Jefferson Country

  • Skyline Drive MP 80 to Blue Ridge Parkway MP 116


Three United States presidents called this scenic area of Virginia home. The simple beauty of its rivers, lakes and mountains combine with history-book villages, grape-rich wineries and interesting college towns for a memorable tour.

This is Virginia’ s Jefferson Country where Thomas Jefferson carved his mark deeply in architecture and education. Jefferson designed his two homes here: the well-known Monticello and Poplar Forest, his favorite architectural achievement. The ‘ Father of the University of Virginia, Jefferson founded the educational institution and designed many of its
buildings including the rotunda.

The fate of the Civil War was sealed at Appomattox when General Robert E. Lee and the South surrendered. Battle history continues with a visit to the D-Day Memorial at tiny Bedford. The history of this area surrounds you whether you’ re dining on colonial fare at Michie Tavern or ferrying across the James River.

Enjoy modern amenities in the college towns of Charlottesville and Lynchburg before heading to Wintergreen Resort for snow skiing, nature treks or spa-pampering.

Events

SPRING

  • Thomas Jefferson, Gardener. April 10. Monticello. Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith Education Center, 10 a.m.-noon. (434) 984-9822.
  • Wine Festival at Monticello. May 14. West Lawn of Monticello. 6-9 p.m. Enjoy a glass of wine on the West Lawn as Jefferson himself did. Live music. Tour the restored vineyards, Jefferson’s home. ($55 adults) (434) 984-9822.

SUMMER

  • The Horse and Hound Wine Festival. July 9. Johnson’s Orchard, Bedford. Wine, music, arts, crafts, food, horses and dogs. (540) 586-3707.
  • Love Mountain Festival. June 25-26. Royal Oaks Resort. Music, educational programs, demonstrations, arts and crafts. (540) 943-7625

FALL

  • Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival. September 24-25. Lake Watch Plantation at Smith Mountain Lake.   Tastings and entertainment. (540) 721-1203, (800) 676-8203.
  • Apple Harvest and Apple Butter Festival. September 24-25. Drumheller’s Orchard, Lovingston. Food available for purchase. (434) 263-5036

Area Links