There are many places to choose between when onethinks of going on a vacation, but the deciding factor often has to do withwhat the person taking the vacation wants to do, which in turn, makes them lookfor specific places to do whatever they wish. Charlottesville,  Virginiais a great place to take a vacation.  Notonly does it have its share of American historical sites, but it also has agreat number of upscale shopping locations, serene views of the Appalachian  Mountains,and a diverse sampling of ethnic restaurants. Charlottesvillehas a ton of affordable hotels, but also has a good number of ritzy hotels,along with bed and breakfasts, which makes it an ideal location for honeymoons,or a short, romantic getaway.

One of the mostalluring qualities that invoke many people to travel to Charlottesville is its vital role in Americanhistory.  The town served as a vitalresource for the Patriots during the American Revolution, and was evenconsidered home for Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe.  It also played a vital role in the Civil War,and was considered a major point of interest for the Confederacy.  The main historical attraction would have tobe Thomas Jefferson's Monticello,which brings in many tourists each year, and is considered to be a greatarchitectural model.  Monticello is notlocated far from Montpelier, which was the site of James Madison's home, so itis quite easy for visitors to make the trip to both wonderful dwellings in oneday.

Another advantage ofCharlottesville's lush landscape is the ability for many in the area to ownvineyards, which are another huge hit among the tourists, and tend to attractmore couples to the area, especially in the summer months.  Many different types of wine are produced inthe mountainous regions surrounding Charlottesville,and some of the wineries are even included in the more upscale editions of the Monticello, and Montpeliertours.  Many people know California to be a great location for the production ofwine, but Virginia?smiddle region is also well-known for such delicacies.

One of the greatestplaces for tourists to visit, when in Charlottesville, is the town mall, whichis not a shopping center, but half of the whole town's main street area, whichhas been bricked off and turned into pavilions, which can be used bysurrounding stores, along with the surrounding restaurants, many of which areknown to be the best in the area.  Thearea is superbly constructed, and stretches over a third of a mile in length,which does not make it seem boring, but only accentuates the many avenues ofcreativity found in Charlottesville.  The town mall is not the usual shopping joint,but instead has many stores ranging in taste. Many of these stores have their products shipped from other countries,which tends to add an international feel to the city of Charlottesville.  The restaurants do much of the same, and havedishes from all around the globe, most of which will not cost a visitor toomuch money, but that doesn't mean the food, or the service suffers.

Another point ofinterest, that is part historical, but also has much going on at the presenttime, is the University  of Virginia,which is one of the highest-ranked schools in the nation, and was founded byThomas Jefferson, who instituted many of the programs that are stillfunctioning today.  One of the greatestfeats that can be seen at the University is the architectural school, which hasmany structures forming a square, around a common, and is used by professors,to teach their students about early American architecture, while alsoinstilling a great deal of knowledge about the Roman and Greek ways ofconstruction.  Many of the school?sbuildings were designed by Jefferson himself, and are highly valued by bothvisitors and students alike.  TheUniversity is very easy to reach, as is any other location in the town, all ofwhich can be gotten to via the Charlottesville trolleys, which are ideal toanyone desiring a free ride.

Charlottesville's surrounding areas have muchto offer in the same diverse nature that the town itself offers a vast array ofpleasures to its many guests.  There area great number of high class resorts located in Charlottesville, along with some that arelocated only minutes away.  Many of theseresorts are known for various atmospheres of dining and lodging, but most ofthem are highly ranked by travel guides. Some are even ranked internationally. Bed and breakfasts also seem to be a great way to spend a vacation in Charlottesville, andwhile many of them can be located in town, the more prestigious ones arelocated out near the wineries, and the more hilly regions of the area.  Many packages are often offered by wineriesand bed and breakfasts, which sometimes may work together to provide deals onwine tasting events, along with discount lodging that can be very beneficial aswell.

Charlottesvilleis also a great place to take the whole family. Many know the town as a place for more romantic rendezvous, but Charlottesville does haveits fair share of attractions that the whole family can enjoy.  Many of the attractions, along with thehistorical displays, are the gracious amounts of lakes and parks in the area,which can be a perfect way for families to connect with nature.  There are also some wildlife attractions inthe area, along with Jefferson National Park, which is not very far away from Washington National Park, both of which are veryscenic parts of the Shenandoah Valley.