In 2012, our military family moved across the country from the desert of California to the Blue Ridge Mountains of Charlottesville, Virginia, home of the University of Virginia. It didn't take long for my heart to fall in love with this town. Our family lived just a little north of Charlottesville, out in a rural area and, man, I miss it. Charlottesville is a very special town and I love to brag about it. If you are ever in Virginia and want to visit a beautiful, friendly, college town this is the place. My family spent three years here and there is much I could share. To keep this from being an extremely long blog, I'll post three places I think you should visit, three places to eat, and where to go to Mass. Writing this blog is gonna make my heart ache just a little.

PLACES TO VISIT

Monticello: You must go to Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello. If you do nothing else in Charlottesville, make this your one thing. As a homeschooling family, Charlottesville was a primo spot because there were three president's houses within a 30-minute drive and tons of battlefields and historical sites. When we were learning about American history, we just took a drive to Jefferson's home and walked where he walked.

His home is situated on a lovely hill-top location and the views and grounds are wonderful. The tours are very interesting and you will love going through his home and seeing his private study, bedroom, and dining room. One time on the tour, I was standing inches from Jefferson's bed and it was surreal to think that hundreds of years ago he had slept right there. We forget that the Founding Fathers were regular human beings, just like us. Time has a way of making them larger than life and almost above our own humanity. I'd allow yourself at least half a day to explore. He had a lot of grounds and this isn't a place you want to rush through.

Honorable Mention: If you are a history nut like me and have the time, James Monroe's house is just down the road from Jefferson's. The drive up to his house is the stuff of postcards. His house is smaller and Monroe definitely isn't as well-known, but it's still worth a trip.

Wineries

King Family Winery: Before you go, grab a picnic. Bring a blanket, a book, a frisbee and balls for your kids. The name has "family" in it because it really is a family vineyard. The scenery is stunning and picturesque. Come after church on Sundays and just relax with your loved ones. We celebrated my son's first birthday out here and it was perfect. Of course, people are enjoying wine and it's the perfect place to share a bottle and spend the afternoon. We love it so much that one day, my kids and I went here just to have school outside next to the gentle mountains.

Honorable Mention: Jefferson's Vineyard. Smaller, but gorgeous scenery for a picnic and wine-tasting. I wouldn't say this one isn't as family-friendly, mostly because it doesn't have the wide-open spaces. However, there are spots for a picnic, shade trees, and sometimes there are even small concerts. If you are visiting Monticello, this is right down the road.

Outdoor Activities

Hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains: The mountains were literally a 25-minute drive from my house. We hiked there in every season except winter. Some trails have waterfalls and wading pools. On one particular hike, we found this hidden wading pool with a waterfall cascading into it. Off came our shoes and we spent a good amount of time enjoying nature. It was our special spot. Driving Skyline Drive in the fall is stunning and if you hit peak season, you will not be disappointed. Watch out for bears!

Honorable Mention: Carter Mountain. This is hard for me not to put as a must-see place, but I had to limit myself. This was a favorite spot for our family. Again, another thing that is very close to Thomas Jefferson's house and if you have the time, stop by. Carter Mountain is a must in the fall because they have apples to pick, fresh cider, apple donuts, and other delicious treats. In late summer, it's peach everything. If you go when peaches are in season, get the peach ice cream. I'm not partial to peach things, but I do recommend this yummy dessert. From up top, you get a nice 360-degree view of the area and kids will love the old-fashioned games and picking fruit.

PLACES TO EAT

Coffee Shop: C'ville Coffee.  Try a local place for your morning brew. A hip, little local shop that isn't too far from The Mall. The atmosphere is relaxed and there is even a play area for kiddos.

Low-cost dining: Bodo's Bagels. I'm gluten-intolerant so I was never able to partake in these bagel sandwiches. My husband and oldest daughter, however, will quickly vouch for the yumminess of this place. It's a small little joint and nothing to look at, but it's a happening place near campus.

Medium-cost dining: Citizen Burger. There's an outdoor shopping and eating location in Charlottesville called "The Mall." Stroll through here and browse the one-of-a-kind shops. Then pop into Citizen Burger. The burgers are unreal and huge. The vibe at The Mall is colonial east coast with a modern twist.

High-cost dining: Lafayette Inn and Restaurant. This restaurant isn't directly in Charlottesville; it's slightly north in a town called Stanardsville. Built in the 1840s, the Lafayette Inn will make you wonder if a Civil War soldier will come strolling in at any moment to join you for dinner. It's a small restaurant, so be sure to get reservations. This is not the type of place where you just walk in and get a spot. History buffs will delight eating in this unique place. We ate here twice and both times the food and ambiance were excellent.

Where to Worship

St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church: This church is located on the campus of the University of Virginia and because of that, it is a vibrant, full community. We loved this church. It will always be special to us as our son was baptized there and our middle daughter received her First Communion. The choir is full of UVA student musicians and they are...well, let's just say we were spoiled. The priests are Dominicans and they do not waste a word in their educational homilies. The youth group is full of life and run by college students. All-in-all, it's just a great, great faith community.

Well, I could go on and on telling you all about one of my favorite cities in the US, but I must stop here or you'll be reading all day. Locals, please feel free to drop your favorite places in the comments. If you travel here, I hope you enjoy your time and say "hello" for me.

Travel well, Catholic Pilgrim!