Albemarle County
Central VirginiaEXPERIENCE ALBEMARLE
This county is known for its natural beauty, historic sites and exceptional quality of life. It is home to Virginia’s only World Heritage sites – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and the University of Virginia. It is the region’s largest locality in both population and acreage. The county offers easy access to highway, rail, and air transportation. Attractions include Monticello, portions of Shenandoah National Park, and more than 45 wineries, breweries, and cideries. Nationally recognized companies doing business in Albemarle County include Emerson, Northrop Grumman, and WillowTree.
Ablemarle County has many great hiking and mountain biking trails in its parks. The Saunders-Monticello trail is a popular destination with 89 acres along the Thomas Jefferson Parkway on the Monticello Mountain. Kayak, canoe, or go tubing on the James River or Rivanna River.
It’s an easy walk from Charlottesville to Decipher Brewing or Selvedge Brewing. Or take a scenic drive towards the Blue Ridge Mountains and discover Starr Hill Brewery, Pro Re Nata Brewery or Potter’s Craft Cider.
Enjoy live music and a picnic at one of the many wineries in the Monticello area, the state’s oldest American Viticultural Area (AVA). The Monticello AVA was chosen as one of the top 10 wine regions in the country in USA Today’s 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards (2020).
King’s Family Vineyards is a family-friendly venue with events like Sunday afternoon polo. Take your family to Carter Mountain to pick apples and enjoy the view from atop the mountain. Prefer peaches? Try Chiles Peach Orchard! Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival features juried artisans and local foods.