Charlottesville, Virginia is a small city with deep roots and a lively sense of place. It's home to the University of Virginia, founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site alongside Jefferson’s Monticello estate. Both sites are working institutions where architecture, education, and ongoing dialogue shape how visitors experience the past. A guided tour of Monticello includes not only Jefferson’s famous inventions but also the powerful stories of the enslaved families who lived and worked on the plantation.

The city’s walkable downtown is anchored by the eight-block pedestrian mall, where historic brick buildings house bookstores, theaters, and independent restaurants. Live music is common, whether it's a busker outside a coffee shop or a national act at the Ting Pavilion. Just a few blocks away, visitors can explore the Jefferson School African American Heritage Center, which preserves the stories of Black communities in Charlottesville and highlights ongoing local contributions to the arts and education.