Charlottesville may not be home to teams from any of the four major sports leagues, but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to find a great game or fanatical fans anywhere in the city.

The University of Virginia and its Virginia Cavaliers (referred to as the “wahoos” or “hoos” by some) have a strong local and regional following—especially when it comes to games against rivals Virginia Tech and UNC. The football game between the Cavaliers and the Tar heels, first played in 1892 and an annual event since 1919, and never fails to pack Charlottesville’s 60,000-seat Scott Stadium and has been dubbed “the South’s oldest rivalry.”

As for staying active yourself, Charlottesville is located along the Appalachian Trail and in close proximity to a number of waterways; making the most of the great outdoors is easy— Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains is just a ways outside of Charlottesville, and offers great fishing and hiking, while James River Reeling and Rafting launches boats and rafts on the historic river just 20 minutes from the city. For those looking for something with a more leisurely pace, the area is also home to a number of excellent golf courses.

For a real overview of the area, try a hot-air balloon ride. The Charlottesville area is home to several seasoned pilots, and balloons are often seen over town on spring and fall mornings. The companies operate year-round and work together (more like partners than competitors) to accomodate large groups.  It's an unforgettable way to experience this beautiful area. Two of the premier companies are Bonaire Charters and Monticello Country Ballooning.