Many restaurants feature local foods, beers, and wines and foster a supportive “localvore” ecosystem. Wine lovers will note that Central Virginia is home to more than two dozen wineries and hundreds of acres devoted to commercial vineyards, as well as a growing number of craft breweries.
Living in Central Virginia
Central Virginia’s prime location along the eastern edge of the panoramic Blue Ridge Mountains encourages residents to take advantage of the region’s unspoiled natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. Shenandoah National Park is located on the region’s western edge, and the James River, Appalachian Trail, and famed Skyline Drive are in close proximity.
Once home to three U.S. presidents, Central Virginia also offers many unique historic sites and attractions. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello was named one of the 2012 Wonders of the World in National Geographic Traveler, and UVA’s historic campus founded in 1819 is considered a UNESCO World Heritage site and a Site of Conscience. Today, using the Thomas Jefferson Foundation’s extensive research and knowledge, staff members aim to facilitate conversations on a variety of topics including liberty, self-government, and the legacies of slavery.
Charlottesville Bike Mural
King Family Vineyards, Albemarle County
Rivanna Reservoir, Albemarle County