Love Seat
The mosaic love seat in front of Cville Arts. Perhaps the Mall’s best photo op. Created by artist Virginia Gardener in 2007.
The Free Speech Wall.
Unveiled in 2006, the officially named Charlottesville’s Community Chalkboard and Podium: a monument to the First Amendment, was a bit controversial when it was proposed, but the 55-foot-long, seven-foot-high slate blackboard has proven to be quite popular. Built with private funds by the 
Thomas Jefferson Center for the Protection of Free Expression, there’s no telling what you’ll find on the wall, from the profane to the profound.
Until someone decides to buy it and finish building it, this hulking 9-story shell of concrete, which has been looming over the mall since construction stopped in 2008, has become an unofficial attraction. The brain-child of internet millionaire Halsey Minor, the Landmark was meant to be a luxury hotel, but financial and legal problem beset him. He filed for filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2010. Still, a judged ordered the building to be auctioned off in June 2012, so maybe it will be a hotel after all.
The Virginia Discovery Museum
A must see for kids. Special exhibits, fun toys, activities, educational opportunities. East end of the Downtown Mall. Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10:00-5:00, Sunday 1:00-5:00 Closed Mondays. $6 per person, all ages (under 1 year old free). Website
Some music history: Miller’s
It was odd. When the Dave Matthews Band returned to Charlottesville in April 2001 for shows at Scott Stadium, Miller’s on the Downtown Mall suddenly became a tourist attraction. People were outside selling T-shirts and explaining the importance of the restaurant/bar in the history of the band. Indeed, it was while bartending at Miller’s in 1990 that one David John Matthews first heard drummer Carter Beauford, saxophone player Leroi Moore play, and bassist Stephan Lessard play jazz with John D’earth and company. It’s also were Peter Griesar, who joined the band as a keyboardist in 1991 but left the band in 1993, was a bartender. Miller’s was also where Matthews met Ross Hoffman, who encouraged his song writing efforts and represented the band for a time. Today, it’s not uncommon to hear people telling this story has they walk by the restaurant.
Main Street Arena
Ice skating, fashion shows, lacross, hockey, curling, roller derby’s, camps and classes, and full-service bar and cafe. You never know what will be going on at the MSA. Check it out at mainstarena.com
McGuffey Art Center
Any tour of the Downtown art scene begins here. Established in 1975, the Center has three main galleries, and gift shop, and an association of 45 artists working right in the building, which was a former school house. Check it out here.
Albemarle County Courthouse
The courthouse was first established in 1762, on land donated by Dr. Thomas Walker. The grounds of the courthouse once held a whipping post, pillory and stocks, as was typical of the time. In addition to serving as the courthouse and sole place to vote in Albemarle County, religious services for Episcopal, Presbyterian, Methodist and Baptist worshippers were held in this space, which Jefferson called “The Common Temple.” Jefferson, Madison and Monroe were frequent visitors here, especially after Jefferson retired in 1809. In 1859 a front addition was constructed in the Gothic Revival style, with octagonal stair towers flanking the entrance. Source
Lee Park
The statue of Robert E. Lee was designed by Henry Schrady, and completed after his death by Leo Lentelli in 1924.
Jackson Park
By the early 1800s, a row of buildings stretched along the west end of Court Square. Among the businesses were merchants selling dry goods and groceries, a hatter, tailor, and a hotel. In a building at the northern end of the row, the town’s first newspaper, the Central Gazette began publication in 1820. The block was torn down to become Jackson Park in 1918. The statue of “Stonewall” Jackson by Charles Keck was erected in 1921.
Social Hall
Built in 184 by wealthy merchant John R. Jones, this house is one of the finer ones existing at the time of Jefferson. Recently renovated.
Charlottesville Farmer’s Market
This vibrant farmer’s market was established in 1973. Today, over 100 vendors occupy the city parking lot off Water Street every Saturday from April to December, offering produce, cheese, fruits, meats, live plants, coffee, dairy products, baked goods, and many other locally created stuff. Not to be missed.
Albemarle Charlottesville Historical Society
Organization dedidcated to the collection, study, and preservation of the materials of Charlottesville and Albemarle history. Check it out here
Top of the Market Street Parking Garage
Like bird’s eye views? Pop up the elevator of the Market Street Parking Garage, located right on the Mall at 5th Street. Go up to the top deck and enjoy a few of Jefferson’s mountain and the Mall.
