5 Ways to Get Out of Charlottesville This Fall

The Law School’s tight-knit community is one of its greatest strengths. It makes the long nights bearable, and it makes the entire legal education journey truly special. It forges bonds in a matter of days that will remain unbroken long after we have all graduated. It can also get claustrophobic.  

We have a long semester and a longer year ahead of us as we enter the beginning of the 2026–27 academic year. After pacing the same four hallways and seeing the same 900 faces over and over and over again, some law students may feel like going batty by Halloqueen. For those looking for a reason to haul themselves out of a rut and leave the confines of the Greater Charlottesville Area, we humbly present this tasting menu of things to do in Virginia with a low risk of surprise awkward professor encounters. 

Hiking in Appalachia 

At this point, to graduate from this law school without once ascending Humpback Rocks with your classmates requires a conscious and dedicated effort to avoid the trail. What may surprise many Lawhoos, however, is that the state of Virginia actually possesses hiking trails that are not Humpback Rocks. In fact, the Appalachian Mountains span an area far outside the immediate outskirts of Charlottesville. Yes, even outside of Albemarle County! 

For adventurers looking to travel the trail less trodden without risking bumping into their entire Criminal Law co-section, plenty of diverse hiking options are available up and down the range. MacAfee Knob offers a gorgeous panoramic view, as well as several mild trails and forest service road paths to reach it. For those looking for a more challenging ascent, the famed Old Rag Mountain Loop offers a sharp incline, an acrobatic rock scramble, and stunning views of the area's foliage—if you hit it on the right weekend. Both hikes are at least an hour outside of town, giving one ample time to breathe, relax, and get excited to finally touch some grass.  

Coastal Trip

If you can brave the traffic and construction around Hampton Roads, you could find yourself on a soothing sandy beach in a matter of hours. In addition to the always-popular Virginia Beach Oceanfront, the coastline of the southeastern corner of Virginia also features quieter, more family-oriented areas, such as Chic’s Beach. Be sure to pick up a sandwich from Virginia-owned chain TASTE before heading down to the beach to soak up some sun, surf, and sanity. 

Luray Caverns

Every single law student who has had a full day of classes in our beloved windowless rooms has had the exact same thought: “Man, I have GOT to get somewhere with less natural sunlight.”  

Well, yearn no more, cave creatures! 

Luray, Virginia lies an easily day-tripable distance away and boasts the largest caverns in the eastern United States. The chambers of geological marvels are moodily lit and accessible via a paved path. Additionally, the natural climate control afforded by an underground venue makes this excursion an excellent escape from Charlottesville’s seasonal heat, cold, rain, snow, and reading assignments. Spelunk to your heart’s content far, far away from the reaches of eduroam. 

Antiquing in Staunton

For a day trip with a more quaint and quiet vibe, you cannot go wrong with Staunton, VA. Only a 40-minute drive west of North Grounds, Staunton’s historic downtown area is highly walkable and features a cornucopia of eclectic antique stores. One can easily pass a whole day simply by grabbing a cozy drink at a coffee shop (such as Reunion Bakery & Espresso, this author’s personal favorite) and perusing the rooms full of items ranging from nostalgic to historic. Indeed, some spots—particularly those selling Civil War and Revolutionary-era relics—might be better categorized as miniature museums, rather than simply shops. 

Richmond

It’s the new New York, so they’re saying. Only an hour and a half drive outside of Charlottesville, Richmond is the most easily accessible urban escape from the small-town panopticon to be found in central Virginia. Not only does Richmond boast a myriad of historical attractions and educational tours, but it also has a collection of beautiful outdoor recreation areas and a thriving cultural scene. After working up an appetite strolling around Belle Isle, refuel at one of the city’s diverse array of local cafés and restaurants. Buna Kurs Ethiopian Cafe in Jackson Ward is a hidden gem that should not be missed.