5 Affordable Weekend Activities Within 5 Miles of the Rotunda

Either pack your own food or get a to-go meal from one of the restaurants on the Corner, lay out a blanket and bring a speaker to play music. 

If you’re feeling adventurous, poke your head into one of the newly minted Lawnies’ rooms to introduce yourself. 

Explore The Fralin Museum of Art

Distance from the Rotunda: 0.3 miles

Established in 1935, The Fralin Museum of Art is an artistic fixture of the University. Its mission is to foster curiosity and diversity through the study of art. 

The Fralin, which will reopen with new exhibitions on Aug. 30, features a diverse range of art, including a permanent collection of nearly 14,000 objects and rotating temporary exhibits that offer something new each year. 

 

 

 

 

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Whether you’re an art enthusiast or just looking for a quiet place to reflect, The Fralin provides an enriching experience. Admission is free to everyone, making it a priceless destination for students and visitors alike.

Browse the Downtown Mall’s Secondhand Stores

Distance from the Rotunda: 1.4 miles

Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall is home to several secondhand stores visitors can spend hours exploring. The walk to the Downtown Mall takes about half an hour, but you can also hop on the Charlottesville Area Transit trolley or bus for a quicker trip. 

Explore unique shops like Low, Arsenic and Old Lace, and Neon Soul for curated vintage clothing, records, furniture and more. 

Just around the corner on East Market Street, you’ll find Daedalus Bookshop, a used bookstore with three floors waiting for you to sift through them. 

Visit a Community Farmer’s Market

Distance from the Rotunda: 1.6 miles 

Open on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon and located at 522 2nd St. SE, just a couple of blocks off the Downtown Mall, the Ix Art Park Farmer’s Market hosts a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce to goods from local businesses. 

About a half-mile away from Ix Art Park is the Charlottesville City Market, which is open on Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 100 Water St. 

Either community market is a great place to enjoy a quick bite while supporting local businesses. Whether shopping for ingredients or browsing, a farmer’s market is the place to be on Saturday mornings.

Explore the Rivanna River in Darden Towe Park

Distance from the Rotunda: 4.6 miles

The 42-mile-long Rivanna River passes through Charlottesville, offering students a great opportunity to get out into nature close to Grounds.

Accessible by taking the CAT and a short walk, Darden Towe Park, located at 1445 Darden Towe Park Rd., offers public river access, perfect for kayaking or swimming.

Students can rent kayaks or canoes from UVA’s Outdoor Adventure Equipment Rental for $15 for a one- to two-day rental. If water activities aren’t your thing, the park also features walking trails stretching for 3.8 miles.

Whether you’re looking to paddle on the river or explore the trails, Darden Towe Park offers a variety of outdoor activities, making it a great weekend destination.