Understand

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Charlottesville is a town steeped in history and culture. Of the eight U.S. presidents who came from Virginia, two -- Jefferson and Monroe -- were from Charlottesville, and two more came from neighboring counties. Central Virginia was a major battlefield during the Civil and Revolutionary Wars. Thomas Jefferson, whom locals affectionately call "Mr. Jefferson," continues to cast a long shadow, particularly over local architecture. Many of Charlottesville's public buildings are made of brick and built in a Jeffersonian style, and many private homes are colonial.

The culture of Charlottesville revolves around two points: the University of Virginia and the Historic Downtown Mall. Charlottesville is a major cultural center for central Virginia, and features more fine dining, shopping, and entertainment than one might expect for a town of its size.

Eat

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There are a ton of great restaurants in Charlottesville, offering a variety of cuisines at reasonable prices. Main hubs of restaurants include 'The Corner,' an area of student-friendly shops in a traditional student area right next to the University, and around the downtown mall. From spring through fall, the outside seating on the pedestrian-only outdoor mall is highly recommended.

Downtown Mall

Escafe -- comfort food with a twist... and a late night crowd.

Atomic Burrito -- a hip local spot where Charlottesville natives frequent. Often claimed to be the best burrito in town. 109 Second St. SE.

Revolutionary Soup -- Hearty soups, inspired sandwiches, fresh salads, fancy sodas, local and organic ingredients. 11-8 Mon.-Sat.. Soups are about $5. 108 Second St. SW.

Marco and Luca's -- Noodles and dumplings. Super cheap and very popular.

Christian's -- Gourmet pizza by the slice.

Vita Nova (formerly Sylvia's) -- Gourmet pizza by the slice.

Bizou -- moderately priced French-influenced comfort food

Blue Light Grill -- fresh seafood and bar

Zocalo -- higher end Latin inspired cuisine

Bang -- higher end Asian inspired Tapas. 213 Second St. SW.

Mas -- (501 Monticello Rd., in the Belmont area near downtown) Spanish tapas.

Fleurie -- high end French cuisine. On Third St.

Fellini's #9 -- popular gathering place for live music and creative southern Italian food. 201 W. Market St.

Hamilton's -- higher-end misc

Downtown Grille -- higher-end grill, surf and turf

Mono Loco -- Cuban cuisine. 200 W. Water St.

The Shebeen - South African restaurant and pub. 247 Ridge/McIntire Rd.

West Main - 'Virginian' restaurant with several levels with bars etc. 333 W. Main St.

Cafe Cubano -- Particularly good for breakfast. Also has Panini.

Bluegrass Grill -- Specializing in breakfast. 313 Second St.

Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar -- Large selection of gourmet teas, with vegetarian food and hookah

C&O -- High end Virginia cuisine in a cozy environment. Excellent casual bar downstairs. 515 E. Water St.

Miller's -- This pub is an institution but is known for its music, not its food. Dave Matthews tended bar here back in the day and met his future bandmates here.

Bashir's Taverna -- Mediterranean cuisine

Downtown Thai -- cheap-moderate priced Thai cuisine

South Street Brewery -- This is a brew-pub where they serve what they make on the premises. South St. also serves guest beers, cider, wine and has a...