It’s easy to fall in love with Charlottesville…framed by extraordinary mountain views and winding country roads , the area is a refuge for those who prefer to live amid natural surroundings. The fall foliage in Charlottesville is truly breathtaking. Brilliant yellows and fiery fields proudly announce that autumn has arrived. With its many warm, rich colors, it’s no wonder that the landscape is an inspiration for local artists. Charlottesville is surrounded by rural vistas, mountain panoramas and pastoral comforts, making it easy for city dwellers to escape the pressures of everyday life with just a short drive. The Charlottesville region is blessed with several unspoiled natural areas that have been set aside for study, exploration and preservation. Residents and visitors enjoy acres of pine and hardwood forests, old fields, streams, and natural springs and walking trails. While embracing growth, Charlottesville takes pride in its small-town appeal. Downtown streets lined with small shops and cafes possess a casual charm-a simple enhancement to everyday life for all city dwellers.

Four distinct seasons grace Charlottesville with natural splendor and ever-changing scenery.

Spring – is characterized by mild warmth and the brilliance of flowers and budding trees everywhere.

Summer – The warm days of mid-summer slow the pace of daily life just enough, to lure residents outdoors to enjoy the area’s lush green landscape.

Autumn- Crisp air, fiery foliage, and the spicy fragrance of leaves and pumpkin pie are the hallmarks of a perfect autumn in Charlottesville.

Winter- often arrives cold and snowy, but never overstays its welcome. Just add a blanket of snow and a backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the local geography become a winter paradise.

Outdoor enthusiasts are happy to call the Charlottesville area home with canoeing, swimming, hiking, biking, picnicking, skiing, skating, sledding, golfing, hot-air ballooning and hundreds of other recreational opportunities.

Virginia is equestrian country and some of the finest hunt clubs are located in the area. Fox hunting, polo matches and horse shows are held throughout the region. The most popular equestrian events are the Foxfield Races, held in Albemarle County and the Montpelier races that take place on the grounds of Montpelier, home of James Madison in Orange County.

A favorite pastime in Charlottesville is playing a leisurely round of golf. There is a wide selection of first-class golf courses ---Birdwood, Farmington, and Keswick Hall. There are also several public courses that offer a glorious day of entertainment and exercise.

The Charlottesville area contains homes and neighborhoods for every taste, style and income –urban and suburban.

For a Region of its size, the variety of arts, events, performances, festivals, and exhibitions in the Charlottesville Region is impressive. This is a community that provides an enthusiastic audience for almost every artistic endeavor open to the public. From “Fridays After Five”, where local and national bands play to audiences during warm-weather months: to First Night Virginia, where Charlottesville families welcome the New Year in a safe and fun-filled environment; where at First Friday –every Friday of the every month ---all the art galleries are open with new art shows; to every historic program and holiday event during the year. The downtown mall is truly the heart and soul of Charlottesville and epitomizes the spirit of the Charlottesville community.

Much of the land in and round Charlottesville looks the way it did in Jefferson’s time here. There is a great appreciation of the beauty of this land and a strong belief to maintain its beauty. The City of Charlottesville and the surrounding areas are steeped in American History with the campus of University of Virginia, historic Michie Tavern, Ashlawn-the home of James Monroe, Monticello – the home of Thomas Jefferson and Monpelier – the home of James Madison.

Some of the best wineries are here in the Charlottesville area. The vineyards of Virginia are magnificent and most offer tastings of various wines sure to please any palate.

Shops of all kinds exist which offer all types of unique shopping opportunities. There are also wonderful quaint coffee houses and gourmet ethnic restaurants. There is a myriad of choices for the palate.

Lured to the area because of its vital economy, educated workforce, physical beauty, quality of life, and the resources of UVA, the influx of new and relocating technology companies has positively impacted the community.

There are wonderful entrepreneurial opportunities that exist here in Charlottesville. A new and upcoming manufacturing company called Bake’mmm Bagels --offering organic fresh baked bagels that you bake fresh yourself in your own oven began here in Charlottesville.

 New construction is happening which is a hallmark of a vibrant economy. New business parks are part of the growth plan in order to draw more technology to the area.

 Charlottesville is a city where the creative arts abound. Whether it’s featured in local galleries or hanging in restaurants, artwork can be found everywhere---Not only paintings, also music festivals, theater groups, readings, and book signings abound. Performing art centers are all supported and encouraged in Charlottesville.

In Charlottesville - There is innovative healthcare, quality schools, rich history, and a focus on culture, arts and music. They are part of everyday life. We have many venues for artists to perform and show their talent. We have the newly restored Paramount; Live Arts, Four County Players as well as many others. There are musical events all year. We have the newly built Charlottesville Pavillion on the historic downtown walking mall, where many internationally known musical groups and bands perform. There are music festivals at places like Oakridge which serves as a gathering place for local musicians each year.

Charlottesville has two major health care facilities in the area--- UVA Medical Center and Martha Jefferson Hospital. There are a number of outpatient and physician services in the area. The Health Care here is known as some of the best in the country. They offer cutting edge facilities. The health care system also provides clinics in surrounding counties so health care if very accessible to everyone.

There is a wonderful Senior Center that provides great services to the aging population in Charlottesville. The Senior Center was the first accredited Senior Center in the state.

So now that you have learned a little bit more about Charlottesville and see what a wonderful quality of life we experience here you can see why I choose to make this my home.

 So come for a visit …

www.ComeToCharlottesvilleVA.com

Make Charlottesville your home too!