Central Virginia is home to the Blue Ridge mountains, the University of Virginia, vineyards, peach and apple orchards, horse farms and races, and many fun filled activities year round. Autumn in Albemarle County is a beautiful time to visit and explore our beautiful area. The leaves are changing from the foothills to the peaks of our local mountains. If you enjoy the crisp, cool, fall air, this is the time of year you'll enjoy most in Central Virginia.

Take a leisurely drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, America's Favorite Scenic Drive. The parkway is 469 miles long and offers scenic wonders that you can only find on this adventure filled roadway. Just west of Crozet and east of Waynesboro, you enter the parkway and can travel north or south to enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, and miles of forest and caverns to explore. Humpback Rocks is a local favorite for an easy hike. Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy the view from this scenic vantage point.

Just 30 minutes east of the Blue Ridge Parkway you'll find Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's unique mountaintop home. You can take a guided tour of this historic home, or just wander the gardens and grounds at a leisurely pace. If you'd like to take the tour, tickets are available online at www.Monitcello.org or you can call (434)984-9822.

Visit one of our many local vineyards and sample some of the regions finest wines. Some local favorites include Barboursville, Keswick, and Jefferson Vineyards.

Barboursville Vineyard encompasses over 126 acres and is under the direction of Luca Pashina, General Manager and winemaker. With 21 wines to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy! They are open Monday-Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday from 11-5. You can call them for more information at (540) 832-3824 or stop by the estate and taste the fantastic wines.

Jefferson Vineyards is conveniently located minutes from Monticello. Stop by after you tour Mr. Jefferson's home and enjoy some of Jefferson Vineyards award winning wines. Open daily from 11-5 with tours given on the hour from noon to 4pm. Give them a call for more information at (800)272-3042.

Keswick Vineyards is located minutes from beautiful Keswick Hall in eastern Albemarle County. This award winning winery consistently achieves gold medal status at national and international competitions. Wine tastings and sales are available daily at Keswick Hall from 3-11pm. Call or visit their website today for more information. (434)244-3341.

The Apple Harvest Festival at Carter Mountain Orchard is an annual favorite! Pick apples, enjoy a hayride, eat delicious homemade donuts while listening to local bluegrass music. You can find great arts and crafts at the Crozet Arts and Crafts Festival in both the autumn and spring in western Albemarle County. And don't miss the Foxfield Horse Races the last Sunday in September! This Steeplechase race draws crowds of 18,000-25,000 annually. In late October you can screen more than 70 films at the Virginia Film Festival. Learn about filmmaking or just enjoy the search for one of our local celebrities.

UVA football games offer great fun for friends and families! Come cheer on the Cavaliers as they play at Scott Stadium against tough ACC competition. Saturday's are fun filled tailgating opportunities for all you college football fans here in Hoo-ville. Go Hoo's!