So, after my recent trip, I have confirmed that not only is Virginia for Lovers, but Virginia is AWESOME, no matter when you visit. If you have never been, I seriously recommend you consider it for your next vacation. It’s full of history, absolutely beautiful, and totally worth your time. Here’s a couple of things to do while you are there:
Monticello. Monticello is Thomas Jefferson’s home and property. It is worth it even just to see the gardens. I have been in the summer and the fall now. It is totally worth it both times of year.
The Walton’s Mountain Museum. If you were a fan of the show, at all, then I seriously suggest you put this on your to-do list. Makes you feel like you fell back into simpler times.
Michie Tavern, Meadow Run Mill and General Store. Virginia houses sooooo much of our country’s history. We don’t get the same kind of history out west. Our’s is more of a cowboy story. It’s so fun to ‘travel back in time’ and really see how our forefathers {and mothers!} would have lived. The culture of the times feels so alive at the Tavern–you can literally imagine what it would have been like for a traveler to stay at the Inn, or just grab a bite to eat before continuing on. I was born in the wrong time, I tell ya.
The University of Virginia. The Lawn is enough reason to see this campus, but the architecture and history certainly don’t hurt.Virginia Discovery Museum. If you have little ones, this museum gets rave reviews. Plus, they have special events going on just about all of the time. They have exhibits, an art and music studio, and caters to kids of all ages. Plus, it’s on the downtown walking mall, so you can kill two birds with one stone.
Downtown Walking Mall. The Walking Mall is a brick paved walking path, lined with trees, shops, and dining. You can grab your souvenirs, a little lunch and browse all of the cute little shops with ambiance to boot.
Ash-Lawn Highland. This is the home of James Monroe. I hear it is not quite as grand as Monticello, but it still is pretty amazing. It is much smaller, but because James Monroe and his wife spent so much time in France, they brought back lots of furniture and items that make the house really unique and eclectic. As an added bonus, learning about James Monroe is pretty cool. He gets overshadowed by Jefferson, but really played a HUGE role in building our country.
Shenandoah National Park. If you are the outdoorsy-type, this park offers amazing views, great picnic locations, and easy hikes. It is a great place to let the kids take in some fresh air and run around some of the pent up energy traveling sometimes brings. {If you are planning a winter trip, make sure that you plan around road closures.}
Do you have anymore Charlottesville must-do’s?
~Mavis
Funchilde says
Mavis! I’m coming out of the lurker shell to proclaim this 100% certified. I am a two time UVA grad and then went back to work and live in C’ville for a few years. It is my favorite place on earth. I got to see Gen. Colin Powell perform the naturalization ceremony for a group of newly minted US citizens at Monticello in 1996. Magical. Despite the troubling history behind the plantations, etc. it is still a great place to visit to see how a thought leader lived and communicated. I’d also recommend eating at: BODO’s bagels, Mas (tapas), Marco and Luca (noodles and dumplings), Arch’s Frozen Yogurt, Star Hill Brewery and C&O downtown.
Cheers!
Mavis Butterfield says
Thanks for the dinning suggestions!! 🙂 🙂 🙂 I love it there!
Indio says
I love Cville too. In fact, I’ve been looking at buying some property just outside of town. Is you daughter going to school there?