Central and Western Virginia
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Central and Western Virginia - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
10 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
1. Monticello
Thomas Jefferson's home, featured on the back of the U.S. nickel, is well worth the admission and the almost inevitable wait. Arrive early, ideally on a weekday, and allow at least three hours to explore the nuances of Jefferson's life as exemplified by the architecture, inventions, and layout throughout his grand hilltop estate. Monticello (which means "little mountain") is the most famous of Jefferson's homes, constructed from 1769 to 1809. Note the narrow staircases—hidden because he considered them unsightly and a waste of space—and his inventions, such as a seven-day clock and a two-pen contraption that allowed him to make a copy of his correspondence as he wrote it without having to show it to a copyist. On-site are re-created gardens, the plantation street where his slaves lived, and a gift shop.
View Tours and Activities931 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902, USA434-984–9800Sight Details
Rate Includes: Mar.–Oct. $25; Nov.–Feb. $20, Mar.–Nov., daily 9–5; Dec.–Feb., daily 10–4 -
2. Ash Lawn–Highland
Standing in contrast to the grandiose Monticello is the modest home of James Monroe, who held more major political offices than any other U.S. president. He intentionally kept it a simple farmhouse, building the home in 1799, two miles from his friend Jefferson's estate. A later owner added on a more prominent two-story section where two of the original Monroe rooms burned down. Though it definitely has a more common feel than Monticello, the small rooms in Ash Lawn–Highland are similarly crowded, with gifts from notables and souvenirs from Monroe's time as envoy to France. Allow a couple of hours to visit Monroe's estate, a perfect way to complete a day that begins at Monticello.
2050 James Monroe Pkwy., Charlottesville, Virginia, 22902, USA434-293–8000Sight Details
Rate Includes: $14, Apr.–Oct., daily 9–6; Nov.–Mar., daily 11–5 -
3. Belle Grove
Both an elegant farmhouse and 100-acre working farm, Belle Grove is a monument to the rural and the refined, two qualities that exist in harmony in the architecture here and throughout the region. Constructed in 1797 out of limestone quarried on the property, the building reflects the influence of Thomas Jefferson, said to have been a consultant. Originally built for Major Isaac Hite and his wife Nelly (President James Madison's sister), this was the headquarters of the Union general Philip Sheridan during the Battle of Cedar Creek (1864), a crucial defeat for the Confederacy. Part of the battle was fought on the farm.
336 Belle Grove Rd., Middletown, Virginia, 22645, USA540-869–2028Sight Details
Rate Includes: $12, Apr.–Oct., Mon.–Sat. 10–3:15, Sun. 1–4:15; Nov., Sat. 10–4, Sun. noon–5, Closed Dec. 31–Mar. 17 -
4. Historic Smithfield Plantation
Almost a century before Virginia Tech's founding in 1872, the Historic Smithfield plantation was built in what was then the frontier wilds. Aristocratic colonist and Revolutionary War patriot William Preston moved his family to the estate in 1774, a year before the war began. Among his descendants were three Virginia governors and four U.S. senators. Today costumed interpreters, authentic period furniture, and Native American artifacts reveal how different life in the New River valley was more than two centuries ago.
1000 Smithfield Plantation Rd., Blacksburg, Virginia, 24060, USA540-231–3947Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8, Mon., Tues., and Thurs.–Sat. 10–5; Sun. 1–5., Closed Wed., GPS not recommended -
5. Montpelier
Just outside Orange is the lifelong residence of James Madison (1751–1836), the fourth president of the United States. He grew up here, lived here with his wife, Dolley, and retired here after his presidency. A massive renovation was completed in 2008, removing parts of the mansion added by its 20th-century owners, the duPont family. In her will, Marion duPont Scott left the estate to the National Trust for Historic Preservation with the stipulation that it be returned to its original state. The mansion is now restored to its early 19th century Madisonian state, a project that totaled $24 million. Some of the Madisons' possessions, as well as a tribute to the "Father of the Constitution," have been set up in an Education Center on the grounds. The walking tour includes a stop at the cemetery where James and his wife, Dolley, are buried. Exotic conifers planted by the duPonts dot the meadowlike grounds, and a walking path wanders amid an old-growth forest. The annual Montpelier Hunt Races, a steeplechase, have been held here since 1934 on the first Saturday in November.
