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Charlottesville, Afton, and Orange
Spring 2009
by James Putbrese
Charlottesville & Albemarle County Tourism Information
Louisa, Fluvanna, and Orange County Tourism Information
Green County Tourism Information
Montpelier, the home of our fifth president, James Madison, is not far from the Valley in Central Virginia’s Orange County. A years-long, multi-million dollar restoration project was completed in September 2008, returning the home to its 1820s state, when its rooms were graced by James and Dolley Madison. The expansive estate includes formal gardens, a forest, active archaeological exhibits, cemeteries, a freedman’s cabin, and Civil War encampment sites. The Visitor Center will fill you in on all the details and get you started on your tour.
A dizzying drive up the rugged hills of adjacent Greene County brings you to Stone Mountain Vineyard, a breathtaking spot, planted on slopes so steep you wonder how the grapes are harvested without anyone falling off! The slopes have a purpose—air drainage keeps late frosts from settling on the leaves in the spring, and early frosts in the fall from settling on the grapes. Try the Bacon Hollow Revnuers Select, a wine made from Rkatsiteli grapes!
To the south lies the home of James Madison’s friend, neighbor, and mentor, Thomas Jefferson. Monticello, meaning ‘little mountain’ in Italian, is in Charlottesville—and the name is certainly appropriate, as you’ll discover, winding your way up the steep mountain drive! Inside Jefferson’s home, in addition to Jefferson’s own possessions, you will see items collected by Lewis and Clark on their exploration of the West. While you’re there, tour the home, grounds, and slave quarters, to learn, not only about Jefferson, but also about the culture, society, and daily plantation life of his day. The gardens are still carefully tended with seasonal flowers and vegetables harvested daily through the growing months.
Just a short distance west of Charlottesville, Afton Mountain separates Central Virginia from the Shenandoah Valley. The Blue Ridge Parkway ends and the Skyline Drive begins at Afton Mountain's peak. The scenery in this area is gorgeous in every season... you can’t go wrong taking an afternoon drive or hike here!
Nearby, you’ll find Rockfish Gap Country Store, built in the 1930s as a packing shed for local farmers to store and sell their fruit. These days the store still sells jams, jellies, and cider—and a lot more, too. You’ll also find Virginia wines, a Christmas room, an old-fashioned toy store, a candy store, and a wonderful selection of antiques.
Article text ©2009, Shenandoah Specialty Publishing, LLC.
May be printed for personal use only.
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