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Attractions & Museums

Ash Lawn-Highland

Ash Lawn-Highland is a historic house museum, 535-acre working farm and performing arts site in Albemarle County, Virginia. President James Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe of New York, made Ash Lawn-Highland their official residence from 1799 to 1823. Ash Lawn-Highland is owned and operated by The College of William and Mary, Monroe's alma mater. Ash Lawn-Highland provides an authentic view of nineteenth-century life through examples of Early American and Victorian architecture, decorative arts from those periods and craft demonstrations.

Address: 1000 James Monroe Parkway, Charlottesville
Phone: (434) 293-9539 x21

www.ashlawnhighland.org
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Carter Mountain, Chiles and Spring Valley Orchards

Carter Mountain Orchard, next to Michie Tavern and mere minutes from Monticello, is open July to Thanksgiving, seven days a week. The fun starts in the sun with tree-ripened peaches and nectarines, plus summer apples. As summer fades, the action heats up with the spectacular apple season. Pick your own or buy in the barn along with fresh cider, homemade cider donuts, pies and hand-dipped ice cream. Chiles Peach Orchard in Crozet is open from early May through Thanksgiving and home to a new farm market. Spring Valley Orchard near Batesville offers cherries for about six weeks starting in June.

Address: 1435 Carters Mountain Trail, Charlottesville
Phone: (434) 977-1833

www.cartermountainorchard.com
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Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival

The 13th annual Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2010, from 11am to 4pm in Lee Park in the heart of the historic district of Charlottesville, Virginia. The Charlottesville Vegetarian Festival is one of the largest vegetarian festivals in the country. More than 100 exhibitors and thousands of health-conscious visitors are expected at the event. The festival will include live music, restaurant booths, vegan food samples, compassionate-living exhibitors, a dog and cat Adoption Fair, fun-raising activities to benefit the projects of Voices for Animals, and a "Kids' Patch" for children. For more information visit the festival's website at www.cvillevegfest.org.

Address: E Jefferson Street and 2nd Street NE, Charlottesville
Phone: (434) 979-1200

www.cvillevegfest.org
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Charlottesville's Holiday Tradition

Visit Charlottesville Friday and Saturday, November 19 and 20, for a weekend full of exciting events all taking place on the historic Downtown Mall. Beginning on Friday from 5-7pm at Central Place is the Grand Illumination of the Community's Christmas tree and the mall-length holiday lights. Saturday morning at 10am begins the Holiday Heritage Parade on the Mall where our three Presidents, Jefferson, Madison and Monroe will serve as Grand Marshals for the parade. Saturday's events also include a Thanksgiving Holiday Show at the Pavilion, a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus at the Paramount Theater, carriage rides on the Downtown Mall and more!

Address: Downtown Mall,
Phone: (434) 978-4466

www.holidaytradition.org

Greene County Economic Development & Tourism

Come enjoy our spectacular Blue Ridge views as you hike, bike, or fish in the sweet, clean mountain air of Greene County, VA. Centrally located, it is a short drive to Massanutten, Monticello, Montpelier and the entrance to Shenandoah National Park. Visit our local historic sites, museums, or vineyards. Shop in one of the largest antique store clusters in Virginia. Treat yourself to an overnight getaway enjoying one of our quaint inns, cabins, cottages, B&Bs or stay in our award-winning hotel. Begin and enjoy wedding bliss in Greene! We have several local inns specializing in weddings in unique romantic settings.

Address: 8315 Seminole Trail, Ruckersville
Phone: (434) 985-6663

www.gatewaytocharlottesville.com
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Greenfield Farm

Greenfield farm is a fun and educational activity for people of all ages. Take home a pumpkin, enjoy a beautiful hayride with Blue Ridge Mountain views, a variety of farm animals to pet, a fun hay maze & climb and of course be sure to set aside time to play in the 5-acre corn maze. There is also a kiddie corral area especially for young children. Weekends in October: Saturdays 10am - 6pm, Sundays 1pm - 6pm. Please call ahead of time about appointments during the week.

Address: 2455 Dairy Road, Ruckersville
Phone: (434) 985-7653

www.greenfieldfallfest.com
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Henley's Orchard

Open from July through mid-November, Henley's Orchard is your destination for a family-owned peach and apple orchard. We do the picking for you! Select from our finest sun-kissed peaches and crisp, cool apples available on-site at "The Shed" beginning July 1. Also sold and featured at local retailers and restaurants, our fresh peaches and apples are sure to delight. Dating back to four generations, we've nurtured 28 varieties of peaches and 38 kinds of apples, including the Albemarle Pippin. Enjoy the bounty of Henley's Orchard nestled at the base of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

Address: 2192 Holly Hill Farm, Crozet
Phone: (434) 823-7848

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Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection

The Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia came into being in 1997 through a gift by American businessman, John W. Kluge. The Collection comprises over 1600 objects, including paintings, sculpture and artifacts, such as ochre paintings on bark from Arnhem Land and bright, acrylic paintings on canvas from the deserts of Central Australia. Many works in the Collection are evocative of the landscape and stories of the Dreaming ancestors. Exhibits are on display throughout the year showcasing artwork from both the permanent Collection and visiting exhibitions. A free guided tour is offered each Saturday at 10:30 am.

