The “Dog Days” of summer may be here, but you don’t have to slide into a summer slump! There are plenty of things to do in Charlottesville and the surrounding area before the summer comes to an end. Get out and enjoy everything summer has to offer with a few of our suggestions:
Charlottesville lies nestled in one of the most beautiful areas in the country for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts. A short trip will take you to Humpback Rocks where you can enjoy the fantastic view and the elevation that produces cool breezes once you get to the Rock. Crabtree Falls is a favorite Virginia summer hike to the state’s most popular waterfall. The falls can be quite impressive during a wet year and the refreshing forest hike is a welcome escape in August.
If you prefer a more challenging hike, visit meetup.com to find group hiking opportunities. The site connects you with local events so that you can seek out more strenuous hikes to undertake with fellow hikers. Experienced hikers can explore new territory at Cove Mountain or the Wil Kohlbrenner Circuit Hike. Meetup.com provides information about lots of other local activities and events you might want to attend.
If you would like to stay close to home, Charlottesville residents can enjoy hiking the shady forest paths of the Rivanna Trail. The trail allows you to explore most of the Charlottesville area without the need to get into a car or a bus. The trail circumnavigates the City of Charlottesville, connecting walkers, bikers, runners, and hikers to the Historic Downtown Mall so that it’s easy to avoid the need to find parking while creating the perfect opportunity for an after-dinner stroll.
On the mall, there are so many summer friendly things to! Try some locally grown peach ice cream at the legendary Chap’s Ice Cream. On Friday nights, take that delicious treat with you down to the Sprint Pavilion for Fridays After Five, Charlottesville’s beloved weekly live music venue. Or walk to the mall to enjoy a world class meal at Fleurie followed by a concert or a show at the Paramount Theater.
If your stay-cation has you longing for a day at the beach, have no fear, you can fulfill beach fantasy without the long drive or the expensive hotel room right here in Charlottesville! Stop by the IX Beach Party for a dose of sun and sand. Each party features a different theme each week. Take your beach chairs, towels and grab your swimsuit! The Beach Party pays tribute to the greatest beaches of the world with music, food, and a few IX surprises.
Before the summer fades out of view, get your tickets for the famous LOCK’N music festival. This once modest event has become a beloved event in the area. The cultural extravaganza features a rotating stage providing continuous music from a wide array of famous artists. Great food, unique art vendors, clothing shops, a wide array of collectibles, locally brewed beer, activities for the kids, mountain biking, tubing, swimming, yoga – there is literally something for every festival fan at the LOCK’N event!
So make the most of the last days of summer!
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