Before fall gets into full swing and we are pulled in 36,452 directions, I encourage you to take a deep breath, set your intentions for September, write the must-do’s on your calendar, and then fill in the gaps with a few of these fun activities around town. After all, Charlottesville is a magical place to live and dwell. Thanks for letting me be your guide to a few of the goings on this month!
1. Grab your favorite glass of King Family wine (I’m partial to the Crosé) and enjoy the sunset on Wednesdays at King Family Vineyards. Food trucks available from 5-8; tasting room open until 8.
2. It’s officially football season, and you can catch UVA’s season opener against William & Mary at Scott Stadium on September 6. Since the game doesn’t start until 8 o’clock, you may actually get to pull on your favorite cozy game day sweatshirt. Also, tickets are as low as $6. Can you say Friday Night Lights?
3. In honor of C-VILLE magazine’s 30th birthday, Charlottesvillians are invited to grab their 80’s garb and party like it’s 1989 at the Best of C-VILLE party in McGuffey Park on September 7! From a girl who just pulled together her best Debbie Gibson a few weeks ago, I can assure you 80’s nights are a blast. Tickets are $40 and all proceeds go to International Neighbors (you can read my interview with IN Founder Kari Miller here.) Unlimited food and bev are included in the ticket price.
4. Years ago while carrying an armload of children’s clothes to the check out counter at a local consignment sale, 4-year-old Maddox looked at me and said quizzically, “Mom, don’t you think you’re being greedy?” Well, as humbling as that moment was, I’ll be making my way back to the Here WEE Grow Again sale at Aldersgate Methodist Church. Doors open for all shoppers September 14 at 9 am and the sale continues through the 21st.
5. Grab your tissues and make your way to The Alamo Drafthouse on Semptember 15 for a showing of 1989’s Steel Magnolias. I’ll be taking my oldest daughter to the iconic movie and we’re praying they’ll be hacking into slices of a bleedin’ armadillo groom’s cake for all the movie patrons. Show starts at 2 and tickets are $13.
6. Last week, I ventured over to Be Just, a new boutique in Belmont for domestic tools and home supplies. Y’all, I’ve never been so excited for cleaning products. I walked out with a few eco-friendly dishrags and a sweater brush to combat fall pilling, but will be back for candles and pots and plants and dishes and on and on. Open Tuesday – Sunday, take a stroll over in September and gather a few new pieces to help you make sense of home.
7. Come watch the sunset and enjoy the exhibits during a Night at the Museum at the Kluge-Rhue Aboriginal Art Collection on Pantops. Libations and food trucks will be available from 5-9, and a special Australian-themed kids area will be set up for families. Cost of the event is $5 per person.
8. If you’ve ever experienced Dinner in the Field in Richmond, you’ll be right at home at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyard’s Vine and Field Dinner on September 21. Guests will be guided through the vineyards and gardens for a progressive agrotourism experience complete with stations for demonstrations and mini-workshops. The night will culminate with a 3-course harvest meal under the stars. Tickets are sold here.
9. Looking for an early fall hike close to home? Look no further than the trails of Sugar Hollow near the Charlottesville Reservoir. We often don’t make it past the watering hole not-so-lovingly known as Snake Hole, but the cool mountain water and sitting spots are enough to pack a picnic and enjoy an afternoon hike.
10. Did you know that switching from a meat-based diet to a diet based on whole grains, fruits and vegetables reduces water and land use, lowers pollution, slows deforestation and reduces destruction of topsoil, among other benefits? Head over to Washington Park on September 28 from noon – 6 for the annual Vegan Roots Fest to learn from demonstrations and speakers about the vegan lifestyle, and enjoy food and drinks in the park!
Leave a Reply