A charming region full of history, wineries, restaurants, and a vibrant arts community
Images and editorial supplied by Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
Nestled against the foothills of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains, and about a hundred miles southwest of Washington, D.C., Charlottesville and Albemarle County offer visitors a world-renowned wine experience along the Monticello Wine Trail.
Wine Enthusiast recently named Charlottesville and the Monticello American Viticultural Area Its “Wine Region of the Year” — for the entire world! Wine tours of the 40+ wineries located along the Monticello Wine Trail are available as well. Many of the wineries located here offer lodging options on site for the perfect sip and stay vacation. In addition to the wineries, there are plenty of breweries, cideries, and distilleries here as well. Each offer quality libations with picturesque views, with some offering fascinating tours on craft beverage production. Spend an afternoon at one of these popular imbibing destinations or follow one of the wine or beer trails that traverse the landscape.
For outdoor recreation lovers who feel like taking on a challenge, head over to Humpback Rock, a popular destination on the Blue Ridge Parkway with breathtaking views of the mountains and Shenandoah Valley. For a small fee, take a scenic drive on nearby Skyline Drive, the backbone of Shenandoah National Park, where you’ll have access to 500 miles of trails, cascading waterfalls in deep canyons and a variety of wildlife flourishing in the oak-hickory forests. Both the Blue Ridge Parkway and Shenandoah National Park are only a 30-minute drive from downtown Charlottesville.
Visit Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home, and the University of Virginia, both of which are a single UNESCO World Heritage site. Jefferson was the third president of the United States, author of the Declaration of Independence and the founder of the University of Virginia.
Hundreds of thousands of visitors tour Monticello each year and learn about Jefferson’s legacy and complicated history. Nearby you will also find James Monroe’s Highland, the residence of the fifth U.S. president and Montpelier, the home of James Madison, the fourth U.S. president and father of the Constitution.
Explore African American historic sites to learn more about the stories of the community’s past. Head to the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center to delve into the legacy of African Americans in the region, view the modern art gallery and engage in live events.
There are many ways to become acquainted with the city of Charlottesville. Hop on the free trolley to navigate easily between downtown and the University of Virginia. Be sure to take a lap around the Academical Village and stroll the length of the Downtown Mall, one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country. Here you will find dozens of shops and restaurants, plus multiple music venues on and around the city’s historic Main Street.
Whether you are in town for the weekend or here for a day trip, the attractions, dining, shopping and breathtaking scenery offered in Charlottesville and Albemarle County are sure to provide an experience you’ll never forget. Start planning your trip today at visitcharlottesville.org!
