Discover history, popular things to do, and attractions in Charlottesville VA

The Inn at Darden in Charlottesville on the University of Virginia Grounds is your home away from home while you explore our many historic and other attractions and events close to UVA. Enjoy shopping, restaurants and popular things to do just minutes away from our front door.

The Barracks Road Shopping Center

one mile away, offers a unique collection of stores and boutiques with all the latest styles for discerning shoppers.

The John Paul Jones Arena, or JPJ

offers seating for 14,593 fans. JPJ hosts a variety of events ranging from UVA Athletic Events to large concerts.

The Rotunda at the University of Virginia

was designed by Thomas Jefferson as the architectural and academic heart of his community of scholars, or what he termed the "academical village."

Historic downtown Charlottesville

is a pedestrian mall is home to a vibrant collection of more than 120 shops and 30 restaurants located in the historic buildings on and around old Main Street

Monticello

a 5,000-acre plantation, was the home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia.

Historic Michie Tavern

served as the social center of its community and accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging. Located next to Monticello, this Virginia landmark captures 18th century life.

Montpelier

is a glorious 2,650-acre estate in Orange County, Virginia and the lifelong home of James Madison.

The Ragged Mountain Natural Area

is a beautiful 980-acre forest of oak, poplar, pine, and maple trees surrounding two lakes with more than four miles of shoreline. Seven miles of trail lead through the forest, offering a unique opportunity for wilderness hiking within minutes of town.

Veritas Vineyard and Winery

is a local family owned business with an idyllic setting at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy wine made combining classic, old-style principles with state of the art technology, capturing varietal and regional character.

Through the years, the Barboursville Vineyard and winery “has led in establishing the credibility of the Virginia appellation with an array of vitis vinifera wine varietals, cultivating wines of a European heritage which wholly justify this new terroir. We are conscious of a joyful debt to that cultural and culinary tradition, not merely in grape cultivation, but in crafting wines of inherent food-friendliness.”

There are also several restaurants from casual to formal close to the Inn at Darden.

The South Street Brewery

is a custom built brewhouse offering old brick walls, hardwood floors and a spacious, welcoming atmosphere in which to enjoy fresh, handcrafted ales and lagers and seasonal fare. Restaurant hours are Mon.-Sat. 4:30 pm. to 2 am.

The Downtown Grille

located on Charlottesville’s historic downtown mall, serves only the finest in Midwestern corn fed beef and fresh seafood.  Restaurant hours are Mon-Thurs 5pm-10pm, Fri & Sat: 5pm.-11pm and Sun: 5pm -9pm.

Popular Charlottesville attractions close to the Inn include: