When asked what sets the Darden School of Business apart from other top U.S. business schools, our location in Charlottesville, Virginia is one of the first things that comes to mind. Our serene bubble in Central Virginia is a welcome juxtaposition to the rigorous Full-Time MBA course load, giving traction to the “work hard, play hard” mentality.
Two locals, Managing Director of Admissions Whitney Kestner and Director of Marketing Len Leiser, recently collaborated to share “8 Great Things to Know About Charlottesville, Virginia.” Watch the webinar recording below to hear for yourself!
The Great Outdoors
It’s important for MBA students to get outside and exercise/spend time in nature, something Dean Scott Beardsley heavily endorses! Visiting Shenandoah National Park via the Blue Ridge Parkway, going for a hike, kayaking or stand up paddle boarding along the Rivanna River are all great ways to relax and refresh.
The Tahija Arboretum and Lacross Botanical Gardens at the Darden School of Business offers a dose of natural beauty just steps away from the Sands Family Grounds classrooms.
University of Virginia
Whitney Kestner calls the University of Virginia “the heartbeat of Charlottesville,” and it’s easy to see why. Many city transplants move here for school or work, and stay because of all the other reasons in this article!
UVA is a top public university, offering incredible athletic events, concerts, arts opportunities (like the Fralin Museum of Art) and more. U.S. history buffs are likely aware that the third U.S. president Thomas Jefferson was the founder of the university, but did you know that it is also a UNESCO world heritage site?
The Arts Scene
Art galleries and music venues are bustling in Charlottesville. Here are some favorites:
- The Front Porch
- The Jefferson Theater
- The Southern Café and Music Hall
- Paramount Theater
- John Paul Jones Arena
- IX Art Park
- The Fralin Musem of Art at the University of Virginia
- Old Cabell Hall (the Charlottesville Symphony performs here!)
- C’ville Arts Cooperative Gallery
- McGuffey Art Center
Downtown Mall
One of the longest pedestrian malls in the U.S., Charlottesville’s Downtown Mall is a lovely place to spend a morning, afternoon or evening! It is home to great shopping, dining and nightlife, as well as the beloved community tradition Fridays After Five.
Lots of Festivals
The Virginia Film Festival, Festival of the Book and the Crozet Arts & Crafts Market are a few crowd pleasers! Charlottesville residents and guests alike flock to these these exciting community events.
In our literal backyard, the annual Darden Global Food Festival brings together Darden students and their families, faculty and staff for a day of global cuisine and community on Flagler Court.
Foodie Paradise
Charlottesville has an incredibly high amount of restaurants and food diversity for it’s small-city size, likely due to our proximity to Washington, DC. We recommend checking out “The 2024 Charlottesville 29: This Year’s List of Charlottesville’s Essential Restaurants” for some highlights!
If you prefer cooking in, you’ll find local ingredients from an abundance of orchards and farms at the farmers market.
Discover Wine Country
Chalottesville and Ablemarle County’s wine business is popping off with over 40 local wineries! With beer and food offerings as well (often with a view of the Blue Ridge Mountains), visiting a winery is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.
Where in the World Are We?
The University of Virginia Darden School of Business is located in Central Virginia, a two-hour drive from Washington DC and one hour from the state capital, Richmond. Traveling is encouraged by the local airport and Amtrak station!
Looking for the beach?
