Charlottesville, nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is best known for its history. It is here that Thomas Jefferson built his home, the UNESCO World Heritage site called Monticello. Presidents Monroe and Madison lived here as well, and visitors can tour Monroe’s home, Highland. Jefferson also designed the grounds and the early buildings of the beautiful University of Virginia, and visitors flock here to see the rooms where Edgar Allan Poe studied. Virginia is making some of the most popular new wines on the market, and there are twenty vineyards in the Charlottesville area to visit for tasting tours. The outdoors are perfect for kayaking on the James or the Rivanna Rivers, hiking or cycling on miles of trails, taking scenic drives, or visiting one of the many orchards in the region.

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