6 Fall Activities in Charlottesville, VA

There’s nothing like fall in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The leaves turn red and complement the red brick of Mr. Jefferson’s buildings, the air is crisp and cold, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are back. If you’re looking for some fun fall activities to do in the Charlottesville area, you’re in luck! We’ve made a list of the 6 best things to do in Charlottesville in autumn so you can celebrate it right.

1. Pick apples at Carter’s Mountain
   Is there anything better than apple picking in the fall? Yes! Apple picking in the fall at Carter’s Mountain Orchard. Not only do you have a 360º view of the Blue Ridge Mountains, with an orange hue as leaves turn for fall, but you can also sip fresh apple cider and snack on warm apple cider donuts. Grab a friend or two and enjoy your day collecting sweet, crisp apples and enjoying fall.
2. Complete a corn maze
   Here’s a hard truth: Corn mazes don’t get easier as you get older. But they’re still fun to try! Central Virginia boasts several corn mazes, including the Liberty Mills Farm in Somerset, Virginia and the Blue Ridge Mountain Maze in Lovingston, Virginia. Both are about a half hour away from Charlottesville, and are the perfect way to spend a day — or a night if you want to get spooked.
3. Hike Humpback
   Yes, you can hike Humpback anytime. But there is nothing like the view from the top in the fall. You can see bright orange and red leaves for miles, and at sunset the trees appear to be on fire. Be sure to grab a coat before you hike, since it gets cold at the top!
4. Paint pumpkins on the lawn
   This activity requires only two materials: paint (or paint pens) and a pumpkin. No artistic ability is needed! Take a friend for a picnic on the lawn (snacks are optional but encouraged) and see who can make the most creative pumpkin. Better yet, decorate one together! By the end of your time there, you’ll have a fun fall decoration and a wholesome memory.
5. Do a café crawl
   There’s nothing like curling up with a hot cup of coffee or tea in a café when it’s cold out. Charlottesville has some of the best coffee shops in my unbiased opinion. Some of my favorites include Grit coffee, a C’ville classic, and a more hidden gem, Wellhouse. Find some hole-in-the wall cafés, pack your laptop, and try as many as you can!
6. Bake some Pumpkin-flavored treats
   I’m on a mission to bake every Pumpkin-flavored treat there is. This can be a fun activity to do with your roommates while listening to Monster Mash. Some recipes I personally will be trying out include these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies and these Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins. After, you can munch on your snacks while watching a scary movie, snuggled under blankets with hot chocolate.

Have anything else you want to add to the list? Comment them below, and happy Halloween!