Welcome to Charlottesville, Virginia: nestled in the foothills of the legendary Blue Ridge Mountains, the area is known for its year-round natural beauty and a captivating blend of colorful history, distinctive architecture, Southern hospitality, and small-city sophistication. This is a very special place, home to President Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, author of the Declaration of Independence and Statute for Religious Freedom, and his legacies—a great university, and his home, Monticello. Both are architectural treasures included on the World Heritage List along with the Great Pyramids and Taj Mahal.
No trip to Charlottesville is complete without a visit to its five historical gems: Monticello is a majestic reminder of Jefferson's creativity and talent. Visitors will be immersed in the intimacy of his private suite of rooms and engrossed by to the stories of slaves who worked and lived on the plantation.
Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University of Virginia is a selective public institution known for its outstanding academics. The original grounds of the university were designed by Jefferson to be what he called an "academical village." The Rotunda, a signature landmark of the university, is one-third the scale of the Pantheon in Rome. U.Va. is one of the few college campuses to be declared a historic landmark.
Ash Lawn-Highland, home of President James Monroe, our fifth president, who held more public offices than any other president, is a short distance from Monticello at a site selected by Monroe's friend, Thomas Jefferson.
Montpelier is the lifelong home of Dolley and James Madison, Father of the Constitution, author of the Bill of Rights, and fourth President of the United States. A plantation estate of 2,700 acres, Montpelier offers restoration tours of the mansion, restored formal gardens, a 200-acre old-growth forest, active archaeological sites, and miles of walkways.
Historic Court Square is where Presidents Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe practiced law at the original courthouse. The buildings around Court Square were the most prestigious and important in town, and many of these buildings have been renovated in recent years. Each place has played a unique role in the history of the nation, and their tours, special events, and educational programs ensure that the spirits of the past remain vibrant today.
Charlottesville is an excellent shopping destination! The Downtown Mall, a pedestrian mall, offers a vast assortment of specialty shops, variety stores, locally owned restaurants, and entertainment venues including an indoor ice-skating rink, outdoor concert pavilion, and numerous movie theaters. Barracks Road Shopping Center is the perfect place to find fashion, food, or that perfect gift all in one place! You can't help but find what you've been looking for at one of over 80 upscale shops and restaurants.
For a city of our size, Charlottesville boasts an extraordinary number of artistic, cultural, and outdoor activities. Spectacular scenery and championship courses designed by some of the industry's top architects create a winning combination for golfers. The many rivers and lakes provide the perfect setting for aquatic pursuits, such as sailing, swimming, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and tubing. The many beautiful parks offer wonderful settings for sports, picnics, relaxation, and adventure. The array of entertainment opportunities was only one factor that lead to Charlottesville being named Money magazine's #1 Small City in the South.
The wineries of the Monticello appellation fulfill a vision of Thomas Jefferson, whose aim was to produce exceptional-quality wines like those he had tasted on his travels to Europe. Today, 500 acres of Vitis vinifera vineyards surround Jefferson's historic Monticello estate. In just over two decades, the wine industry in the Charlottesville area has flourished, achieving national and international acclaim. Take a day to visit a few of the more than 20 wineries in the area. Wine and food go hand in hand and Charlottesville has a lively food scene and growing reputation for world-class chefs. With over 220 restaurants, many locally owned, choosing an eating place can be a challenge and an adventure.
Take a vacation from your car and explore Charlottesville's captivating downtown and the university areas the most relaxing way: on foot. Visitors and locals alike enjoy taking advantage of Charlottesville Transit Service's free trolley from historic downtown to the Corner and University Grounds.
