1. MONTICELLO: Visit Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello just four miles from The Inn at Court Square. Don’t miss the interactive Visitor’s Center where you can sit in a replica of Jefferson’s favorite chair and write with his polygraph. Take a family picture at the rear entrance for a view of Monticello as depicted on the nickel. Be sure to leave time for the Enslaved Person’s tour, the gardens, and the family cemetery. Visit the best museum gift shop I’ve ever seen. If you have extra time, book a special behind the scenes evening tour for a unique experience in one of America’s finest historical homes. 

2. UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA: Continue Jefferson’s architectural tour with a stop at the beautiful University of Virginia less than two miles from The Inn at Court Square. Start at the Rotunda and walk slowly down the lawn, taking time to appreciate one of the finest examples of neo-classical architecture in America. Notice that the facade of each of the ten pavilions, originally used to house professors and classrooms, showcases different architectural features. Jefferson designed his academical village with teaching in mind; he pictured students learning and living in a working classroom. When you reach Homer’s statue, pop into Cabell Hall (straight in front of you) for a glimpse of the beautiful auditorium with a replica of Raphael’s “School of Athens.” Continue past the amphitheater and turn right for a stroll through the public gardens with serpentine walls. Continue down the West Range, and be sure to look inside #13 at Edgar Allen Poe’s room as you pass. Cross the street and see a piece of the Berlin Wall displayed in front of Alderman Library. Don’t miss my favorite statue of Icarus between Alderman and Clemons Library. Cross the street for a quick tour of the small, neo-gothic chapel built after Jefferson’s death. 

 
 3. CARTER’S MOUNTAIN: Pick your own apples or peaches (depending on the season) at our local orchard on Carter’s Mountain, located just three miles from the Inn at Court Square and around the corner from Jefferson’s Monticello. Be sure to save time to stroll around the orchards, enjoy the Blue Ridge view, and sample their famous apple cider donuts. If you visit during peach season, you’ll get to sample this Georgia girl’s favorite—fresh peach ice cream.
4. JEFFERSON VINEYARDS: Enjoy an afternoon tasting Virginia wine at Jefferson Vineyards, a family owned and operated winery. Located five miles from The Inn at Court Square on land where Jefferson first cultivated grapes and introduced viticulture to America. Enjoy indoor or outdoor seating at the beautiful Tasting Room seven days a week from 11am-5pm. Classic tastings include a souvenir glass. Be sure to try my favorite, the Signature Series Chardonnay. If you are lucky, you can catch some local musicians, including Terri Allard, on Saturdays at sunset from May to September. 

  
5. DOWNTOWN MALL: Stroll down the Downtown Mall, just two blocks from The Inn at Court Square. Enjoy a drink at one of the many bars, cafes, or coffeehouse while people watching on Charlottesville’s artsy and fun pedestrian promenade. Be sure to save room for a meal at one of the many wonderful restaurants. Peek into the locally-owned boutiques, write on the community chalk wall, catch a concert at one of several music venues, watch a movie at the new, high-end Violet Crown Theater, or soak in the ambience of our charming town.