Grace Tang ‘21
Lifestyle Editor
Whether you are a seasoned 3L or a brand new 1L (welcome!), there are not-to-be-missed fall adventures and opportunities awaiting you in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas. Many of these events will end soon, so make sure to take a break from hitting the books and go enjoy what the area has to offer.
Fridays After Five – Sprint Pavilion at the Downtown Mall
Every Friday 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Ends: September 14, 2019
Admission: Free
Catch the last weeks of Charlottesville’s favorite live concert series, which has been happening in Charlottesville for over thirty years. The event is conveniently located in the Downtown Mall, and there are usually food trucks and beer for purchase around the concert venue. Friday is also a perfect opportunity to unwind after the week is over and jam to local artists. I really enjoy the event because everyone in the community comes out, and it’s a great way to mingle with Charlottesville locals. It’s also excellent for dog and cute children spotting.
Pro tip: Grab dinner at a delicious restaurant at the Mall before the event, then walk down the Mall to enjoy the live music afterward.
Sunset Series at Carter Mountain Orchards
Another beautiful sunset at Carter Mountain Orchards. Photo courtesy of afar.com
Every Thursday evening until 9 pm
Ends: September 26, 2019
Admission: Free
Who doesn’t love cider, peach ice cream, baked goods, live music, Instagrammable views and sunsets? The Sunset Series is a Charlottesville (and UVA Law) tradition. Bring some friends, chairs, and blankets to enjoy the food, live music, and gorgeous view from the mountain. After the sun sets, the fairy lights come on and make for a great atmosphere. Each week, a different band performs, and the band information can be found online.
Pro Tip: Try the apple cider donut (fantastic combination with ice cream or a cider slushie) and grab some local produce from the market before you leave. The weather can get chilly in the evening, so dress accordingly.
Charlottesville City Market
Every Saturday morning from 7:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Ends: December
Admission: Free
The Charlottesville City Market has everything you could want, from Kombucha on tap, to laptop stickers, kettle-corn, organic produce, and fresh flowers. It’s a fun experience to wander from shop to shop, admiring the many items available for purchase. I really enjoy the variety of stores and items available. It’s a great location to buy a personalized gift or do some grocery shopping.
Pro Tip: Grab some food and baked goods along with your other purchases. Many of the eateries have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options as well.
In this game of polo, Marco is nowhere to be found. Photo courtesy of TravelerFromVA.
Polo Games at King Family Vineyards
Each Sunday from Memorial Day Weekend through early October at Roseland Farms from 10:00 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Ends: See Website
Admissions: Free
Are you ready to pour yourself a glass of wine and watch people play “the world’s most exciting sport” favored by royalty like Prince Harry? Get ready for a classy affair and good times. Bringing chairs and blankets for watching the game is advised. Bonus points to King Family Vineyards for hiring a great lawyer who wrote out the disclosure and liability warnings on their website (tort law in action).
Pro Tip: Make sure to check the website and double check on the Sunday of the game to make sure the event is still scheduled.
Montpelier Hunt Races
November 2, 2019
Admissions: $20 per person
If you have always wanted to watch a horse race on the estate of a past President of the United States, Montpelier is the event for you. An annual event that is a sort of Charlottesville take on the Kentucky Derby, attendees dress up to watch the horse races and bet on their favorite. As the event occurs in the fall, the weather tends to be gorgeous. Various vendors also sell quirky local goods, and antique clothing. A friend from Darden bought a top hat at this event last year.
Pro Tip: Bet a dollar at the various races! I won eight whole dollars last year on my first race and it is so much more fun when you have an interest, even if it’s just a dollar, in the race.
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gt5ay@virginia.edu