Falls (30 miles away in Lovingston) and George Washington National Forest, which contains the infamous Blue Hole swimming area. If you're feeling brave, you can jump from various heights and plummet into the water.
Another favorite outdoor activity is tubing. Students can rent inner tubes from the James River Runners company and float down a three-mile stretch of the river. The journey takes between two and four hours, and there are plenty of opportunities to take a break and picnic or explore the shorelines.
If you want to be outside and it's too cold to swim, strap on your ski boots or snowboard and head out to Massanutten or Wintergreen ski resorts, both within a 45-minute drive of the University. The two resorts offer special student discount rates on certain weekdays, as well as reasonably priced season passes. While neither resort is comparable to the Colorado Rockies or the Swiss Alps, both offer a convenient way to shred the slopes without shredding your wallet.
Be sure to bring your golf clubs along so you can improve your game at Birdwood, ranked by Golf Digest as one of the top 10 collegiate courses in America. The par 72 course features almost 7,000 yards of challenging play. Like Massanutten and Wintergreen, Birdwood offers significant discounts to University students.
Feel the Music
Home to the nationally renowned Dave Matthews Band, Charlottesvilles music scene has a distinctively local flavor. Dave himself graced the University in April in a charity concert at Scott Stadium.
Although it may be a while before Dave comes back to his hometown, there are a variety of smaller venues for students to enjoy. Fridays After 5 is a free admission outdoor concert series that features local artists once a week from late April until early October. The concerts take place at the Amphitheater on the Downtown Mall and attract sizeable crowds every Friday.
TRAX Nightclub, located just past the Corner on West Main Street, has hosted well-known groups such as 311, Tonic and the Pat McGee Band. The club recently changed owners after 19 years of business in Charlottesville. Next year, it will feature Top 40 dance music instead of live bands on the weekends when it reopens in September.
TRAX may prove to be a new hot spot for University students looking for something similar to the nightclubs found in more urban areas.
Local History
For a glimpse into the eye of the past, you might take a trip to Thomas Jefferson's home at Monticello and experience the architecture that inspired his vision of the University. Or you can visit James Madison's home, Montpelier. Admission and a guided tour are available at both locations for a modest fee. Just around the corner from Monticello is Michie Tavern, an historic landmark that has hosted travelers for more than 200 years. Offering dining, accommodations and shopping in an authentic 19th century setting, Michie Tavern welcomes visitors from the University as well as travelers from afar.
Just for fun
Is shopping your favorite activity? The major places to shop around Charlottesville include the Downtown Mall, Fashion Square Mall and Barracks Road Shopping Center.
The Downtown Mall is a charming brick paved street lined with restaurants and department stores.
Fashion Square Mall on Route 29 features mainstream department stores such as Gap, Express, American Eagle and a future Abercrombie & Fitch.
Barracks Road Shopping Center, also on Route 29, is within walking distance of the University and is another popular choice among students and Charlottesville locals.
If you're looking for some thrills and are willing to spend some money, Paramount's Kings Dominion is guaranteed to be loads of fun. The amusement park is located about an hour away and is famous around the state for its breathtaking roller coasters. Also inside the park is a 19-acre water park with a huge wave pool and more water slides than you can imagine.
Whether you enjoy the great outdoors, good music or just shopping, Charlottesville has a lot to offer. The suggestions here should help get you started. The rest is up to you.
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