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Charlottesville & Albemarle County Area

About Charlottesville & Albemarle County

Home to three founding fathers – the private residences of U.S. Presidents Thomas Jefferson (Monticello); James Monroe (Ash Lawn) and James Madison (Montpelier) still stand among the most visited historical attractions in Albemarle County.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take advantage of one of the nine parks scattered throughout the county offering over 2,000 acres for swimming, picnicking, canoeing and fishing. A recreational trail system offers an additional 28.5 miles of paths for walking, running and hiking. Walnut Creek Park recreation area in North Garden also boasts 15-miles of single-track trails for mountain bikers.

The City of Charlottesville is rich in history and one of the oldest municipalities in the country. The city was incorporated in 1888 but was founded in 1762. The first American settlements around Charlottesville date back further still. For years, pioneers and travelers had worn a Monacan Indian hunting path into what became the Three Notch’d Road from Richmond to the Blue Ridge Mountains. It was in also in Charlottesville that Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia in 1819.

Area Visitor Centers

Charlottesville's Historic Pedestrian Downtown Mall

Lodging, Dining & Things to Do

Stories from Charlottesville & Albemarle County Area

9 Hints for Planning a Successful Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
June 16, 2022
History & Heritage, Hiking Trails, Wildlife, Arts & Culture
I bet most of us have an example of a vacation that didn’t go as planned. A road was closed, a parking lot was full, traffic slowed or halted your progress to your destination. It throws a wrench into your travel plans and can even derail your trip. So, what should you do to help prepare for the unexpected? Here are nine practical tips for planning a successful Blue Ridge Parkway road trip.
Multicolored fireworks light up the night sky in Gatlinburg, TN.
Ring in a Blue Ridge New Year
December 28, 2021
Seasonal, Budget-Friendly, Family-friendly, Local Food, Luxury, Arts & Culture
Visiting the Blue Ridge Parkway for the holidays (or lucky enough to be a local) and looking for unique ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve? We’ve got your guide for seeing in the New Year at one of these celebrations in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
A retriever lies in front of the LOVEwork in Wytheville which highlights trains, hot air balloons and the town's location at the crossroads of I-77 and I-81.
Virginia is for Photograph Lovers
September 16, 2021
Driving Tour, Family-friendly, Budget-Friendly, Motorcycle-Friendly, Road Trip
Virginia's creative and sometimes whimsical LOVEworks are a wonderful photo opportunity. Why not start a new tradition and make some family memories finding and photographing a few LOVE signs while enjoying the out of doors this year?
A purple women's sweater hangs over a black shirt and necklace in a store.
Tis the Season to Shop Online
December 4, 2020
Online Store, General & Country Stores, Apparel, Gems & Minerals, Home & Garden, Local Food
Many of the businesses along the Blue Ridge Parkway remain open year-round and offer such eclectic merchandise that you can shop for everyone on your holiday gift list from the comfort of your home and have the gifts delivered to your door or directly to the recipient.
A breakfast cookbook sits behind a plate of fruit, waffles, omelet and bacon with a glass of orange juice and a pitcher of syrup.
Romantic Getaways Across the Blue Ridge Parkway and Beyond
November 16, 2020
Romantic Getaway, Nature & Outdoors, In Town, Road Trip, Complimentary Breakfast
Even while staying at home we still seem to be busy. Maybe this season you'll want to slow down and make time to take a getaway with your significant other. Regardless of when you choose to enjoy a romantic getaway along the Blue Ridge Parkway, we have some options and ideas for you to consider.
Blue Ridge Farm Museum offers a view of a historic farmstead including structures and gardens.
Exploring Farms & Orchards Along the Blue Ridge
August 26, 2020
Farm Stay, Farms & Agriculture, Farming Heritage, Working Farm
The Blue Ridge Mountains are dotted with farms producing everything from Christmas trees to trout. Fruit, flowers, herbs, jams, jellies, pies, wreaths and other crafts are all produced right here in the mountains. And what better way to get outside this year than to enjoy the fresh air of a mountain farm?