Many people choose to retire in Virginia for its natural beauty and compelling history. From the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge mountains and from Colonial Williamsburg to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, there are myriad things to see and do. At Branchlands, our residents frequently enjoy outings together in downtown Charlottesville, trips into the natural beauty of Central Virginia, and jaunts to nearby towns and attractions. Each month, our activities directors plan excursions, whether they be to area restaurants, vineyards, museums, or local tourist destinations, where residents can enjoy time out with friends exploring their community.
There are so many thrilling opportunities for seniors around Charlottesville. Here are a few of the area’s most popular activities!
Exploring the Outdoors
Branchlands is in the picturesque heart of Central Virginia, close to the mountains and surrounded by rolling hills. One of the most popular annual activities for residents is our trip into Shenandoah National Park, cruising along Skyline Drive and overlooking the world-famous fall foliage, followed by a meal at the Big Meadows Lodge. The southern entrance of Shenandoah National Park is only half an hour’s drive from Branchlands, and features some of the Appalachian Mountains’ most spectacular views. The Park also offers numerous trails for all skill levels, interpretive centers, and plenty of vistas and overlooks for snapping gorgeous photos. Also, seniors 62 and over qualify for a special America the Beautiful Park pass rate, which is $20 annually or $80 for a lifetime pass.
Closer to home we have the Rivanna Trail network which features a 20-mile loop around Charlottesville. For those interested in swimming, having a picnic or playing some disc golf, Chris Green Lake is just a short drive north of Branchlands. You can even bring your dog for a swim in the designated, fenced dog area. The Saunders-Monticello Trail, located just south of downtown, offers a delightful walk in nature no matter what time of year, wheelchair accessible. It features a maximum grade of 5% and is four miles roundtrip, in and back, so you can turn around whenever you like.
Cultural Adventures
Museums & Interpretive Sites
Whether you’re a history buff or an art aficionado, Central Virginia has a wide range of museums and interpretive sites with something for everyone. Here in Charlottesville, we have Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland, the The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia, and the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection. A little further afield, we have both the Frontier Cultural Museum in Staunton and James Madison’s Montpelier in Orange, while Richmond has many well-known museums, including the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
Our most recent trip to The National Air and Space Museum’s Udvar-Hazy Center, located in Chantilly, Va., near the Washington Dulles International Airport, was one of our residents’ favorites. Just a two-hour drive from Branchlands is the world’s largest network of museums, the Smithsonian Institution. Of the 21 museums and the National Zoo operated by the Smithsonian, 11 are located centrally near the National Mall in D.C., and all of them are free to visit and offer accessible options for those who need them.
Live Performances
There are an abundance of live performances in Charlottesville, too. Everything from classical concerts to popular modern artists take stage at The Paramount Theater downtown. Around town, you’ll find the Tuesday Evening Concert Series, Charlottesville Symphony at the University of Virginia, and the annual Charlottesville Chamber Music Festival. The free Fridays After Five concert series at the Ting Pavilion is a Charlottesville institution, featuring a wide variety of bands with different musical styles. Branchlands’ residents can take advantage of our transportation to visit these local venues.
The local theater scene is varied and diverse, with amateur and professional productions year-round. Live Arts is the community theater downtown with Four County Players not too far north, while the University of Virginia drama department hosts innovative student performances on grounds. Each summer, the Virginia Theater Festival and Charlottesville Opera put on highly produced productions featuring professional actors. Venture over the mountains to Staunton to find the American Shakespeare Museum, featuring the Blackfriars Playhouse—the world’s first re-creation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theatre.
Educational Opportunities
Just a short drive down the road from Branchlands is The Center, Charlottesville’s Senior Center. The Branchlands bus can also take you there. The Center hosts daily activities for members and nonmembers alike, including everything from dance classes to technology training. The building is beautiful and welcoming, ideal whether you’re joining a structured activity or simply visiting with a friend at the café. If you have a loved one living in Memory Care at Linden House, their classes for dementia caregivers are an invaluable resource.
The Osher Lifelong Learning Initiative (OLLI) at the University of Virginia also offers classes in the fall and spring geared toward seniors. You can attend online and in-person lectures like, “The Economic Impact of AI,” or “Thomas Jefferson’s Architecture and Design.” They also offer engaging excursions, like to the National Museum of the Marine Corps in Quantico, or retracing the Appomattox Campaign with Historian Rick Britton. These trips are available to members and nonmembers with transportation provided.
Food and Fellowship
Residents at Branchlands enjoy their opportunities to take day trips and spend time together. We offer group outings to local orchards like Carter Mountain and Dickie Brothers, as well as breweries and wineries like Hazy Mountain Winery and Brewery and Blue Mountain Brewery. These excursions offer good food and fellowship, usually paired with a view of the spectacular countryside or mountains our region is known for. Yoder’s Country Market, in Madison, is another go-to place to visit, featuring food and home items, like jarred goods or homemade soap, plus homemade sandwiches and tasty ice cream. There is also a petting zoo with goats, pot-bellied pigs, wild turkeys, and adorable alpacas.
There is never a dull moment in the Charlottesville area with so much to do! Schedule a tour today, and while you’re at Branchlands, pick up an activities calendar to see where residents are traveling this month.
