MSDS Students Favorite Charlottesville Activities

There is no shortage of activities for students at the University of Virginia, whether it’s on campus, in Charlottesville, or somewhere nearby. However, it can get overwhelming trying to decide your weekend plans when there are so many options. To make it easier for you, we contacted a few experts on the matter – aka the M.S. in Data Science (MSDS) Class of 2022 residential cohort. We polled current MSDS students:

“What’s your favorite activity to do in Charlottesville?”

Based on their collective responses, we compiled a list of the best activities to do on Grounds and around the Charlottesville community.

1. Hiking

“I’d say the hiking trails around Charlottesville, I like it because it’s a great way to explore Charlottesville and also to get outside and spend some time with friends. – Nick Landi

Situated just east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is well-known for its many hiking trails. Whether you are an expert hiker, beginner, or somewhere in between, Charlottesville has a trail for you. A few popular hikes include Humpback Rock (pictured on the right), the Saunders-Monticello trail, Old Rag Mountain, and Blue Hole (pictured on the left).

2. Visit Carter’s Mountain

“Fall is one of the prettiest times of year at UVA and Carter’s gives you a great view of it (plus pumpkins and cider).”– Malvika Kuncham

Carter’s Mountain is a popular attraction, offering several activities that differ depending on the season. You can enjoy their Sunset Series during the summer, apple picking during the fall, or cider donuts and the views year-round.

3. Wineries, Breweries, and Cideries

“[I love] exploring the many wonderful wineries around Charlottesville.” – Kristen Lucas

Because of its location on the Monticello Wine Trail and Charlottesville Ale Trail, has many options when it comes to indulging in the best brews and views. This is the perfect excursion for students of drinking age – you can choose to sip some wine, try out local distilleries, or simply savor the scenery!

4. Enjoy Outdoor Spaces on Grounds

“Playing spike ball with friends.” – Mike Henry

Students at UVA are fortunate to have many great outdoor areas on campus, or what is referred to as Grounds. Options like the Lawn, Amphitheater, and Lambeth Field make it difficult to justify doing anything indoors when Charlottesville has such nice weather year-round. Don’t worry though if you are not an avid spike ball enthusiast like Mike. You can enjoy the greenery in other ways, like having a picnic, studying outdoors, or just hanging out with friends.

 5. Try New (and Old) Restaurants

“Breakfast at the Cavalier Diner!” – Ryan Pindale

You are in luck if you’re a foodie. Charlottesville was ranked 14th in the nation by Huffington Post for most restaurants per capita. You can enjoy critically acclaimed restaurants on the Downtown Mall or try student favorites on the Corner – the stretch of businesses neighboring UVA. Other options include exploring the endless restaurants at the Dairy Market, venturing into cute neighborhoods like Belmont or Woolen Mills, or ending your search for the best breakfast (because it’s at the Cavalier Diner).

6. Explore the Farmer’s Market

 “The farmer’s market is a great way to fit in time with friends and fresh air into a packed schedule.” – Hannah Schmuckler 

Charlottesville has not one, but two farmer’s markets every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm! One is located at the Downtown Mall and the other is within walking distance to the IX Art Park. Both markets offer close to a hundred local vendors selling everything from fresh, locally sourced produce and baked goods to organic soap and art.

7. Day Trip to Nearby Resorts

“Since there is no snow in my country, I love to take advantage of the few snow days we have in Charlottesville.” – Karolina Naranjo-Velasco

Winter in Charlottesville, although short-lived, is the perfect opportunity to enjoy nearby ski resorts, like Wintergreen and Massanutten. You can go (or if you’re like me, attempt at) skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and much more. Not to mention, students get tickets at a discounted price! For when it’s not winter, you can day trip to Busch Gardens or Kings Dominion if you’re a fan of rollercoasters, explore nearby cities like Richmond or Williamsburg, or visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8. Take Advantage of UVA Activities

“I love going rock climbing with my Data Science friends.” – Felipe Barraza

UVA offers a lot of options for those who don’t want to travel far for fun. Between Student Council events, intramural sports, free amenities around Grounds, and the 800+ student-run organizations that you can join, students have countless great activities right at their fingertips.

We know that life as a graduate student can be hectic. However, we encourage everyone to explore the many options Charlottesville has to offer. Take a study break and hang out on the Lawn or celebrate a complete project by going to Carter’s Mountain! We hope you will give these suggestions a try and let us know which one is your favorite.