Rediscovering America_ Exploring the Small Towns of Virginia & Maryland - Bill Burnham [54]
Today, the exotic – be it art or ideas – is part of Charlottesville’s fabric. The town enjoys a cachet inherent in a place chosen by the rich and famous as their home (or second home). Yet what endears it to travelers is how within-reach it all stands. The stuff of fine living is to be had in Charlottesville, whether it’s wine, books or art. Far from intimidating, it is what draws us time and again.
Attractions
Two miles southeast of Charlottesville, Jefferson’s home, Monticello, sits lovingly restored, atop a hill. Amid stately tulip poplars, the surprisingly small home, built in Greek Revival style, is a statement of the architect, owner and resident’s embrace of the foreign. Jefferson’s political ideals were influenced by French philosophers. So, too, was his cooking and decorating. Do take the guided tour of the gardens as well as the house, and don’t miss the restored slave quarters. Open every day of the year, except Christmas; 8 am-5 pm from March through October, 9 am-4:30 pm the rest of the year. Admission is $11 for adults, $6 for children ages six-11. Located on Route 53, Exit 121 from I-64. (tel. 434-984-9800, www.monticello.org)
TIP: The Presidents’ Pass is a combination discount ticket for touring Monticello, Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern ca. 1784 Museum; it’s $22, a $5 savings if you visit all three sites (residents of Albermarle County receive a discounted). The Pass is available at Charlottesville visitors centers: tel. 877-386-1102.
The Monticello Visitor Center is before the turn onto the mountainside road leading to Monticello. Here you can see exhibits of memorabilia and artifacts, as well as an orientation film. Open daily, 9 am-5:30 pm, March-October, closing at 5 pm the rest of the year; also closed Christmas Day. (600 College Drive, tel. 434-984-9822, www.monticello.org)
Just a few miles past Monticello is the home of the nation’s fifth president and close friend of Jefferson, James Monroe. His 550-acre estate, Ash Lawn-Highland, re-creates a working farm where peacocks strut, and interpreters demonstrate weaving, cooking and give tours of the house and gardens. Open daily, 9 am-6 pm, April-October, 10 am-5 pm the rest of the year. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children ages six-11. (1000 James Monroe Parkway, tel. 434-293-9539, http://monticello.avenue.org/ashlawn).
Also near Monticello, Michie Tavern ca. 1784 is one of the oldest homesteads in Virginia. Have a tour of the tavern and perhaps lunch served daily by staff in period costume. Tours are given daily 9 am-5 pm. (683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, tel. 434-977-1234, www.michietavern.com)
No trip to Charlottesville would be complete without at least a stroll on the grounds of the university Jefferson founded. The University of Virginia Rotunda and the lawn were designed by Jefferson as an “Academical Village.” The Rotunda building is well worth a peek inside, if there isn’t a lecture or event taking place. (tel. 434-924-3239, www.virginia.edu/academicalvillage/)
The University of Virginia Art Museum features changing exhibits of fine art from around the globe. (Rugby Road., tel. 434-924-3592, www.virginia.edu/artmuseum/)
The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of UVa is one of the newest additions to the university, founded in 1997 through a gift of one of the foremost private Australian aboriginal art collections in the world. Open 9 am-3 pm Tuesday-Saturday; free admission. (400 Peter Jefferson Place, tel. 434-244-0234, www.virginia.edu/kluge-ruhe/)
Dining
Like most college towns, Charlottesville dining is eclectic and diverse. Here’s a sampling from different areas of the city, including some of our favorites. For a full listing, see www.soveryvirginia.com.