How To Get Immersed In Charlottesville Culture

By Emily Plummer on November 27, 2015

This article is brought to you by The Flats at West Village, a dynamic community steps away from the University of Virginia campus in beautiful Charlottesville. To learn more about The Flats at West Village, please call us at 434-509-4430 and visit us here.

Every town has its own feel, its own style, its own culture, that let you know you have arrived. These characteristics are what make visiting new places exciting, and returning to old ones comforting.

Charlottesville, Virginia
Image via Mcintireblogs.org

For those of you living in Charlottesville, Virginia, you already know that a unique culture exists within this city; and for those of you who have never been, here is your chance to get acquainted with said culture.

Either way, there are several ways to immerse yourself in the specialized culture of Charlottesville. So get involved using these ideas!

1. Acquaint yourself with the history.

To really get into the culture of a place, you have to know how it came to be what it is. First formed in 1762, Charlottesville has a long history by United States standards. Prior to this official “founding” of the city, it was home to a Monacan Native American tribe that named their village Monasukapanough. As settlers took over the land, Charlottesville came to play host to revolutionary and civil war armies, and was the site of several resistance movements during the campaign for civil rights.

The University of Virginia, a major player in Charlottesville’s community, was founded by none other than Thomas Jefferson in 1819. His vision for the school was to support the education of students in public service, rather than the traditional career-driven courses.

Thomas Jefferson, our 3rd president
Image via Biography.com

Charlottesville has been a strong symbol of American history and retains a sense of nationalism and remembrance of our country’s past. The city’s modern culture continues to reflect its many centuries-worth of rich history.

2. Visit the historical sights.

Okay, so now that you know the history (or at least, a very quick and superficial version of it — for more information go here), the next step is to see this history up close and personal.

Charlottesville was at one time the home of presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe. Both of their houses, Monticello and Ash Lawn-Highland respectively, are open to visitors for touring. Several other historic sites, like Michie Tavern established in 1784, offer glimpses into America’s past as they continue to preserve the culture that has existed in Charlottesville for over 200 years.

Monticello
Image via Khanacademy.org

3. Take part in the art.

Every city has its own artistic community. Charlottesville is home to a quaint art scene, filled with small galleries such as the bozArt Gallery and the Bridge Progressive Arts Initiative, boasting beautiful pieces of work.

Though this community may appear modest, it has hosted a number of revered artists including Georgia O’Keefe, whose career took off after a few painting classes at none other than the University of Virginia.

Georgia O’Keefe’s Blue and Green Music
Image via Wikipedia.org

Explore the artwork produced by Charlottesville’s artists or, if creating is more your cup of tea, make your own pieces to add to the collections. From the Crescent Hall Quilters who design and produce amazing fabrics to the Glass Palette where you can create art out of glass, there are many options for you to actively take part in Charlottesville’s artistic community.

4. Music!

Whether you are a fan of small indie bands, or larger-than-life pop artists, Charlottesville will host your musical wishes. Attracting up-and-coming bands to small venues and more well-known musicians to large concert halls is all part of this city’s diverse culture.

Concert venues are situated intimately in downtown Charlottesville within walking distance from student housing locales like the Flats at West Village. This makes it convenient for students to attend all sorts of live performances that give character to the place you live. So take advantage!

Live from Jefferson Theater!
Image via Jeffersontheater.com

The nTelos Wireless Pavilion draws nationally-acclaimed performers without the overwhelming crowds, while smaller spaces like The Southern Cafe and Music Hall offer local artists the opportunity to show their stuff.

Whether you are into music appreciation or music making, dive into the musical scene at Charlottesville by checking out upcoming live shows or opportunities to play your own compilations among the many performance spaces that can be found here.

Students should take advantage of the new and exciting place they get to call home during their college years. Embrace the culture of your new surroundings by getting involved in it! Be a tourist in your own town and plan excursions to museums, galleries, and concerts. Living near downtown, as many students do, makes these destinations incredibly convenient; so take your new college friends and set out to understand a new corner of the earth through their history, art, and music.

Once you get your bearings in this new setting, you too can be a contributor to these cultural scenes in Charlottesville.

Looking for a great place to live off-campus within a stone’s throw of campus? Please visit The Flats at West Village to see our dynamic community in action. To visit our website, please click here or call us at 434-509-4430 to get more information and schedule a tour.

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