Sometimes you just need to get away. Cabin fever, winter’s cold temperatures, and then finally spring blooms are enough to drive us out on a small, weekend-length adventure to Charlottesville, Virginia. Charlottesville stands at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and provides everything Evan and I are interested in: nature, wine, and a bit of history. After being in Maryland for the last three years, we have yet to venture out south or west and this was the perfect opportunity to see what Shenandoah Valley has to offer.
We kicked things off right with a stop at Virginia’s Discovery Museum — a pint-sized Children’s Museum. Sophia was engaged for quite a while and loved her time there. She especially liked the farming and farm stand exhibits. We try to make sure everyone gets to do something fun and since we now have a little traveler with us, we plan activities she will really love.
No trip to Charlottesville is complete without a visit to Monticello — Thomas Jefferson’s grand home. We also stopped by Ash-Lawn Highland: a lesser known presidential home, though it was incredibly charming complete with sheep, lambs, and chickens. Monroe’s home was charming and very personal but nothing prepares you for the splendid home and views of Monticello. Each home had a 40-minute guided tour and much to my surprise, Sophia was a trooper through both. We did a little bit of hiking and even tasted the beautiful wines of the region.
This is what happens when you need to look up directions and you decided to not bring the stroller…
Stroller or not, we always manage to have a great time and be silly, too. Good times in new places with great company — nothing is better.
