Attractions & Museums

The Artisan Trail Network’s “Monticello Artisan Trail” is your passport to wander the back roads and discover the treasures of Albemarle and Nelson Counties. Visit the historical landmarks, sample locally produced foods, linger along the scenic byways, waterways and greenways, enjoy award winning local wines and craft beers, and meet the artisans who define the region’s vibrant heritage. Catering to creative travelers and outdoor enthusiasts, this region is well known for its natural beauty and recreational activities, events and festivals. The region of the Monticello Artisan Trail provides diverse experiences, appealing to residents and visitors of all ages and interests!

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.

In addition to providing individual visitors with information on the area, the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention and Visitors Bureau (CACVB) assists tour operators, meeting planners, weddings, reunions and other groups to find local attractions, restaurants, hotels and other visitor-related businesses. Its mission is "to enhance the economic prosperity of the City and County by promoting, selling and marketing the City of Charlottesville and County of Albemarle, as a destination, in pursuit of the meetings and tourism markets."

America's oldest continuously operated show cave, voted #2 in America by Parade magazine, and a National Natural Landmark, Grand Caverns is a stately and powerful example of nature's handiwork. Gigantic stalactites point down from above. Equally imposing stalagmites thrust upward from the caverns floor. Cathedral Hall measuring 280 feet long and over 70 feet high is one of the largest rooms of any cavern in the east. Massive columns, beautiful draperies, rippling flowstone, and hundreds of rare "shield" formations create a variety of fascinating sights. Come and experience the unique beauty of this cavern and the unparalleled hospitality of park staff.

Revive the splendor of our European traditions and heritage in James Madison's Orange County! Greater Gordonsville, a unique village with an European flair, nestled in the heart of Virginia. Discriminating visitors are discovering that, tucked away amidst the stunning, scenic beauty and rolling hills of the Virginia Piedmont, lies a place with world-class amenities, friendly people and charm. Greater Gordonsville boasts award-winning wineries, luxurious inns, first-class restaurants, renowned galleries, shops and unparalleled historic sites.

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 1,600 objects, including paintings, sculptures 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 10:30am.

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!

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 1-September 2 children receive $4 discount on lunch buffet per each paying adult. (Ages 12-15 may lunch for $6.95; 6-11 $2.95.) 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.

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 see the children's discovery room at the Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center. Reserved tickets are available online.

Welcome to Montpelier, home of James and Dolley Madison. James Madison, 4th President and "Father of the Constitution," made his life-long home in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains at Montpelier. Come take a guided tour of the Mansion, participate in hands-on outdoor cooking, stroll the formal gardens, investigate the archaeological digs or hike the 400-acre Landmark forest trails. Just 30 minutes from Charlottesville in beautiful Orange, Virginia. Join for the Montpelier Hunt Races on November 5. Our goal is to offer the finest steeplechase racing at a very historic setting in the heart of central Virginia.

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, our sights are both convenient and 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.

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. Spring exhibitions include: Curator’s Choice, Master Printmakers, Tom Burckhardt, 100 Years of Photography, the Object Study Gallery and Henry Moore’s Seated Woman.

Virginia's only drive-thru zoo! One hundred eighty acres, 1,000 animals, three miles of roads. Feed bison, elk, antelope, zebra, ostrich and many other animals from your own vehicle! The Safari Village, 10 acres of walk-thru exhibits, includes: tigers, cheetahs, aviary, kangaroos, reptiles, primates, tortoises and warthogs. Feed goats, baby llamas and piglets in the Petting Zoo and feed giraffes directly out of your hand! Located off I-81 Exit 180B. March-May daily 9 to 5pm; Memorial Day-Labor Day daily 9 to 6pm; and September-November daily from 9 to 5pm.

It's no challenge to experience Waynesboro your way. Explore a different time period through the museums, historical sites and Civil War battlefields within and surrounding the city. Capture the breathtaking views with a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive or a hike the Appalachian Trail. Get caught up in one of our many festivals, from the Fly Fishing Festival to the Chili Blues and Brews Festival. Take in natural beauty while competing in the Park to Park half marathon or one of the many annual races. Come discover why it's not like everywhere else- it's Your Waynesboro.

White Oak Lavender Farm is a family-owned farm in Rockingham County, VA. We grow over 30 varieties of lavender and distill our own essential oils. All of our lavender is grown using organic practices and is lovely for crafting and cooking. Our guests enjoy walking through our fields, picking the lavender, interacting with our farm animals and spending time in our relaxing gift shop. We are open year round Tuesday - Sunday. Check out our web page for specific hours and information for lectures, tours, classes and special events.