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Tour the Homes of Presidents Jefferson, Madison and Monroe in Charlottesville
Charlottesville is widely known as home to our nation’s third, fourth and fifth presidents - Jefferson, Madison and Monroe - allowing its residents to do something that seems impossible for even the most skilled orator: deliver three presidential addresses at once.The most famous is Monticello, the home of third President Thomas Jefferson. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, Monticello is of Jefferson’s own design and a favorite destination for residents and visitors.Visitors... Read More »
Charlottesville, VA is a Top City for Book Lovers
Charlottesville's small army of bookstores, 22, ensures that book seekers of all kinds will come away satisfied. If stealing away to a basement after browsing multiple floors of well-selected books is your thing, Daedalus Bookshop is your place. If used is more your style, go with Heartwood Books. For a seriously impressive science fiction section, try Oakley's Gently Used Books. Where to go: Daedalus Books Authors who lived here: Greats like Edgar Allan Poe, William Faulkner and John Grisham... Read More »
Charlottesville Named Among Heathiest Cities
According to the February 2010 issue of Men’s Journal magazine, Charlottesville is one of the top five healthiest cities in the country.
The city made the grade for its availability of local produce and farms, short commute times, low pollution levels, expanding and available green spaces, mild climate, sidewalk access and pedestrian-friendly community.
The magazine used information by Sperling’s Ranked and Rated and looked at quality of life as one of criteria for a healthy lifestyle.
Other... Read More »
Charlottesville-Area Nature Trails Spotlight Area's Scenic Splendor
Turn off the TV‚ get off the couch and walk along one of the numerous trails that exists in Charlottesville and Albemarle County.
Fresh air and exercise are coupled with great scenery along dozens of footpaths that grace this part of central Virginia. And if a recent county survey is any indication‚ rustic trails are just what local citizens want.
“We conducted a survey to ask residents for suggestions on what would add to their overall quality of life here‚” says Dan Mahon‚ greenways/blueways... Read More »
From U.Va. Teams to Local Enthusiasts, Soccer Rules Here
To get an understanding of what has made Charlottesville such a soccer hotbed – both at the collegiate level and in the recreational leagues – flash back to the late 1970s.
At that time‚ youth soccer was just beginning to take hold here at the grassroots level. A handful of soccer enthusiasts of all ages were getting together for pickup games‚ and out of this rising interest the Soccer Organization of Charlottesville-Albemarle – widely known as SOCA – came into being several years later.
At the... Read More »
Charlottesville Residents and Visitors Have Wealth of Dining Options
During his lifetime‚ Thomas Jefferson was a passionate wine connoisseur and gourmet. So the nation’s third president no doubt would be pleased with the multitude of fine dining and wine choices available today near his beloved Monticello.
From 10-year-old Hamiltons’ at First and Main to newcomer Vavino‚ a wine bar exclusively carrying Virginia wines‚ locally owned establishments are plentiful here – and the offerings are first rate.
“I’ve heard it said that Charlottesville is unique for the... Read More »
Charlottesville Boasts Scenic Beauty, Array of Recreation Options
Recreational opportunities come naturally to the Charlottesville area.
Boasting some of the East Coast’s best hiking and skiing‚ and home to some of the most gorgeous scenery anywhere‚ the region offers opportunities for fun and fitness in every season and for just about every interest.
Wintergreen Resort – named Best Area Ski Resort by washingtonpost.com – is a popular winter destination. At other times of the year‚ the 11‚000-acre‚ four-season resort and conference venue in nearby Nelson... Read More »
Charlottesville Golf Courses Offer Quality Conditions, Beautiful Views
If you want to play golf on manicured‚ rolling‚ tree-lined fairways with pristine greens surrounded by concentration-shattering views – and who doesn’t – then you’ve come to the right place. Charlottesville is definitely for golf lovers.
Public‚ private‚ semi-private or resort‚ Charlottesville can meet the demands of discerning golfers on a year-round basis. With sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains or the Piedmont foothills... Read More »
Creative Legacy Empowers Charlottesville Arts Scene
"I am an enthusiast on the subject of the arts. But it is an enthusiasm of which I am not ashamed, as its object is to improve the taste of my countrymen, to increase their reputation, to reconcile to them the respect of the world, and procure them its praise." – Thomas Jefferson to James Madison, 1785.
