No other home in the United States more accurately reflects the personality of its owner than Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's architectural masterpiece and beloved mountaintop home. Guided tours of the house are offered daily throughout the year; outdoor gardens and plantation tours are offered daily April-October.
Wines from the Monticello American Viticultural Area are considered the best in the Eastern United States. Today, there are more than 35 wineries within a 30-mile radius of Charlottesville as part of the Monticello Wine Trail. But grapes aren't the only vines winning a following in Charlottesville. Hop vines thrive in the climate, and the area is home to small-batch breweries making handcrafted ales and lagers as well as hard ciders from the region's orchards. Some of our favorite stops are Veritas, Grace Estates, King Family, Pro Renata, Starr Hill and Castle Hill Cidery. Check out the Monticello Wine Trail linked below and start planning your visit!
Nestled in near the Shenandoah National Park along the Blue Ridge Parkway, Charlottesville has many miles of hiking trails for all ages and levels. Some of our favorites are Humpback Rocks and Crabtree Falls which are only 30 minutes outside of the city! Check out the Charlottesville Outdoor Recreation Guide linked below.
Located next to Monticello and Michie Tavern, Carter Mountain Orchard is a beautiful mountaintop location that has spectacular views of Charlottesville, the Piedmont, and the Blue Ridge Mountains. During the fall, you can pick your own apples or purchase pre-picked apples. The bakery serves fresh-baked pies and cookies, hand-dipped ice cream, and their famous Apple Cider Donuts! Apple Cider, Apple Butter, jams and jellies, local crafts, pumpkins, and gourmet food products available in the country store. Wine tasting and sales on site, and the Mountain Grille serves lunch.
You cannot visit Charlottesville without trying a Bodo's bagel!
Ivy Provisions offers gourmet sandwiches and salads, as well as breakfast sandwiches and fresh coffee, available all day in a comfortable, upbeat atmosphere.