History and Charm in Beautiful Virginia

April 10th – 14th, 2023
5 Days and 4 Nights

I recently did most of this tour on a FAM trip with one of my travel groups.  I knew then that I wanted to offer this trip as it had so many things that I know you enjoy!  Join us on this journey through the foothills of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.  We’ll be traveling along historic routes that date back to the late 1700s. Along the way, we’ll venture to several towns that are sure to delight you.  We’ll have one overnight in Lynchburg, two nights in Charlottesville, and one night at pretty Natural Bridge Lodge.  Each one offers great touring and fun stops.  We’ll learn a little, enjoy great food, explore towns, and taste some wine too!  Tour highlights will include:

-An overnight in Lynchburg at the 4 Diamond historic Virginian Hotel.  It’s a beautiful property with extra spacious rooms.  Dinner will be at The Depot Grille, housed in their restored railroad depot.  This town has fantastic history!

-A step-on guide leads us in town with stops at the Anne Spencer House Museum and charming gardens.  It’s a humble spot with great history.   The guide will also drive us through historic neighborhoods and take us to a stop at their beautiful cemetery.  We’ll then enjoy lunch in town before we head out.

-We’ll move on the Charlottesville with a stop at a local winery where we’ll enjoy a tasting.  This area is famous for its great wines! We’ll check into our hotel for two nights and enjoy dinner at a local restaurant in town.

-We’ll be joined in the morning by a step-on guide who will take us through beautiful Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia campus, which was originally laid out by Thomas Jefferson.  It has gorgeous buildings, historic spots, and more. Lunch is in town at The Corners on your own and you can shop a bit at one of their many specialty shops.

– An afternoon visit is planned to Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson; President and founding father. The location of this estate is absolutely stunning with the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains. It also features a wonderful visitor center.  It is truly an architectural masterpiece and is restored circa 1809 after Jefferson returned from his second term as president. A guided tour here will give you a greater understanding of Jefferson, his dedication to this country, and the preservation of the estate. It’s a wonderful and fascinating tour.  You’ll find it full of authentically furnished items, artifacts, and gifts from his many visitors.   He was also an inventor and you’ll be amazed at what he built into the design of the home.  You’ll come away with a greater understanding of him and all his contributions.  I recently toured here, and really enjoyed this tour. The house tour takes about an hour.  We’ll then return to town for another included dinner.

-The next morning we’ll see another home from one of our Founding Fathers, James Monroe.  His estate Highland, is a more humble estate and has lovely antiques and period pieces.  It was a working farm and has a pretty location too.

-We can’t leave the area without lunch at historic Michie Tavern, which is absolutely delicious!  You’ll be transported to the 1700s the minute you walk in the door.  This is sure to be a treat for everyone! Wonderful shopping there too!

– Next, we travel to Natural Bridge State Park for a visit to this incredible natural wonder. Their bus will take us down to the base of sight and from there you can walk the short distance to take it all in.  It’s said that George Washington actually was part of the survey team on this beauty!  It’s really a special spot, with a great gift shop too!

-We’ll then check in to the Natural Bridge Lodge.  Many may remember this from our last mystery trip in 2019.  As promised, I’m taking you there to spend the night!  It’s a really pretty property.  This evening we’ll enjoy dinner at the restaurant in the lodge.  The following morning, we have breakfast at the lodge and then start home.