| Welcome to another in a series of travelogue | | | | even the most avid adventure seeker satisfied. |
| articles spotlighting U.S. Presidents historic sites. If | | | | Charlottesville is awash in history. Two presidents |
| there is one state that is most well known for | | | | had their homes in the area, James Monroe and |
| having a wide array of presidents historic sites, it | | | | Thomas Jefferson. The visitors center offers a |
| is Virginia. Join us as we visit picturesque | | | | Presidential Pass which provides discounted |
| Charlottesville, Virginia and the famous home of | | | | admission to both homes and other historic |
| America's third president, Thomas Jefferson... | | | | attractions. |
| Vibrant Charlottesville: Wine, History, And Shopping | | | | Visiting Jefferson's Monticello |
| Long one of our favorite destinations, | | | | Next to Mount Vernon, Monticello is the most |
| Charlottesville, Virginia has a little bit of everything, | | | | visited presidential home in America. Thomas |
| and then some. This charming university town in | | | | Jefferson, our third president, lived here both |
| the midst of Virginia wine country has been | | | | before and after his presidency until his death in |
| enchanting visitors for over a hundred years. | | | | 1826. His home and plantation grounds are visited |
| Charlottesville is about two hours from | | | | by tens of thousands annually. It is largely an |
| Washington, D.C. but it seems a million miles away. | | | | outdoor experience, so dress comfortably. Tours |
| The pace is slower, it is easier to get around, and | | | | of the home are given daily but it is a good idea |
| there's a noticeable lack of city hustle and bustle. | | | | to get your tickets in advance, because day of |
| But don't mistake it for a sleepy little town, | | | | visit purchases might not be available. Tours are |
| because there are dozens of wonderful | | | | given on a time entry system, so be sure to be |
| attractions here for all ages, along with an enticing | | | | on time. |
| cultural scene. | | | | If you like to stroll, or hike as it were, park your |
| The heart of Charlottesville is its historic | | | | car on the outer grounds and hike the two mile |
| downtown. It is perfect for walking and poking | | | | trail to the house. The scenery along the way is |
| around in one of the many specialty shops. If | | | | spectacular, particularly if you are visiting in |
| your feet get tired, there's a free trolley which will | | | | autumn. Your admission includes not only a tour of |
| take a load off and transport you around | | | | the home, but a walking tour of the garden and |
| downtown and points farther afield. There is a | | | | grounds and a plantation tour. The gardens are |
| youthful vibe here, stemming from the University | | | | beautiful and the plantation provides not only an |
| of Virginia which is located near downtown. The | | | | overview of life in the early 1800's but also a |
| arts play a prominent role in Charlottesville's | | | | perfect vantage point to view the surrounding |
| cultural scene, and if you're here on the first | | | | area. |
| Friday of the month, you can participate in a | | | | We recommend allowing between two and three |
| gallery walk. On Saturdays, the City Market offers | | | | hours to see everything. Weekends tend to be |
| fresh produce and artisan goods grown locally and | | | | quite busy, so if possible try to visit during |
| sold at the peak of freshness. | | | | weekday mornings or afternoons after 3 p.m. |
| Several wineries are located here and offer | | | | Any season is ideal for visiting Charlottesville, but |
| tastings of some of the finest wine made in | | | | we have a particular fondness for fall, when the |
| America. Try a rich, deep Virginia red wine and | | | | trees are in blazing bloom and the days are warm |
| see what you've been missing! For outdoor | | | | with cool, comfortable evenings. |
| enthusiasts, the many lakes and rivers will keep | | | | |