We enjoyed our time in Pennsylvania, but our next stop was waiting: Charlottesville, Virginia.  I didn’t know a lot about Charlottesville, all I knew is Porter wanted to visit Monticello and the University of Virginia.

Monticello

Turns out this was an awesome area. Of course it’s a college town, and that always helps to ratchet up the cool factor.  It’s in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, not too far from the Blue Ridge Parkway and filled with some very nice breweries.

We stayed just outside of Charlottesville at Misty Mountain Resort.  Misty Mountain is a nice little campground filled with plenty of activities to keep you busy.  Just up the road is Greenwood Gourmet Grocery.  Their sandwiches are amazing and it’s a great place to pick up some of Virginia’s great beers.  Plus, we found some awesome authentic Mexican food just up the street in a gas station … yes a gas station. Don’t let the looks fool you; inside you will find some of the most delicious south of the border grub.

Gas station gourmet

The real reason for our stop in Virginia was Monticello, the home of President Thomas Jefferson.  I’ve always had a fascination with Jefferson.  (Porter too!) He was an American Founding Father, wrote the Declaration of Independence, was our 3rd President and the list goes on and on.  The tour of the house and grounds was certainly a reflection of his intelligence and ingenuity.  Make it part of your itinerary if you ever visit the area.

Monticello Gardens

We only stayed a week in Charlottesville and I wish we would have stays longer.  The area had a lot more to offer than what we had time to explore.