Drawing off of the city’s active creative community and the atmosphere of intellectual curiosity emanating from the university, a number of museums operate in the city and are aimed at a wide range of interests and tastes.

With a collection of over 9,000 pieces from around the globe and from the ancient world to today, the University of Virginia Art Museum . And, of course, the University’s founder makes an appearance in the art museum as well—the “Age of Thomas Jefferson” is one of its permanent exhibits.

An institution with a different flavor but great art as well, the Second Street Gallery is an artist-run, non-profit art space (central Virginia’s first) that shows the work of cutting- edge contemporary artists from the area and around the world. The gallery specializes in flouting conventions, and even the building itself (located on Second St.) is eye-catching in its originality.

If art isn’t your thing, perhaps fried chicken and frosty beverages are more up your alley. The historic Michie Tavern , which dates to 1784, is now operated as a living museum. Visitors to the site (off Interstate 64 near Monticello) can tour the grounds, dive into late-18th century Virginia society and even dine in the tavern’s dining room.