Frequently listed among the best places to live in the U.S., Charlottesville is also a great place to visit. Whether you love food, history, the arts, or the great outdoors, Charlottesville has it all.
Local Historic Sites
Charlottesville is rich with history. In addition to Jefferson, the area was home to Presidents James Madison and James Monroe. The University of Virginia, which Jefferson founded and designed, is (along with Monticello) a World Heritage site and an architectural masterpiece.
The Thomas Jefferson Parkway was developed by the Thomas Jefferson Foundation to create a scenic entrance along Route 53 to Monticello. The Parkway also serves as a recreational and educational resource for visitors and as a pedestrian and cycling link between Monticello and the local community. Along the Parkway, four miles of utility lines were buried, guardrails were removed when possible, and the road shoulders were landscaped.
