Local and national websites that offer some great information for newcomers to Charlottesville…

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Central Grounds

Central Grounds begins at the corner of Rt. 29 (Emmet St.) and Ivy Rd./University Ave. To get to that intersection from the Engineering School, go north on Emmet Street, past Memorial Gym. The intersection of Emmet Street and Ivy Rd./University Ave. is the first stoplight.

The Rotunda, the heart of the University, is two blocks east of the above intersection on University Ave. Alderman and Clemons libraries are across McCormick St.

To reach U.Va. Medical Center go east on University Ave. past the Rotunda, under the railroad bridge, to Jefferson Park Ave. and turn right. Or continue on Emmet St. past Ivy, veer left with the road as it turns onto JPA, then make a right into the hospital.

Just one block east of the Rotunda, the Corner is the restaurant and shopping strip along University Ave. that serves Central Grounds. Elliewood Ave. is a sidestreet at the west end of the Corner.

University Transit System
Website
924-7231
U.Va. Parking and Transportation, Millmont St (behind Barracks Road Shopping Center)

U.Va.’s blue-and-orange buses are free to University students, faculty, and staff.  See the web site for routes and schedules.

Community

Charlottesville has one major north-south corridor, Rt. 29, where most of the major shopping centers are located. Many businesses listed in this book are in one of the following shopping centers:

Barracks Rd. Shopping Center
Corner of Barracks Rd. and Rt. 29 North.

Seminole Square Shopping Center
Rt. 29 North, on the right side going north, about a mile north of the 250 Bypass overpass.

Fashion Square Mall
Charlottesville’s only indoor mall. Corner of Rt. 29 North and Rio Rd., just south of Rio Rd.

Albemarle Square Shopping Center
Rt. 29 North and Rio Rd., on the right side going north, just north of Rio Rd.

Rio Hill Shopping Center
Rt. 29 North, about one-half mile north of Rio Rd. at Woodbrook Dr., on the left side going north.

Hollymead Town Center
Rt. 29 North, about one mile south of the airport.

Downtown Mall
Charlottesville’s community showpiece, this pedestrian outdoor mall with its patio restaurants is the best place to hang out and people-watch outside the University. From the Rotunda, take University Ave./W. Main St.east. When W. Main turns into Water St. park in the parking lot to the right or in the parking garage just beyond it. Cross Water St. and walk one block north. Additional parking is available on Market St. or on any of the sidestreets off Market St.

Pantops Shopping Center
From Rt. 29 North just north of Barracks Rd. take 250 Bypass going east. Cross the bridge over the Rivanna River, the shopping center is on the right.

Rivanna Ridge Shopping Center
From Rt. 29 North just north of Barracks Rd. take 250 Bypass going east. Cross the bridge over the Rivanna River, the shopping center is on the right, past the Pantops Shopping Center. Map

Charlottesville Transit System
Website
296-RIDE (7433)
CTS Office, City Yard, 315 4th St. N.W.
Buses serve many parts of Charlottesville Mon-Sat. Some evening service.

U.Va. students may ride free by using a transfer ticket issued by any University bus driver. Otherwise, the fare is 75 cents, exact change. You may purchase a discount ticket book of 10 tickets or 40 tickets for substantial savings.