Something Different to Do with a 17-Year-Old Boy

I think we%26#39;ll be coming down to Charlottesville (from Northern Virginia) to do a college visit to UVA during my son%26#39;s Spring Break. This is the first year we have never done a fun Spring Break trip, but we%26#39;ve just got to get some college visits in this year. I%26#39;d like to do something fun/different/special with him while we are in the area. We%26#39;ve done all the normal historical stuff, but since he does plan to be a history major, if there%26#39;s a fun activity with a history bent, that would be OK. But mainly, I just want something ';different'; for us to do. Thanks!

Something Different to Do with a 17-Year-Old Boy

wahoo-wa!!! first of all, i want to say that i am so happy that you are visiting UVA. my wife and i are alums and we loved the University and Charlottesville. so, we hope you have a great visit!

since Easter is early this year, will spring break for high schools be in late march? or is it still in mid april?

check out what%26#39;s going on at the John Paul Jones Arena. that venue always have good shows and events. perhaps you could see a show. here is their website: www.johnpauljonesarena.com/calendar.asp

do you and your son like sports? if so, you could check out a UVA lacrosse, baseball, softball or tennis event. http://www.virginiasports.com/

hopefully when you go, the weather will be nice for you two check out the downtown mall. this place has great food, great vendors and a great vibe. it also has excellent theaters to see movies and live shows. it is one of the places to visit when in charlottesville. check out this website: www.charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?page=177

if you are outdoorsy folks, then head west on I-64 towards the blue ridge mountains.

anyway, have a nice time visiting schools. oh, and here is a tip about visit UVA. do not go on a friday. the campus (or Grounds) is dead on fridays b/c a lot of students set up their schedules to have friday off. if you want to get a real feel of UVA, then go on Tues, Wed or Thursday.

Something Different to Do with a 17-Year-Old Boy

Thank you, Mcvin, for the helpful info, especially on when NOT to visit UVA. His Spring Break is March 17 - 21 this year, the week before Easter.

no problem, longhorn. if you or your son have anymore questions about UVA, feel free to send me a message through tripadvisor (i think you can do this by clicking on my name).

I don’t think I’m qualified to answer this, not having any teenagers myself (other than a teenage cat!) but here are some ideas (a couple of which have already been suggested):

Interested in the stars? UVa’s McCormick Observatory is open to the public on specific nights.

How about taking in a show at the John Paul Jones Arena or the downtown Paramount while you’re here?

Have you ever been on a hot air balloon ride? Check out Bonaire Charters. I often see them floating over Charlottesville %26amp; the surrounding area.

Want to explore some small town history? 20 miles south of Charlottesville down Route 20 is Scottsville. It’s a lovely drive down Route 20 south, past a number of historic farms which are now owned by Dave Matthews (of the Dave Matthews Band).

While it’s best to visit Scottsville in the summer %26amp; tube down the James River, there is a small museum (closed for the winter – although sometimes they’ll open for visitors if you call ahead) %26amp; a very small park with a replica of a batteaux boat.

Looking for an unusual sight? Just south of Scottsville is the LOTUS temple at Yogaville. It’s one of my favorite places to take visitors as it’s such a wonderful surprise to encounter a pink temple in the middle of the rolling Virginia countryside. Inside, the first floor of the temple has a display for each major religion in the world.

If you make it all the way to Scottsville, have pizza for dinner on the main street – at the restaurant named after its location -- 330 Valley Street. Sit at one of the tables at the front, near the big windows, and watch cars %26amp; people roll by.

Do the two of you golf? Try UVa’s Birdwood golf course.

Have you been to the Frontier Culture Museum? It’s about 30 minutes west of Charlottesville.

How about just hanging out? You’ll want to spend some time just hanging out and exploring UVa’s Corner and Charlottesville%26#39;s pedestrian mall – “the Downtown Mall”.

Need to expend some extra energy? How about a hike – Humpback Rocks is very popular on the Blue Ridge Parkway and is also about a 30-45 minute drive from Charlottesville.

Or put on some skates %26amp; go ice skating at the inside rink on the downtown mall.

There are also plenty of walking trails in Charlottesville – try Kemper Park – it has a trail that starts at the base of Monticello Mountain %26amp; climbs all the way to the parking lot at Monticello (it’s a long walk, but easy as the paths %26amp; boardwalks are beautifully maintained). You can also get off the trail about halfway up the mountain %26amp; walk a few yards for lunch at Michie Tavern (their menu is limited to fried chicken %26amp; a few side dishes, but I love it).

And even though you say that you’ve seen the historic sites, check out Monticello’s website for special events and special tours (which usually happen in the late afternoon/early evening).

Thank you, chickenlady. You%26#39;ve given me quite a list of ideas to discuss with my son!