Area Information

Places to Visit

Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson

Situated on a mountaintop outside Charlottesville, Virginia, Monticello, a 5,000-acre plantation, was the home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia. Monticello is the only historic house in the U.S. on the United Nations' World Heritage List. http://www.monticello.org/

Montpelier, Home of James Madison

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Orange, Virginia, Montpelier was the lifelong home of James Madison. Madison was raised at Montpelier, lived here after his marriage to Dolley, returned here after his presidency, and died here in his study surrounded by the books and papers that marked so much of his life's work. It was at Montpelier where Madison researched past democracies and conceived of the system of government that became our republic. http://www.monticello.org/

Virginia Wineries

As one of the original 13 colonies, Virginia is rich in history and although not generally known, Virginia was the largest wine producing state in the US until the early 1900’s. It now ranks fifth. Central Virginia is home to numerous award winning wineries who host daily tastings, tours, special events and fine dining. For information visit the Virginia Winery site. http://www.virginiawine.org/

Some Other Things to Do

In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Horse Country enjoy hiking, trails and parks. For the historian several Civil War sites in the area and the Exchange Hotel Museum in Gordonsville. The area has plenty of shops for the antique hunter, quaint stores like Plow & Hearth and Southern Grace, Shopping in Historic Downtown Culpeper and Charlottesville Downtown Walking Mall. Many Golf Courses and year round activities at Massanutten Resort and Wintergreen Resort.

Dining

A restaurant for every taste. Some close-by favorites are Palladio at Barboursville Winery, Willow Grove Inn, Meander Inn, Silver Thatch, Toliver House, Fireside Grill, Madison Inn, Vinny’s Pizza, Olive’s Grill, Hong Kong Buffet, Bonefish, Outback.

For more area restaurants visit http://www.charlottesville-dining.com/ or http://eatsleepvisitcharlottesville.com/.

County Connections