I’m Tiffany Jenkins, an M.S. in Commerce student in the Marketing and Management track. I’m originally from Louisa, VA, a super small town about 30 minutes from Charlottesville. I received my B.A. in Spanish and Global Security & Justice from the University of Virginia in 2018 and took a job in New York City for a year before returning for my master’s degree. Coming back to Charlottesville has been absolutely great, and to be honest, fall here is completely unmatched. Below are five of my favorite adventures that you have to experience in Charlottesville during the fall!
1. Visiting Carter Mountain Apple Orchard
The orchard opens for apple picking season in October. It’s great because you can pick your own apples and then snag a picnic table to hang out with friends! The views atop Carter Mountain are FLAWLESS. Plus, aside from the apples, they serve Bold Rock (a popular hard cider) and amazing homemade apple cider donuts! Did I mention the views?
2. Spending the Day on the Downtown Mall
The Downtown Mall is an eight-block pedestrian mall located in historic downtown Charlottesville. The streets are lined with amazing restaurants, theaters, bars, and local shops. On a nice afternoon, I like to grab an outdoor table at one of the coffee shops, like Mudhouse, to study!
3. Attending a UVA Football Game
Even with the ups and downs that come with being a Virginia football fan, games are still fun to attend and free to students! They’re also a great opportunity to mingle with classmates or students in the M.S. in Accounting or M.S. in Global Commerce programs. And when UVA wins, it’s even better!
4. Hiking Humpback Rocks at Sunrise
Fall colors in Charlottesville are really like nothing you’ve ever seen. Once the leaves start to change, Charlottesville gets even more beautiful, and it’s a fantastic time to go hiking. We’re only 30 minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains and Skyline Drive. There are many trails nearby, but hiking Humpback Rocks is my favorite. It’s a great workout and ends with stunning 360-degree views!
5. Exploring the Local Wine Scene
The Charlottesville area is surrounded by fabulous wineries along the Monticello Wine Trail! The wine is good, and the views are even better. Of the 30+ vineyards in the area, here are a few of my favs: Jefferson Vineyards, Barboursville Vineyards, Pippin Hill Farm & Winery, and Blenheim Vineyards (owned by the legendary Dave Matthews!). Even after attending UVA as an undergrad and now a graduate student, I still haven’t visited them all. It’s a nice outing to have on the weekend or when friends are visiting.
These are just my top five favorite things to do in Charlottesville during the fall, but there’s so much more to explore in the area!