The school year is coming to an end. Stressful events like finals and moving out abound, as does the dread of saying goodbye to friends. These things, however, don't apply to everyone. For those who are stranded, studying in or escaping to Charlottesville this summer, it can seem difficult to find things with which to occupy those magically endless summer days. Rest assured, dear summer dwellers, that though tableau and its endless recommendations and event-cataloging calendar will be gone, we've found you some things to look forward to.
Flick Hits
The school year is coming to an end. Stressful events like finals and moving out abound, as does the dread of saying goodbye to friends. These things, however, don't apply to everyone. For those who are stranded, studying in or escaping to Charlottesville this summer, it can seem difficult to find things with which to occupy those magically endless summer days. Rest assured, dear summer dwellers, that though tableau and its endless recommendations and event-cataloging calendar will be gone, we've found you some things to look forward to.
Outdoor Life
If the outdoors is more your scene, there are plenty of opportunities for fun around town. Tired of strolling through Grounds? Head up Observatory Hill and check out the paths or go over to Pen Park or Azalea Park. Apple-picking season may be over, but there is always something to do at Carter Mountain Orchard.
For great performances and a change of scenery head to Ash Lawn July 7 through Aug. 13. The Ash Lawn Opera Festival will present The Merry Widow and Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story at night, but come early and picnic or attend a lecture.
For the adventurous and financially able, The Boar's Head Inn offers hot air ballooning.
C'Ville Shows
Hollywood won't be the only thing giving summer options. Laura Viers & The Tortured Souls along with Karl Blau and Thao Nguyen will perform May 17 at Satellite Ballroom.
The Charlottesville Pavilion will host The Thompson D'Earth Band and their cool jazz May 26.
For New Orleans rock and soul, go to The Charlottesville Pavilion June 23 to hear Eric Lindell.
James Brown, "The King of Soul," holds court at The Charlottesville Pavilion Thursday, May 25. Vaudeville and burlesque is the order of the day May 31.
The Yard Dogs Road Show comes to Starr Hill with their performance of art and music.
America's Wetland Revival Tour featuring Wynton Marsalis, the Neville Brothers and Dr. John will come to The Charlottesville Pavilion Sunday, June 11. If pop music is more your thing, stop by and "Meet Virginia" with Train June 29.
Moneypenny & Sun Domingo bring catchy melodies and classic songwriting to Starr Hill June 3.
June 14 Mason Jennings will perform his faith-based music at Starr Hill.
If you remember the '90s band Toad the Wet Sprocket head down to The Charlottesville Pavilion July 8.
Lyle Lovett plays a benefit for Live Arts Saturday, Aug. 26.
There are always local and indie acts playing at Satellite Ballroom and The Gravity Lounge. Check out their schedules online.
The Paramount Theater is another historic Charlottesville location that is always busy. Whether it is an original performance or the screening of a classic movie, The Paramount offers a wide variety of activities. Catch recent releases cheaper at The Jefferson Theater on the Downtown Mall.
Charlottesville will also restart its free "Fridays After Five" shows.
Get Wordy
Book worms unite in joy! Charlottesville is full of used and rare bookstores.
Heartwood Books, on Elliewood Avenue, has an amazing art section as well as an excellent combination of recent and classic literature.
The Downtown Mall has a great number of used bookstores. The New Dominion Bookshop has been open since 1924 and has a wide selection of fiction, children's books and architecture.
Stop by The Book Cellar after dinner at The Hardware Store. It is located (obviously) in the cellar of the Hardware Store building and has a special history room.
If you are interested in antiquarian maps and original prints, Blue Whale Books specializes in them as well as other scholarly books.
Read It Again Sam is a classic used book store. Loosely named after the classic Casablanca line, it has been open for 17 years though only the last eight have been on the Downtown Mall. Read it Again Sam has "the largest selection of mysteries, science fiction, art, military history and children's books in the area," according to owner Dave Taylor. A unique fact about the store is that it doesn't carry self-help, romance novels, diet guides or economics books. It also has a great literature section that never fails, no matter what you're looking for.
Quest Bookshop, across from the train station, is a unique experience. It has books tapes and cards about self-awareness and spiritual wisdom. There is also a wide selection of recovery books, gay and lesbian-themed books, religion, philosophy, meditation and new age magazines. If it floats your boat you can also get crystals, stones, incense and burners.
So for everyone here over summer, get out and explore beyond the University bubble. Check out Live Arts and explore the local art galleries. Take in a summer film and pick up a new & used book. Whatever you do this summer, have fun and relax.
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