Monticello is the autobiographical masterpiece of Thomas Jefferson—designed and redesigned and built and rebuilt for more than forty years. Its gardens were a botanic showpiece, a source of food, and an experimental laboratory of ornamental and useful plants from around the world.

Walk through The Grounds at UVA. The original Grounds of the University, including the Rotunda and the Lawn, were designed by Thomas Jefferson to be what he called an "Academical Village." Together with Monticello, the Academical Village is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Charlottesville and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains are home to a myriad of trails. A personal favorite is Humpback Rocks Hiking trail which is 2 miles and offers beautiful views. Located on the Blue Ridge Parkway between mile markers 5 & 6, with slightly longer routes when starting from either the picnic grounds or visitors center.