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

  • Meet the Gardeners. April 17. Monticello. Lunch, walking tours of gardens, talk with gardening staff ($25 in advance). (434) 984-9880.
  • Conversations with Thomas Jefferson. April 24. Poplar Forest. Conversation with President Jefferson is an evening of delightful historical theater. (434) 525-1806.

SUMMER

  • The Horse and Hound Wine Festival. July 10. Johnson’s Orchard, Bedford. Wine, music, arts, crafts, food, horses and dogs. (540) 586-3707.

FALL

  • Smith Mountain Lake Wine Festival. September 25-26. Lake Watch Plantation at Smith Mountain Lake.   Tastings and entertainment. (540) 721-1203, (800) 676-8203.
  • Vesuvius Heritage Day. October 9. Celebrate Vesuvius’s rich mountain heritage. (540) 377-2178.

Area Links