Location Within the State

• Living in Central VA offers a convenience to traveling to other great locations within the state. 
• Charlottesville is only an hour away from Richmond, within an hour from the south side of The Shanandoah National Park  and its breathtaking views, just over two hours from Washington, DC and within four hours from Virginia Beach and the Atlantic coastline.  

University Town

• Living in a university town there is an “energy” you can feel.  Some locations can have a “sleepy or dull” characteristic to them.  With UVA as a neighbor, there is always something going on! 
• Continuing Education at UVA – One can easily continue the lifelong pursuit of learning by participating in any number of classes offered through UVA's continuing education program.  
• The Miller Center of Public Affairs consistently brings in great, notable speakers who report on issues regarding American government.
• A great evening idea in Charlottesville is to enjoy walking around Thomas Jefferson's Academical Village (known as The Lawn) at The University of Virginia and then grabbing dinner on The Corner. 

Phenomenal Food and Wine (a personal favorite!)

• Pretty consistently when we travel we can’t wait to get back to our local restaurants here in C’ville!!  They are truly fantastic!  There was a great article in the Washington Post back in 2008 talking about our restaurant scene.
• Some of our personal favorites include The Shebeen, Fleurie, Sticks Kebob Shop, Blue Light Grill, Aromas Cafe, Mono Loco, The Ivy Inn, Hamiltons at First and Main, Pizza Bella, Baja Bean Co., C&O Restaurant, Belmont BBQ and The Old Mill Room At Boars Head.
• The Charlottesville area is definitely making a name for itself in the wine world.  A great weekend outing with friends or family is visiting any number of the many wonderful vineyards along The Monticello Wine Trail.  We also now have the Brew Ridge Trail if you prefer a microbrewery. Other fun events held at area wineries include Starry Nights at Veritas Vineyard and polo at King Family Vineyards.      

The Outdoors

• The parks in Albemarle County are fantastic.  From walking along wooded paths, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, frisbee golf, etc. there is definitely something for everyone who simply enjoys being outdoors!
• The Saunders-Monticello Trail is a great walking trail meandering along the south-side of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway.  It is two miles of finely, crushed stone and well kept wooden, boardwalk to The Thomas Jefferson Visitor Center and Smith History Center. The challenge to this trail is not succumbing to the smell of fried chicken at Michie Tavern!   
• Carter Mountain Orchard is a pick your own orchard with a bakery and a country store that also offers wine tastings complimented by some of the best views...anywhere!  You will actually cross over the road up to the orchard while walking The Monticello Trail.  
• The Blue Ridge Parkway is within a half hour drive west of Charlottesville and offers spectacular views any time of the year, with October being especially brilliant with the autumn colors.   

Historical Attractions

• Charlottesville is very special in that you can easily drive to the homes of three United States Presidents including Mr. Jefferson's home at Monticello, James Monroe's at Ashlawn-Highland and James Madison's at Montpelier.  
• The Rotunda at The University of Virginia
• The Lawn at The University of Virginia
• Edgar Allen Poe's Room at The University of Virginia     

Only in Charlottesville

• Want the inside scoop on all things local?  Here's a great ariticle from one of our town's newspapers C-VILLE Weekly.
• The Downtown Mall:  There is nothing like enjoying a pleasant evening on the Mall!  During "Fridays After Five" held between April and September one can first enjoy listening to live music at The Charlottesville Pavalion on the far east side before heading west and window shopping the over 100 shops and boutiques in and around the mall while noting the menus posted outside the 25+ restaurants (many which offer outside seating).  After enjoying a great dinner at the restaurant you picked with the best sounding menu you can then take in a play or show at The Paramount or more live music at The Jefferson. 
• The Virginia Discovery Museum on the east end of the downtown mall "brings young children and families together to engage minds, excite imaginations and explore the world around them."
• The City Farmer's Market runs from 7am-noon on Saturdays from April until December.  A great way to start your weekend is to enjoy breakfast either at Cafe Cubano on The Downtown Mall or at The Bluegrass Grill & Bakery which is very convenient to the Farmers Market.  After breakfast take in the market where you will see some of the areas freshest, organic produce, meats, plants and flowers along with crafts and baked goods.
• Horse Racing:  The Foxfield Races have grown to become a recognized tradition in steeplechase horse racing.  They are held once in the fall (family day) and once in the spring.  Race day is quite an exciting event as a good number of locals and visitors from all over make their way along the beautiful, picturesque Garth Road to the race grounds to enjoy a day of tailgating, picnicking and great horse racing.  The Montpelier Hunt Races are held every year on the first Saturday in November.  Marion duPont Scott started the races in 1934 on the front lawn of James Madison's home.  It has since grown to become a premier event on the National Steeplechase Association's circuit.        
• Halloween and Christmas On The Lawn:  On Halloween the Charlottesville community comes together and enjoys watching children have fun trick or treating at lawn residents' rooms.  If you are in Charlottesville the first part of December be sure to attend the "Lighting of The Lawn".  This festive evening consists of acapella music and ultimately ends with the brilliant display of Christmas lights stretching from The Rotunda along the entire lawn.        
• Celebrate First Night In Charlottesville is "a safe and friendly New Years Eve tradition that brings some 8,000 people to downtown Charlottesville to enjoy 50+ performances in 20+ different venues--all in one night!   

This Months Business:  Landis

A Full Service Resource For De-Cluttering & Organizing Your Home

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--Stephen Landis, Founder

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Landis, works with individuals and families to clean up the clutter around them, and start on a life free of messes and disorganization. Knowing how difficult it is to simply throw away objects and items that surrounds us, Landis uses a professional approach to get rid of clutter and organize homes, creating clean, comfortable, and safe living and work environment. Landis shares ideas and tools to not only get organized, but to stay organized. In addition, Landis can also assist clients in selling unnecessary items, in turn creating new sources of income for our Families.

    
Before & After

Congratulations Joe and Kathleen on the sale of 175 Jefferson!

You were a pleasure to work with and I thank you
for your business.

Kevin,

I will recommend you specifically and ERA Bill May Realty Co. to everyone. You actually made a stressful experience enjoyable and your advice and guidance throughout was spot on.

Thank you,
-Joe