Linda's Guidebook
Hiking
Woodland trails of low to strenuous effort
The park is very close with many trails. Maps are available at the house.
19 locals recommend
Pleasant Grove Park
The park is very close with many trails. Maps are available at the house.
Sightseeing
Monticello
1050 Thomas Jefferson PkwyThis is an historic home of a founder of the U.S. It is close to Monticello (home of Thomas Jefferson). It has extensive grounds, a gift shop and tours.
127 locals recommend
James Monroe's Highland
2050 James Monroe PkwyThis is an historic home of a founder of the U.S. It is close to Monticello (home of Thomas Jefferson). It has extensive grounds, a gift shop and tours.
The University was founded by Thomas Jefferson and friends. T.J. designed the orginial campus, now called by us as Central Grounds. The Rotunda is a lovely building. There are beautiful small gardens to walk through or sit in. Nearby is the large University Medical Center complex. There is also a very close shopping district "The Corner" where you can get food, coffee, clothing, etc.
251 locals recommend
University of Virginia
918 Emmet St NThe University was founded by Thomas Jefferson and friends. T.J. designed the orginial campus, now called by us as Central Grounds. The Rotunda is a lovely building. There are beautiful small gardens to walk through or sit in. Nearby is the large University Medical Center complex. There is also a very close shopping district "The Corner" where you can get food, coffee, clothing, etc.
Food scene
This restaurant/food shop is a local meeting spot. The emphasis is on locally produced food.
Local Eats
74 Joshua LnThis restaurant/food shop is a local meeting spot. The emphasis is on locally produced food.
This is a small, family-owned restaurant. The family goes back generations in our Fluvanna County. In addition to the basics, they have some locally produced merchandise. There is a deli in the back right corner with the best rotisserie chicken, and good creamy mac and cheese. They have been the best local place for Covid precautions. Across the road is a boat landing on the Rivanna where you can take your sandwich to watch the river flow by.
E W Thomas
13027 James Madison HwyThis is a small, family-owned restaurant. The family goes back generations in our Fluvanna County. In addition to the basics, they have some locally produced merchandise. There is a deli in the back right corner with the best rotisserie chicken, and good creamy mac and cheese. They have been the best local place for Covid precautions. Across the road is a boat landing on the Rivanna where you can take your sandwich to watch the river flow by.
Sweet Art Emporium is just down the hill in the Village of Palmyra. It is a very nice gift shop, but it also carries a line of locally produced candies.
Sweet Art Emporium
264 Turkeysag TrailSweet Art Emporium is just down the hill in the Village of Palmyra. It is a very nice gift shop, but it also carries a line of locally produced candies.
Boating
This little river is a gem. There is a short float of about 3 hours that you can do from Crofton Landing to the Village of Palmyra. There are a couple riffles, but easy. Many bird species that you won't see, but hear. There are eagles and herons that live on the river, and otters, muskrat, and tortoises. Groups can rent boats from Fluvanna County Parks and Rec. I have two kayaks and will put-in and drop-off with advance notice of 2 weeks.
9 locals recommend
Rivanna River
This little river is a gem. There is a short float of about 3 hours that you can do from Crofton Landing to the Village of Palmyra. There are a couple riffles, but easy. Many bird species that you won't see, but hear. There are eagles and herons that live on the river, and otters, muskrat, and tortoises. Groups can rent boats from Fluvanna County Parks and Rec. I have two kayaks and will put-in and drop-off with advance notice of 2 weeks.
City advice
Getting around
Deer are a hazard in the country
When driving, particularly in early morning and at dusk, but also at night, be on the lookout for deer along either side of the road. It isn't that you would hit them, but that they run into you. They may jump right in front of you. Also, there are very often more than one. If one crosses safely in front of you, SLOW DOWN for the others.
Don't miss
Things to do in nearby Charlottesville.
Charlottesville is abbreviated cville. Look online for cville calendar or cville weekly.