11350 Constitution Hwy., Montpelier Station, Virginia, 22960, USA540-672–2728Sight Details
Rate Includes: $20, Apr.–Oct., daily 9–5; Nov.–Mar., daily 9–4, Closed Nov.–Mar., Not located in Montpelier, VA -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
6. Museum of the Shenandoah Valley
Bringing together fine and decorative art collections and multimedia presentations, the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley reflects the region's cultural history. Designed by renowned architect Michael Graves, the museum's modern exterior belies the four centuries of historical artifacts, fine arts, and decorative arts on display inside its mammoth 50,000 square foot space. In contrast, the Glen Burnie House and gardens, adjacent to the museum, are a gracious walk through the 18th and 19th centuries. The 1736 Georgian country estate that was the home of Winchester's founder, Colonel James Wood, is surrounded by 25 acres of formal gardens. Collections within it include a gallery with furniture, fine arts, and decorative objects gathered by the last family member to live in the house, Julian Wood Glass Jr., who died in 1992. Another gallery assembles shadow-box rooms and miniature furnished houses.
901 Amherst St., Winchester, Virginia, 22601, USA540-662–1473Sight Details
Rate Includes: $10 for museum, house, and gardens, Museum Tues.–Sun. 10–4, house and gardens Apr.-Dec.., daily 10–4, Free Blue Star admission for military families Memorial Day to Labor Day -
7. Point of Honor
Built in 1815, this mansion on Daniel's Hill was named to commemorate the many duels fought on the site. Once part of a 900-acre estate, this redbrick house surrounded by lawns retains a commanding view of the James River. It was the home of Dr. George Cabell, a friend of Thomas Jefferson and the physician of Patrick Henry. The facade is elegantly symmetrical, with two octagonal bays joined by a balustrade on each of the building's two stories. Interiors have been restored and furnished with pieces authentic to the early 19th century Federal period.
112 Cabell St., Lynchburg, Virginia, 24504, USA434-455–6226Sight Details
Rate Includes: $6, Mon.–Sat. 10–4, Sun. noon–4 -
8. Poplar Forest
The octagonal architecture of Poplar Forest, now standing in a residential neighborhood and surrounded by only a few remaining poplars, was conceived and built by Jefferson, and he would occasionally stay here between 1806 and 1813. This Palladian hermitage exemplifies the architect's sublime sense of order that is so evident at Monticello. Erected on a slope, the front of the house is one story high, with a two-story rear elevation. The octagon's center is a square, skylighted dining room flanked by two smaller octagons. The restoration to its Jefferson-era state is ongoing, and likely to continue for years to come. Every July 4 there's a free celebration that includes a reading of the Declaration of Independence and living-history exhibits. The house is deliberately unfurnished, so visit during a special event to see the property at its best.
1542 Bateman Bridge Rd., Forest, Virginia, 24551, USA434-525–1806Sight Details
Rate Includes: $15 full tour, $17 combo ticket with D-Day Memorial, Apr.–Nov., Wed.–Mon. 10–4 -
9. Stonewall Jackson House
Confederate general Jackson's private life is on display at the Stonewall Jackson House, where he is revealed as a dedicated Presbyterian who was devoted to physical fitness, careful with money, musically inclined, and fond of gardening. The general lived here only two years, while teaching physics and military tactics to the cadets, before leaving for his command in the Civil War. This is the only house he ever owned; it's furnished now with period pieces and some of his belongings.
8 E. Washington St., Lexington, Virginia, 24450, USA540-464–7704Sight Details
Rate Includes: $8, Mon.–Sat. 9–5, Sun. 1–5, Closed Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day -
10. The Daniel Harrison House
Listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks and operated by the historical society, the Daniel Harrison House is named for Dayton's first settler and is the oldest house in the town. It's also called Fort Harrison, a nod to its fortified stone and frontier style. Costumed interpreters discuss how the furnishings—beds with ropes as slats and hand-quilted comforters—were made. Artifacts on display come from recent excavations undertaken adjacent to the house.
335 Main St., Dayton, Virginia, 22812, USA540-879–2280Sight Details
Rate Includes: Donations welcome, Mid-May–Oct. Fri. and Sat. 1–5, Closed Nov.–Apr. except by appointment and Sun.–Thurs. May–Oct.
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
