Population:       45,049

Elevation:         594 feet

Land area:             10.3 square miles

Location:               The City of Charlottesville is located in Central Virginia, approximately 100 miles

southwest of Washington, D.C. and 70 miles northwest of Richmond, Virginia.

Time Zone:      Eastern Standard Time Zone, Daylight Saving Time April October.

Weather:

 Climate:

Local Seasons:   Charlottesville has four temperate seasons. Winters bring some snow, but the temperatures in January rarely dip below freezing.   Spring warms up quickly, with temperatures in March and April averaging in the mid-40s and 50s.  The dogwood trees are coaxed into blooming by the rising temperatures and thousands of visitors come to the area to enjoy both the blooms and the festival.  Summers bring sunny days, and with temperatures averaging in the high 70s, its just perfect for spending time outdoors.  The fall brings magnificent vistas with foliage in hues of red, gold and orange and perfect weather for light jackets or sweaters.

Getting There:

By Car:             Charlottesville is on I-64 from east or west and U.S. 29 from north or south. I-64

               connects with I-81 at Staunton and with I-95 at Richmond.

By Plane:            US Airways, Delta, and United fly commuter planes to Charlottesville-Albemarle

Airport, 201 Bowen Loop (434-973-8341, north of town off U.S. 29. Taxis are available, and Van on the Go (877-973-7667 or 434-975-8267) provides shuttle service into town.

By Train:          The Amtrak station is at 810 W. Main St. (800-872-7245), about halfway between the commercial district and the University of Virginia.

Getting Around:

The easiest way to get between the campus and the Downtown Mall is on the free trolley operated by the Charlottesville Transit Service (CTA) (434-296). It runs along Main Street every 10 to 15 minutes Monday to Saturday from 6:30am to midnight.  CTA also has bus service Monday through Saturday from 6:30am to 6:30pm throughout the city (but not to Monticello).

Parking -- On-street parking is extremely limited. In the historic downtown area, you can park free for 2 hours with merchant validation (take your ticket with you and get it stamped) in the garage on Market Street between 1st and 2nd streets, or in any of the lots and two garages along Water Street. The university's visitor parking garage is on the western side of the campus, on Emmet Street (U.S. 29 Business) a block south of University Avenue (which is the continuation of West Main Street). On the eastern side of campus, two public garages are located opposite the University Hospital on Lee Street, off Jefferson Park Avenue. The Corner has public parking on Elliewood Avenue, Wertland Street at 14th Street, and down the alleys behind the businesses fronting West Main Street.

City Layout:

Charlottesville has two commercial centers, one catering to college students;  the other to grownups. Both are on Main Street (U.S. 250 Business), about a mile apart. On West Main Street, opposite the University of Virginia between 13th Street and Elliewood Avenue, the Corner neighborhood is a typical campus enclave, with student-dominated restaurants, bookstores and clothing stores, and a dearth of parking spaces. A mile to the east, Historic Downtown Charlottesville is centered on the Downtown Mall, an 8-block, pedestrian-only strip of Main Street between 2nd Street West and 8th Street East.

Getting Around:

Explore Charlottesville's captivating downtown and the University areas the most relaxing way:  on foot. Visitors and locals alike also enjoy taking advantage of Charlottesville Transit Service's free trolley from historic downtown to the Corner and University Grounds.

Given the county's size and geographic diversity, alternative options for travel beyond the city include private or rental vehicle, bus, limousine or if you feel daring-- ballooning! Customized guided tours of Charlottesville and Albemarle County, Monticello Wine Country, and beyond are available by appointment.

National Holidays:

New Year's Day: Jan. 1

Martin Luther King, Jr., Day: 3rd Mon. in Jan.

President's Day:  3rd Mon. in Feb.

Memorial Day: last Mon. in May

Independence Day: July 4

Labor Day: 1st Mon. in Sept.

Thanksgiving Day:  4th Thurs. in Nov.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day: Dec. 24 and 25

New Year's Eve: Dec. 31

Business Hours

Emergencies:   Ambulance (911). Fire ( 911). Police ( 911).