Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville is a continuing celebration of a brilliant legacy. It is located where gentle, forested foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains meet the relatively flat Piedmont Plateau. In 1672, the town (named after the wife of King George III) was established as a county seat. Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville’s most famous son, single-handedly provided a magnificent architectural and horticultural endowment.

Today, most of Jefferson’s great works are thoughtfully maintained. Travelers from all over the world come here to explore his home and gardens and his University of Virginia. Tree-shaded streets, and parks with dramatic statues and fountains, dignify downtown, where historic and compatible newer buildings are centered on a pedestrian mall with a wealth of stylish galleries and specialty shops, many featuring regional arts and crafts. Cosmopolitan restaurants, plus nostalgic and contemporary inns and hotels, reflect the sophistication that has made Charlottesville special for more than two centuries.

For more information, check with the local Chamber of Commerce