The Greater Charlottesville Region

Lifestyle

Greater Charlottesville and Central Virginia offer an unparalled lifestyle to those seeking a refined, family friendly atmosphere. Its proximity to the Shenandoah National Park and the Washington and Jefferson National Forest provide a plethora of outdoor activities.

The region is a history lover’s dream: Explore the grounds of our founding fathers - Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson; Montpelier, Home of James Madison; Ash Lawn, Home of James Monroe; The Civil War Trails and Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center are all located nearby.

Getaway year round at Wintergreen Resort or one of our dozen golf courses. We're also at the center of Virginia’s Wine Country with over two dozen wineries / vineyards and the Monticello Wine Trail

LANDMARKS AND MAJOR ATTRACTIONS

Monticello – the home of Thomas Jefferson – the third president, author of the Declaration of Independence and the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, third president of the United States, and founder of the University of Virginia -- voiced the aspirations of a new America as no other individual of his era.

Montpelier – the home of James Madison, fourth President of the United States and the Father of the U.S. Constitution. In the splendor of the Virginia countryside, a national treasure is being recovered. Experience the rediscovery of the mind and the man who forged the framework of a nation, who created the Constitutional charter that defines our democracy, our thinking, and our society.

Ash Lawn-Highland – the home of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States and author of the Monroe Doctrine. James Monroe resolved long-standing grievances with the British, acquired Florida from the Spanish in 1819, and proclaimed the Monroe Doctrine in 1823.

Shenandoah National Park - Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness.

The Monticello Wine Trail - The wineries of the Monticello appellation fulfill a vision of Thomas Jefferson, whose aim was to produce exceptional quality wines like those he had tasted on his travels to Europe. Today, 500 acres of vitis vinifera vineyards surround Jefferson's historic Monticello estate. In just over two decades, the wine industry in the Charlottesville area has flourished, achieving national and international acclaim.

Wintergreen Resort - Spanning 11,000 acres on the eastern slopes of the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by winding trails, cascading streams and lush forests, this four-season vacation resort features 45 holes of championship golf on two courses; exhilarating winter skiing, snowboarding and snowtubing; an award-winning tennis program; a full-service, mountaintop spa; hiking, fly fishing, horseback riding, swimming and mountain biking; a variety of enticing dining options; and much more.

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests - are popular hiking, mountain biking, and hunting destinations. The Appalachian Trail extends for 330 miles from the southern end of Shenandoah National Park through the forest and along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
University of Virginia – a UNESCO designated world heritage site, The University of Virginia is distinctive among institutions of higher education. Founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819, the University sustains the ideal of developing, through education, leaders who are well prepared to help shape the future of the nation.