Charlottesville is an independent city in the state of Virginia in the United States, located in the county of Albemarle, where it is headquartered. According to the 2010 census, it has 43,475 inhabitants. It is home to the prestigious University of Virginia. Thomas Jefferson lived there until his death in his home called Monticello.
Essential things to do on Charlottesville.
U.S. National Whitewater Center
Home to the world's largest artificial whitewater river, this not-for-profit outdoor recreation and sports centre is a must see. In addition to paddling the rapids in rafting or kayaking, visitors can also paddle the rapids by zip line, standing oarboard, exploring the adventure course, mountain biking or hiking along the many trails. Pets are welcome but should be kept on a leash. The site also includes a restaurant serving beers and artisanal wines, excellent local food and the chance to observe whirling kayaks in the rapids. Whether you are looking for adventure or want to attend one of the many summer concerts, this Olympic training centre will not disappoint you.
Sites with the effigy of Thomas Jefferson
The Honourable Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the United States and author of the country's declaration of independence, is almost venerated for what he has been. Numerous buildings in Charlottesville have made it possible to keep a record of his memory. It is the Monticello, a vast estate that houses its own house whose plan designed by itself obeys the Palladian style, and an immense area of vine growing. He is also the founder of the great University of Virginia, the designer of the construction plan. There's something to find out about them, isn't there? The icing on the cake: these sites have been on UNESCO's World Heritage List since 1987!
See NASCAR in action
For any NASCAR enthusiast, Charlotte is the destination to visit. The Charlotte Motor Racing Circuit is considered to be NASCAR's flagship circuit with 800 hectares of track, an acceleration race and a quad oval, it's the ultimate destination for a motor racing fan. If you visit Charlotte during the auto show, you will be able to attend one of the largest auto shows in the country. For the ultimate experience, drive a real NASCAR car on the same track as the professionals. If you can't attend the show or a race, there are always lots of things to discover. Head to the NASCAR Hall of Fame's 14,000-square-metre large NASCAR Hall of Fame and immerse yourself in NASCAR's history.
Discovery Place
A rainy day in Charlotte is often more fun than a sunny day. And not just for children, because the Discovery Palace offers hands-on learning experiences, an aquarium, a rainforest and IMAX cinema. Work your imagination to discover exhibitions on aliens, insects, dinosaurs or space travel. Bring your children, because Discovery palace offers a fantastic playground and group shows by age bracket, so kids don't have to get lost in front of the older ones. Explore different ecosystems, build structures or be careless in creating your own laboratory experience. But remember, IMAX exhibits and movies change regularly, so visit the website before your visit.
Shenandoah National Park
Here is the place that will seduce you with its beautiful natural decor. The park is home to part of the Blue Ridge Mountains, which give it its splendour. You will also find there the magnificent Shenandoah river, hills, valleys and waterfalls all admirable. Of course, you will hike in the heart of the park to appreciate the landscape. Like thousands of visitors, take the skyline drive where the multicoloured leaves found on the ground will captivate you. Exceptional! Also observe some animals such as deer, black bear, raccoon, etc. Sportsmen and sportswomen will not fail to climb the summits of the Blue Ridge.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens
Looking for a place to relax and unwind after some more energetic activities? Visit the most luxurious flowers and fountains in the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Located on the shores of Wylie Lake, this 150-hectare garden offers some of the most beautiful tropical plants and orchids exposed in the United States. Stroll through the park, admire temporary art exhibits and watch fountains glisten in the sun. Come back to Christmas for a horse-drawn carriage ride, lights and Santa's visit. Don't miss the garden shop that offers some of the region's finest wines.
Carowinds Amusement Park
A visit to an animated city like Charlotte is not complete without a trip to an amusement park. Carowinds is a 160-hectare park located just on the border between North and South Carolina. Indeed, there is even a line on the ground in the park that delimits the border, and you can jump from one state to another as much as you want. In addition to the roller coaster and thrilling attractions, the park offers an indoor water park of 8 hectares included in the entrance fee. Planet Snoopy is an all-day adventure for children. And keep your eyes open in 2015, with the world's highest and fastest roller coaster opening, with speeds of up to 150 km/hour.
L'histoire de Charlottesville, Virginie
Charlottesville was founded in 1762, along a trade route called Three Notched Road (today U. S. Route 250) from Richmond to the Appalachian Valley. Her name is a tribute to Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, wife of King George III of the United Kingdom. During the American War of Independence, the Convention Army (British) was based there from 1779 to 1781. On June 4,1781, Jack Jouett, hero of the American Revolution, warned the representatives of Virginia, gathered in Monticello, of the imminent arrival of Banastre Tarleton, thus allowing them to escape from it.
For a relatively small town, Charlottesville has many attractions. The city was also the launching pad for the Dave Matthews Band.Three American presidents (Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe) are from the Charlottesville area. In fact, Monticello, Jefferson's manor house, is located about 10 kilometres from downtown, overlooking the Ash Lawn-Highland, Monroe's home (which hosts an opera festival every summer).
Unlike most of Virginia, Charlottesville was spared the Civil War. The only battle there was the skirmish of Rio Hill, during which George Armstrong Custer was pushed back by the local Confederate militia. The city later surrendered to avoid burning. The first black church in Charlottesville was founded in 1864. Previously, blacks were forbidden to have their own places of worship, even if they could attend white churches.Charlottesville is home to the National Radio Astronomy Observatory, the McCormick Observatory and the CFA Institute. It also has two hospitals, the Martha Jefferson Hospital and the University of Virginia Health System Hospital.
The National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC), a centre for scientific and technical information on foreign ground forces, is north of the city. According to the United States Census Bureau, the total surface area is 26.7 km2. Charlottesville is 185 kilometres from Washington, D. C. and 113 of Richmond.
