Things To Do
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Charlottesville area is best known for its outdoor experiences, from hiking the peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains to hot air ballooning, golfing, fishing and rafting our rivers. Take a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, with 217 miles of mountaintop views and frequent pull offs for hikes and sightseeing. Stop at any of the many trailheads along the way.
Virginia Wine Country
Several wine trails and a number of viticultural areas, surround Charlottesville. The Monticello Wine Trail boasts 33 wineries and the Nelson 151 Trail includes 6 wineries, 3 breweries and cider as well! Just leave room for a glass or two at our reception at the prettiest vineyard of all, King Family.
Downtown Mall
The heart of downtown Charlottesville has an outdoor mall with an abundance of eclectic restaurants and shops lining either side. During the summer, Friday nights shine with concerts under the stars. Our favorite bar is Whiskey Jar; Jon recommends the Mint Julep.
Historic Tours
Several United States Presidents have called the Charlottesville area home. A 20 minute drive leads you up the hill to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s homestead. Monticello’s rich experience includes a museum and gorgeous gardens. Ash Lawn-Highland is the restored home of the fifth President of the United States, James Monroe. The 550-acre estate recreates the atmosphere of a working farm with strutting peacocks, spinning and weaving demonstrations, boxwood gardens and open hearth cooking demonstrations. Montpelier, James Madison’s home, is approximately an hour away.