Address: 400 Worrell Drive, Charlottesville
Phone: 244-0234

www.virginia.edu/kluge-ruhe
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Massanutten Resort

For more than 30 years, Massanutten Resort has welcomed vacationers as they experience the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. From Massanutten Peak, you can gaze out over amazing panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding valley. If you enjoy skiing, golfing, swimming, or hiking, want to experience all the thrills of a huge waterpark or just relax in the mountains, Massanutten Resort is the perfect family vacation location. Being a four-season resort means there are things to do all year!

Address: 1822 Resort Drive, McGaheysville
Phone: (540) 289-9441

www.massresort.com
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Michie Tavern

Michie Tavern, circa 1784, served as the social center of its community and accommodated travelers with food, drink and lodging. Located 1/4 mile from Jefferson's Monticello, this Virginia Landmark captures 18th Century Tavern life through bountiful southern fare, interactive tours and four unique shops. June 21-August 31 children receive $5 discount on lunch buffet per each paying adult. (Ages 12-15 may lunch for $5.95; 6-11 $1.75; under 5 free.) Coupons required and available at www.michietavern.com under "discounts." Lunch buffet offered daily 11:15-3:30. Ask about interactive tours featuring Mr. Michie's Treasure Hunt.

Address: 683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville
Phone: (434) 977-1234

www.michietavern.com
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Monticello

Enter the world of Thomas Jefferson by exploring the iconic house and scenic grounds of Monticello, his mountaintop plantation and autobiographical masterpiece, designed and redesigned and built and rebuilt for more than forty years. Experience the renovations to the dining room, kitchen and wine cellar, and the new exhibition "The Crossroads". Be sure to watch the introductory film and seevthe children's discovery room at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are available online.

Address: 931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville
Phone: (434) 984-9828

www.monticello.org
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Natural Bridge Zoo

At Natural Bridge Zoo Park there are always numerous baby animals and typically a special exotic baby animal to have your picture take with. Enjoy an African Elephant ride. Encounter mountain lions, White Tigers, Asiatic bears, zebra, and a large variety of monkeys. Many of the Natural Bridge Virginia Zoo animals are bottle fed from birth which creates closer, more friendly encounters than you have ever experienced. Have too much fun while feeding a herd of giraffe, camels, donkeys, pigs, deer and goats. Hundreds of animals to feed, pet and photograph.

Address: 5784 South Lee Highway, Natural Bridge
Phone: (540) 291-2420

www.naturalbridgezoo.com
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Shenandoah Caverns

Thrilling visitors from around the world, Shenandoah Caverns is the only cavern in Virginia with elevator service. Explorers of every age and ability will discover an underground world of wonder. With level walkways and no stairs, only our sights are breathtaking! Enjoy an underground world of wonders along a one-mile tour circuit where a comfortable 56-degree temperature is maintained year-round. The Shenandoah Caverns Family of Attractions also includes American Celebration on Parade, The Yellow Barn and Main Street of Yesteryear.

Address: 397 Caverns Road, Shenandoah Caverns
Phone: (540) 383-2050

www.shenandoahcaverns.com
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Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival

Celebrate Thomas Jefferson's passion for wine! Sip in style at Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson's retreat home on November 20, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy tastings from twelve Virginia wineries, savor fare from food purveyors, and peruse work by local crafters and artisans. Explore Poplar Forest, enjoy musical entertainment, and visit with "Thomas Jefferson' himself. Guided tours of Jefferson's unique, architectural significant, retreat home will be available throughout the day. Purchase tickets online, by phone or at the Poplar Forest Museum Shop ($20 in advance, $25 at the gate); includes general admission, a commemorative wine glass, and tastings from each winery.

Address: 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest
Phone: (434) 525-1806

www.thomasjeffersonwinefestival.com
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UVA Art Museum

Located a short distance from the Rotunda, the University of Virginia Art Museum displays a variety of works from its own collection as well as special exhibitions of artwork from other institutions - all presented against the stunning backdrop of its newly-renovated beaux-arts building. Enhanced gallery space and a variety of educational programs for all ages provide an opportunity for the general public to experience art. Fall exhibitions include Man Ray, African Art, and the Modernist Lens; African Art: Beyond the Modernist Lens; and From Classic to Romantic: British Art in an Age of Transition.

Address: 155 Rugby Road, Charlottesville
Phone: (434) 924-4482

www.virginia.edu/artmuseum
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Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum

Enjoy intimate tours of President Wilson's birthplace; explore his life and legacy at the Woodrow Wilson Museum where his Pierce-Arrow limousine is a highlight; stroll through the Victorian garden and visit the President's Shop. Children will especially enjoy the Kid's Corner. In historic Downtown Staunton, minutes away from I-81 and I-64. Tours daily. "I have a sense of power in dealing with men collectively which I do not always feel in dealing with them singly.... One feels no sacrifice of pride necessary in courting the favor of an assembly of men such as he would have to make in seeking to please one man." -Wilson at age 27

Address: 18 North Coalter Street, Staunton
Phone: (540) 885-0897

www.woodrowwilson.org
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