With Charlottesville beginning to look and feel a lot quieter, it’s evident that spring break has finally arrived. However, even if you’re staying in Charlottesville over the next week and a half, there’s no limit to the activities you can enjoy around central Virginia.
From disco dance parties and concerts to historical tours, adventurous hikes, and more, you’re sure to find something for you and your friends to enjoy during this time off. Check out this list for some ideas on how to spend spring break before classes are back in session!
Gimme Gimme Disco at The Jefferson Theater
Calling all ABBA lovers! The Gimme Gimme Disco dance party is coming to The Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville on March 9 at 9 PM. Grab your friends and spend your evening grooving to Cher, The Bees Gees, Donna Summer, and other 70s and 80s hits! Tickets are on sale now, starting at $18.00 for general admission. Don’t forget your disco attire!
Larry Fleet at the National (Richmond) and Riley Green at Salem Civic Center
For country music fans, two prominent artists will be making stops throughout the Commonwealth this next week! Larry Fleet, known for his hit song, “Where I Find God,” will be performing on Saturday, March 2, at the National in Richmond. Riley Green, who rose to fame quickly after releasing “There Was This Girl,” will take the stage at Salem Civic Center on Thursday, March 7. You can find more information on tickets and other artists coming to Virginia in March here.
Hike Great Falls Park or Natural Bridge State Park
With the coldest temperatures of the season hopefully behind us, spring break is the perfect time to take advantage of a weekday and explore some of the great views Virginia has to offer when trails may not be as busy .
Named after its spectacular view of the falls, Great Falls Park in Great Falls, Virginia, sits along the banks of the Potomac River with 15 miles of trails for visitors to enjoy. Open from dawn to dusk, the park welcomes you to bring your pets and check out the three different overlooks for scenic views. Passes into the park begin at $10.00 – purchase them here!
Natural Bridge State Park, known for its 215-foot-high natural arch, is a National Historic Landmark that brings visitors to the park year-round. Found in Natural Bridge, Virginia, the park has seven different hiking trails, with the most popular one taking visitors from the Visitor’s Center, under the bridge, and to Lace Falls, where they will find a 30-foot cascade. Admission per person costs $9.00 and/or $5.00 per car at trail heads.
Drive-Thru the Virginia Safari Park
Starting March 2, check out the Virginia Safari Park, just slightly north of Natural Bridge State Park! The safari offers a 180-acre drive-thru adventure where you can pet and feed animals, such as ostriches, zebras, and camels, all from your car! From March 2 to March 31, the park is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, with the last car admitted at 3:30 PM. An adult ticket (ages 13-64) for the 2024 park season costs $27.95 and provides you with all-day admission! You can buy your tickets here.
Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
For all the history lovers out there, take a trip up the road to Monticello! Tours of this World Heritage Site offer a glimpse into the home of the nation’s third president, and a detailed account of the landmark’s history The 45-minute guided Highlights Tour takes visitors throughout the first floor of Jefferson’s residence, the West Lawn, and the South Wing. A ticket for the Highlights Tour also allows visitors entry to the gardens, the rest of the grounds, certain activities, and exhibits. Tickets for those 19 and older can be purchased online in advance for $42.00, but UVA and PVCC students can present their student ID for free entry!
Bike the Virginia Capital Trail
The Virginia Capital Trail offers trail-goers a 52-mile stretch to walk, run, or bike, with trailheads in Richmond and Jamestown. With scenic views of the countryside and James River, this path is a great way to traverse multiple terrains throughout the Commonwealth, as well as browse the local trailside businesses. If you don’t feel like enduring all 52 miles, the trail offers multiple access points along the way, including Four Mile Creek Park in Varina, the Charles City County Visitors Center, and the Chickahominy Riverfront in Williamsburg.
Browse the Farmers Market at Ix Park
On Saturdays from 9 AM to 1 PM at Ix Art Park in Charlottesville, check out more than 60 different vendors offering a variety of fresh vegetables and fruit, local meats, ready-to-eat foods, and artisan goods! Select vendors often include Bee Conscious Baking Company, Maggie’s Pottery, JBird Supply Coffee Roaster, Angel’s Afghan Cuisine, SoulSmith Kombucha, and more!
Visit Keswick Vineyards and Play Mini Golf
Indulge in high-quality Virginia wine, beer and cider, and delicious food at Keswick Vineyards, just east of Charlottesville. Open 10 AM to 5 PM, the winery ensures all your needs are covered for a relaxing afternoon. Sample award-winning wines while listening to live music, enjoy the new wine-themed miniature golf course, and let your furry friends run wild with their fenced-in dog park! Be sure to give their in-house food truck a try, open Wednesdays through Sundays, 12 – 4 PM.
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