Skyline Drive: Gateway to Charlottesville
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GATEWAY TO HISTORY AND UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Wineries, outdoor recreation, history, and farm-to-table dining await! Find things to do, places to stay, upcoming events, and more in Charlottesville & Albemarle County.
This area boasts world-renowned historic sites, scenic parks and waterways for outdoor adventures, fun activities for families, vibrant arts and culture, great shopping spots, as well as accessible experiences for visitors with different abilities and needs.
Historic Sites
Charlottesville and Albemarle County is home to world-renowned historic sites including three of the country’s founding fathers’ homes. Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Monroe’s Highland, and James Madison’s Montpelier all reside within this region.
Outdoor Adventures
By land there’s hiking, disc golf, and horseback riding, and if you are looking for something a little more splash, whet your appetite for adventure with tubing, canoeing, kayaking and rafting. There is even hot air ballooning, high ropes courses and skydiving if you prefer your adventures sky-high.
Culinary Experiences
The Charlottesville area is known for it’s high density of restaurants where you’ll find flavors from all over the globe in one place. You’ll also find traditional Southern American favorites and locally sourced ingredients.
Wineries
The Charlottesville area has more than 40 wineries.
We’re a down-to-earth destination for world-class wine where you can find a bottle to pair with a weeknight dinner and a bottle to save for a special occasion.
Choose Your Adventure
LEARN ABOUT ROAD TRIP EPIC EXPERIENCES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY.
Outdoor Recreation
In the valley you can enjoy four seasons of adventure. Spring through fall several outfitters offer a variety of guided trips and rentals for canoeing, rafting, tubing, kayaking and fresh water fishing. Winter sports on the slopes include skiing and snowtubing at Massanutten Resort and Bryce Resort.
Attractions and Entertainment
You can experience a wide variety of attractions and entertainment venues in the communities surrounding the park. From plays and concerts at the historic Wayne Theatre, Shenandoah Summer Music Festival, and American Shakespeare Center to live music at Cooter’s in the Valley, the Shenandoah Music Festival and Shenandoah Summer Music Theater, the choices are endless.
Family Fun
The Shenandoah Valley offers many opportunities to get the kids moving. Favorites include the Capon Springs & Farms, Shenandoah Valley Discovery Museum, and Dinosaur Land. And they can go for a walk on the wild side at Virginia Safari Park.
Caverns and Rock Formations
Naturally formed landmarks are part of the incredible landscape found in the Valley. The limestone throughout the Valley is honeycombed with caves. Special underground attractions include Luray Caverns , Shenandoah Caverns, Skyline Caverns and Grand Caverns. Virginia’s Natural Bridge is 30 stories of solid rock.
History, Culture and Museums
The beautiful and historic Shenandoah Valley is bounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. In the Valley, stories of pioneer settlement, farming, and culture are told in many ways at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Virginia’s Civil War Trails are located throughout the valley, as well as many Civil War battlefields, local museums and historic societies. Check out a re-enactment and learn about the breadbasket of the Confederacy.
Horseback Riding
The Shenandoah Valley offers miles of trails for horseback riding. From guided rides in national forests and national parks to the quiet rolling waters of a tranquil creek.
Farms, Markets and Orchards
The Shenandoah Valley’s pastoral beauty is renowned. With a rich farming legacy, the valley is home to four of the top five agricultural producing counties in Virginia. Around here, farming is still a family affair.
Vineyards, Breweries and Distillery
About an hour’s drive west of Washington, D.C. lies the Shenandoah Valley and some of Virginia’s best wineries, breweries and cideries. The Shenandoah Valley is emerging as one of the country’s most exciting wine, beer and cider-producing regions today, with a unique growing climate and exciting varietals.
Charming, Historic Downtowns
Don’t miss the historic downtown communities in the Shenandoah Valley, which delight visitors with old-fashioned hospitality and charm, not to mention a lively arts and dining scene. Many of the area’s downtowns are listed as state and national historic districts. Historic architecture lines the streets. And look inside the storefronts and you’ll probably find modern delights: coffee shops, bakeries and wine bars.
Festivals and Events
With a variety of festivals throughout the year, the Shenandoah Valley is a place of music, fun, and celebration. For more information about what’s happening in the Shenandoah Valley, visit the websites of nearby towns and cities.