Explore..........Educate........and Have Fun all in the #1 Best City To Live in the USA & Canada!!
Ever wonder what there is to see and do in Charlottesville and Albemarle County, also known as Jefferson's Country? Well, wonder no more....Here are a few things for you to consider while visiting what Frommer's named as the #1 Best City to live in the USA and Canada!!! Go Cville!!
A visit to
Charlottesville would not be complete without touring the home of our third
President and founder of the University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson. His
mountaintop home, Monticello,
serves as a reminder of Jefferson's creativity and talent. Monticello is the
only home in the US on the World Heritage List. One point to remember while
touring is that Monticello gets extremely busy during the summer months. I might
suggest that you visit during the early morning hours.
Because
Charlottesville and Albemarle County is called Jefferson Country, you must
include a visit to the famed University of
Virginia, which Mr. Jefferson founded. 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. The Rotunda and Central Grounds are also listed
on the World Heritage List. Make sure you visit the Dome room of the Rotunda. It
was referred to by Time critic, Robert Hughes as the "most beautiful room in
America." If you are game, while visiting the Rotunda, take a picnic
lunch, your dog, a Frisbee and frolic on the Lawn. It will be well worth
the visit.
Now that I have enticed you to visit two important sites in Charlottesville, how about stopping by our newest attraction to the area. On April 20, 2006 the Charlottesville area dedicated The Community Chalkboard and Podium: A Monument to the First Amendment.
A Boston Globe editorial
states: "The idea is gusty, scary and fascinating. Not many cities
would have the nerve, But Charlottesville, Virginia, deep in Thomas Jefferson
country, decided to honor its civic patron with a living memorial to his
ideals."
Stop by the chalkboard, located on the east end of the Downtown Pedestrian Mall and read what people in Charlottesville have to say. Don't only read what they have to say, pick up the chalk and get something that has been bothering you off your chest! After all, you can practice your first amendment rights here in Cville!
Watch for upcoming events at the monument open to the public at large and designed to celebrate the right of free expression at Thomas Jefferson Center for Free Speech
Before you depart from our
downtown area, you need to peruse our Downtown Historic District. Just two
blocks away you can see the original courthouse where Presidents' Jefferson,
Madison and Monroe once practiced law. Several guided tours are available of the
area or you can meander around at your leisure. After you have explored the
area, head back to the Pedestrian Mall and dine in one of 50 locally owned
restaurants. I am sure you will find something to please everyone's palate. But,
once you finish eating don't go anywhere, you might want to take a spin on the
ice, catch a show at the Paramount or a band concert at the Pavilion. The
possibilities are limitless on the Mall. Come and enjoy!!
For the wine connoisseur,
visit one of our many vineyards and wineries. The Monticello Wine Trail is
bustling in our area. It seems that every few years more and more wineries are
popping up in the area. The majority of the wineries have open houses and free
tastings. They also hold a variety of festivals and events year 'round. Stop by,
have a glass of wine and soak in the views. It is well worth the drive in the
countryside for a little solitude and a great glass of wine. For winery and
festival information, visit the Virginia
Wine website
I would be doing a disservice if I did not suggest a tour of the Charlottesville Region's countryside. The area boasts many magnificent views. If you want to travel through horse country, I suggest that you travel east and west of Charlottesville. Stop by the Charlottesville/Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureaus two centers and ask for driving tour maps of the area. You can also call them at (877) 386-1102.
Whether
spring or fall, why not experience the thrill of Foxfield Steeplechase Racing.
The races take place the last Saturday in April and the last Sunday in
September. Come, tail gate and meet new friends.
Speaking of tailgating, why not invite some of your closest friends and take in an ACC football game with the Virginia Cavaliers!! With Coach Al Groh at the helm, we are sure to win the Nokia Sugar Bowl in 2007! Go 'HOOS!!
Sold on Charlottesville? Visit Charlottesville and see why we are not only the #1 City in which to Live but also SO VERY VIRGINIA!!!!