A founding father of imagination, gadgetry and innovation, Thomas Jefferson likely would have enthusiastically approved of his hometown’s recent creative offerings in the... Read More »
Charlottesville Offers Multiple Venues for Artists and Performers
Staring with the Paramount Theater, Charlottesville, VA is a great place to see a show.
“The Paramount is an incredible facility‚” says Chad Hershner‚ executive director. “The whole theater was built and crafted in reverence and homage to Thomas Jefferson.”
The 1‚042-seat Paramount‚ located on the Downtown Mall‚ opened in 1931 and underwent a $14 million restoration in 2004. The Charlottesville landmark is a survivor. Designed by Chicago architectural firm Rapp & Rapp‚ the theater features... Read More »
Travel Charlottesville's Monticello Wine Trail
p { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }a:link { }Charlottesville has deep roots in the wine industry. It started as one of Thomas Jefferson's many visions, and has since earned its place as the “Wine Capitol of Virginia.” Today‚ the federally designated Monticello Viticultural Area has the highest concentration of wineries in Virginia: about 20 of them within a 25-mile radius of Charlottesville. The city's oldest winery‚ Oakencroft Vineyard & Winery, helped lay the path that's... Read More »
Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, Virginia Near Monticello
If the adage “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” holds true, Carter Mountain Orchard has local residents set for many years to come. Located next to Michie Tavern near historic Monticello, the family-owned orchard has drawn people seeking the fruits – and vegetables – of its 200 acres since it opened to the public in 1974.
The site features apples, pumpkins, peaches, nectarines, corn and loads of family fun to boot.
“The orchard is a unique entertainment... Read More »
Monticello Viticultural Area in Charlottesville, VA is Fulfillment of Jefferson's Vision
Charlottesville’s claim to be “The Wine Capital of Virginia” is no idle boast. Thomas Jefferson envisioned a thriving native wine industry‚ beginning on his Monticello estate. The vision survived his largely unsuccessful plantings and the vicissitudes of history‚ and it has aged well.
Today‚ the federally designated Monticello Viticultural Area has the highest concentration of wineries in Virginia: about 20 of them within a 25-mile radius of Charlottesville‚ all entitled to the Monticello... Read More »
Charlottesville Breeds Healthy Horse Industry
While automobiles are the favored mode of transportation in Charlottesville‚ should someone want to travel by horseback‚ there’d be no problem finding a mount.
The area is home to several horse farms‚ breeders and boarders‚ as well as exciting steeplechase races that draw horse lovers from around the the world. Weekend riders coexist with career racers and breeders‚ with every level of interest represented.
“The equestrian industry is very big here‚” says Nick Hahn‚ a local businessperson and... Read More »
Charlottesville, VA Beers Worth the Hike
Consistently ranked one of the best places to live in the United States, Charlottesville, VA, is also one of the best places for beer. The city played a major role in the American Revolutionary War and was home to Presidents Thomas Jefferson and James Monroe.
Starr Hill Brewery is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, just outside town. It was started in 1999 when owner Mark Thompson set up shop in a historic building on Main Street, but by 2005 the operation had grown too large... Read More »
Shopping in Charlottesville, VA
Charlottesville covers some impressive shopping ground, from the college-kid-dominated Corner to the historic Downtown Mall streets. Here are a few must-sees in the Charlottesville shopping scene.
Downtown Mall
The newly renovated shopping paradise known as the Downtown Mall offers shoppers an eclectic group of local stores with a little outdoor atmosphere. Book lovers will fall equally in love with Daedalus Bookshop, a three-story store packed floor to ceiling with second-hand books... Read More »
Willow Grove Inn Creates Historic Setting For Nuptuals
The Inn at Willow Grove in Charlottesville is a spectacular 18th-century inn nestled in the middle of Virginia's wine country. The historic architecture and scenic views from every room create the perfect romantic atmosphere for a couple's special day. The Inn offers two great spaces for wedding receptions. The Hall is an intimate room designed for no more than 50 people, or the Bam is a larger area for up to 150 guests. The Inn provides their catering services with a variety of delicious... Read More »
