Historical Tours
Marvel at Thomas Jefferson’s endless household inventions. Peek in on the dorm room where Edgar Allen Poe honed his writing skills. Picture yourself among the early American patriots celebrating victory at Michie Tavern.
Home to three Presidents. Host to many more. Charlottesville and Albemarle County are the heart of American history.
Monticello
Perhaps no home is more revealing of its owner’s character than Monticello. There, Thomas Jefferson began building in 1769; he would continue to redesign and add onto his architectural masterpiece until 1809. Guided tours daily; open every day but Christmas. Don’t miss the Monticello Visitor’s Center, on Route 20 South before the turn to Monticello Mountain.
The University of Virginia
Visit the University’s exquisite grounds and see the Academical Village as Thomas Jefferson himself designed it. Wander its Lawn and gardens. View Edgar Allen Poe’s room as it was when he was enrolled there. Tour the Rotunda, the University’s neoclassical centerpiece. University of Virginia tours are a great way to see the beautiful campus while experiencing a piece of American history.
Ash Lawn-Highland
This charming farmstead was the home of fifth U.S. President James Monroe from 1799 to 1823. A working farm, it often hosts demonstrations of spinning, weaving and open-hearth cooking. Home to the Ash Lawn-Highland Opera Festival.
Michie Tavern
The Michie Tavern ca. 1784 Museum is a genuine early American tavern, serving not only as restaurant and inn, but also a community center where locals gathered to worship, attend school and enjoy festive parties. Today, its restaurant serves traditional Southern fare based on recipes of the period.
Montpelier
James Madison, the fourth U.S. President, lived at Montpelier all his life, adding on when he returned from Philadelphia with his new bride, Dolley, in 1797 and again in 1809. Subsequent owners continued to expand the house, until it reached a sprawling 55 rooms and three stories. Renovations are under way that will return the house to the two-story, 22-room residence the Madisons inhabited.
Historic Downtown Mall
Main Street in Charlottesville is a vibrant six-block pedestrian-only shopping and entertainment district with restaurants and coffeehouses, boutiques and antique shops, movie, live and puppet theaters and an indoor ice rink.
Presidents’ Pass
The Presidents' Pass is a combination discounted ticket for touring Monticello , Ash Lawn-Highland, and Michie Tavern, ca. 1784 Museum. Save $5 per person off regular admission prices. Available at the Charlottesville Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau's Visitors Center – Highway 20, Monticello , Michie Tavern and Ash Lawn-Highland.