Charlottesville, Virginia has been included on many national lists of the best places to live in the United States.  It is also a popular tourist destination.  The area abounds with natural beauty, a rich historic legacy, a multitude of outdoor activities, and many cultural events. 

The following are my personal top five things to be sure to include in any trip to Charlottesville:

1.  A visit to Thomas Jefferson's home Monticello has to top the list.  Not only is the historic home beautiful architecturally, but it is full of Jefferson's many inventions.  By the end of the tour you will have a feel for Jefferson the Renaissance man.  Also there are tours of the gardens, grounds, and the slave community.  After touring Monticello, take time for a trip back in time and a southern lunch at historic Michie Tavern.

2. No visit to Charlottesville is complete without a tour of The University of Virginia.  UVA was founded by Thomas Jefferson and the central part of the University consists of the Rotunda and Lawn which date from Jefferson's time.  Due to the presence of the University area residents are able to partake of many educational opportunities as well as theatre, concerts, sporting events and art exhibits.

3. Charlottesville, Virginia is located in the middle of the central Virginia horse country.  The rolling countryside sports many scenic horse farms.  There are many events available for area equestrians to participate in ranging from foxhunting to horseshows, trail rides and polo games.  Many of these are open to the public.  One of the most popular is the Foxfield races.  There is a spring and a fall race meet.  Come to the races to enjoy the excitement of steeplechasing at its best.  Or have fun socializing and tailgating on a beautiful day in the Virginia countryside.

4. Albemarle County is home to many wineries, and grape production is a major agricultural industry in
Central Virginia.  One of the most fun ways to tour the countryside is to take a wine tour.  There are 26 wineries within a 30 minute drive of Monticello, so you have a lot to choose from.  A few of these are White Hall, Horton, Barboursville, Jefferson, and Keswick Vineyards.  Many have special events through the year as well.  For example, in August the Barboursville Vineyards hosts Shakespeare in the Ruins, where on a summer evening you can enjoy a picnic and wine, set among the ruins of the old manor house and see a Shakespeare production under the stars. 

5. Charlottesville and Albemarle County are located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  A favorite area destination on a beautiful day is the Skyline Drive which runs along the top of the mountains.  There are many scenic overlooks from which you can either look across to Charlottesville or, on the otherside of the mountains, a panorama of the Shenandoah Valley is visable.  For the more energetic, there are many hiking trails of varying difficulty.  Be sure not to forget to pack a picnic.

Pam Dent, e-PRO, SRES
Real Estate III
Charlottesville, VA
  434 960-0161  
www.JumpintoGreenerPastures.com
www.CharlottesvilleHorseFarmsandCountryHomes.com