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1. The Monticello Wine Trail is perfect for any day of the week in CVille!

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Virginia is the 5th largest producer of wines in the United States. The wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail have all been inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s vision of winemaking. He believed that “we could, in the United States, make as great a variety of wines as are made in Europe, not exactly of the same kinds, but doubtless as good”. The Monticello AVA wineries have easily surpassed Jefferson’s dreams for Virginia wine.

With deep historic significance and lush vineyard views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, our region hosts travelers from around the world. Member wineries take the greatest pleasure in welcoming visitors to sample their wines, relax in the bucolic countryside and share their pride in Virginia’s wine-making heritage, all brought to you by our proud Jeffersonian Wine Grape Growers’ Society.

2. The Blue Ridge Mountains: Hikes, picnics, photo opportunities, biking trails, makeout spots!

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia are one of the most beautiful and iconic parts of the American landscape. The mountains are home to the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as America’s Favorite Drive, and a portion of the Appalachian Trail, one of the most visited footpaths in the world.

The Blue Ridge Parkway winds through the spine of the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers the perfect opportunity to experience the wonder of this scenic landscape.

3. CVille has one of THE BEST restaurant scenes in the United States!

In its own quiet way, Charlottesville offers a culinary destination to make any foodie salivate and restaurants that can go plate-to-plate with any city across the country.

With an appetite for excellence, the entrepreneurial restaurateurs of Charlottesville operate more than 500 independent restaurants, cafes, bistros, grills and pubs.

These are people who are passionate about good food and great dining who make the most of abundant farming and agriculture in the area. The area hasn’t adopted a “farm-to-table” approach – here, it’s just a way of life. Always has been. Always will be.

The result is a dazzling array of menus that draw on the freshest foods of the region: organic produce, handmade cheeses, free-range poultry and grass-fed beef, all expertly prepared with a nod to regional traditions plus flavor influences from around the world. French? Japanese? Southwestern? Indian? Thai? You’ll find it all alongside pulled pork, biscuits and black-eyed peas and traditional Virginia fare.

4. UVA Athletics and ACC Sports shine in CVille, making all sports fans happy, happy, happy!

The Virginia Cavaliers, the name of all athletic teams officially representing the University of Virginia in collegiate sports, have been members of the Atlantic Coast Conference since it’s inception in 1953. They boast 25 NCAA Division 1 varsity sports, with 18 NCAA national championships in various programs. Distinguished sports alumni have gone on to win Olympic medals, including the 4 medals won in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing.

5. The CVille Downtown Mall is truly a treasure!

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A dynamic place where history is intertwined with a thriving city center. This vibrant historic district is replete with live theater, music and cinema. Enjoy the limitless dining choices and specialty shops for every taste, all located along seven blocks on brick- and tree-lined streets once walked on by Jefferson, Madison and Monroe.

The classic and the contemporary dwell side by side, creating an energy and excitement that draws praise from the Washington Post, New York Times and numerous magazines that all rate Charlottesville as one of the “Top 10 Places” for you and your family to visit.

6. The Brew Ridge Trail is a craft beer lovers mecca!

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The Brew Ridge Trail is self-guided, so you can visit any brewery you want, in any order, during their regular business hours.

Each brewery offers Sample Tastings of their craft beers, allowing you to try out a variety of what they produce. Otherwise, draft beer and bottled beer (or cider) are generally available, and growler fills can be purchased for selected brews.

7.The Music Scene

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Charlottesville has myriad of music venues including the The Southern, The Jefferson Theatre, The Paramount Theatre, nTelos Wireless Pavilion, Miller’s, and John Paul Jones Arena. Live music can be found everywhere you go in this town.

8. The UVA Corner, there is no better place to get rowdy after a Wahoo victory than the bars on The UVA Corner.

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“The Corner” is group of student stores, bookstores, restaurants and bars that stretches along University Avenue in Charlottesville, Va. The corner encompasses approximately 7 blocks in the center of campus and is the hub for all student activity at the University.

9. Enough historical attractions to keep any history buff busy!

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As the home of founding father Thomas Jefferson, Charlottesville is home to many historical sites such as Rotunda, Monticello, Montpelier, and Michie Tavern.

If you liked this article, you might also enjoy 9 VA Beers You Must Drink This Week and 7 Awesome Virginia Beers.

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