Charlottesville, VA, is an ideal spot to bring your high school class. It’s a treasure trove of our nation’s history! Since its founding in 1762, Charlottesville has become a center for culture and education. There are three presidential homes within easy reach. For older students, one of the main attractions will be a visit to the University of Virginia.
UVA
Founded in the 19th century by Thomas Jefferson as the nation’s first non-religious school, the UVA is the flagship university of the Commonwealth of Virginia. Known for its strong emphasis on undergraduate education and its commitment to research across a wide range of topics, it draws over 25,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. So it’s no wonder that Jefferson considered founding the University to be a greater achievement in his life than being president.
As impressive as its academic credentials are, ask anyone who’s taken a guided tour here and they’ll tell you the same thing: the best part of seeing the campus are the beautiful grounds! At the center of the University is the Lawn, a luscious grassy expanse that has come to be the center of student life. At one end is the Rotunda, a building designed by Jefferson himself, which he modeled after the Pantheon in Rome. The Lawn is bordered by Jefferson’s Academical Village. Hiding behind a beautiful colonnade, single dorm rooms are reserved for students in their last year of undergraduate study. Imagine living in a dorm designed by President Jefferson himself! Perhaps the most prestigious housing on campus, each one comes complete with a fireplace and, as per Jefferson’s instructions, its very own rocking chair!
While everyone can enjoy a guided tour of the University, they also offer campus guided tours geared toward prospective students to show your class what it would be like to attend UVA. These guided tours will allow you to meet with current students or learn about the school’s history from a university ambassador. In addition, they’ll familiarize you with various programs and opportunities offered by the University, and your students can learn about the scholarships and the admissions processes so they will be ready to apply when the time comes.
Before you leave this UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site (it’s the only university in America to be so chosen!), try to convince them to take you to 13 West Range, a dorm room more commonly called the Raven Room. This is the room where Edgar Allen Poe spent a year at the University in the early 19th century. The room is lovingly cared for by the Raven Society, an exclusive secret society. They still hold secret initiation rites in the Raven Room for new members. Maybe your students will be a member someday!
After spending some time enjoying the grounds and history of the University, it’s time to explore the surrounding areas and visit some homes of some very important people…
The Presidential Estates
Monticello -
Built between 1768 and 1809, Monticello served as Jefferson’s primary plantation. Living here for more than 50 years, the estate was shaped by the mind of Jefferson, one of early America’s greatest intellects. Constantly redesigning and expanding his estate, Jefferson added elements he picked up in his travels through Europe. The octagonal dome he built in the house was one of the first of its kind in the US. He rebuilt his manor using some of the most fashionable trends he learned in Paris. Even the name, Monticello, is European. It’s an Italian derivative of “little mountain.”
Your students can wander through the villa-style home to learn what day-to-day life was really like for the former president of the United States. They’ll learn what it took to keep such a plantation up and running. They can visit the quarters of the enslaved African American people who worked the plantation and discover what life was like for them as well.
Today, Monticello serves as a museum and botanical garden. After visiting the buildings on the property and learning about the people who lived and worked on the estate, a walk through the beautiful gardens is in order. As a collector of well, everything, Jefferson sought out plants from all over the world to see if he could grow them on his estate. Today, there are over 500 varieties of fruits and vegetables, some of which haven’t been well-known since the mid-1800s.
Make sure you bring some nickels for the most popular photo at Monticello. People love getting a picture of Jefferson’s house on the back of the coin in front of the real thing.
Highland -
Imagine, a pair of presidents living next door to each other! Well, that’s the case in Charlottesville City. Thomas Jefferson, our nation’s third president of the United States just so happened to live beside James Monroe, our fifth president. His home, known as Highland, is yet another historical site your class can visit during your time in beautiful Charlottesville.
James Monroe lived at Highland for 25 years, during which time he served in Jefferson’s administration and eventually became president of the United States himself. While personally opposed to slavery, Monroe nevertheless used enslaved labor on his plantations. Here, your students can learn about plantation life on a smaller scale than the much larger Monticello. The estate features nature trails leading through the Southern Pasture and to the hills bordering the western part of the plantation. In addition to the gorgeous scenery, this will help them get a sense of just how vast even a “small” plantation really was.
History at the Highland is still unfolding. It had long been believed that the main house on the property today had been a guest wing of the former president’s home, but in 2016 the foundations of the original house were discovered just a few feet away. The original house had been completely forgotten over the years, only to be rediscovered centuries later.
Montpelier -
Just 30 miles down the road lies Montpelier, the estate of our nation’s fourth president of the United States, James Madison. James Madison and Thomas Jefferson shared a friendship that lasted more than 50 years and through several political crises. Even when at odds politically, they managed to maintain a friendship that helped define America.
Near the town of Orange, VA, Montpelier is older than either Monticello or Highland, having first been established in 1723 by James Madison’s grandfather. Today, like the other presidential estates, it operates as a museum and garden. Of special note is the exhibit on the enslaved African American peoples at Montpelier. In 2017 the new exhibit, entitled A Mere Distinction of Color, opened at the estate. This exhibit was a joint effort between historians at Montpelier and the Montpelier Descendants Committee, a group made up of the descendants of the enslaved African American people on the plantation.
Fun fact: Both President Jefferson and President Monroe died on the 4th of July.
Michie Tavern
Hungry after visiting all these historic sites? Have no fear, we’ve got the perfect solution: Michie Tavern!
Located just half a mile from Jefferson’s Monticello, Michie Tavern is THE place to go for an appropriate meal. Served by wait staff dressed in period attire, the Bill of Fare (as it’s so lovingly referred to) is a hearty meal of southern colonial traditional foods. The fried chicken is the best you’ll ever have. It should be, they’ve been serving people here since 1798, so they’ve had plenty of time to perfect the recipe.
CTA for the Colonial VA trip
Outdoor Adventures -
History isn’t the only thing that abounds in Charlottesville. Nature has plenty to say as well. Time spent outdoors is time well spent, and there’s plenty to do around Charlottesville.
Carter Mountain Orchard -
Taking your class to Carter Mountain Orchard will surely be a big hit. Carter Mountain is a family-owned orchard and farm store that’s been around since 1912. While they’re always happy to host class or group trips to the orchard, if you come during harvest season, they’ll hand you a bag and send you out to pick some peaches or apples of your very own! After wandering through the orchard, it’s time to hit the country store to load up on some snacks or quirky mementos. Your students will walk away with an idea of how an orchard operates, a “taste” of the outdoors, and a full stomach.
And yes, they do have cider donuts!
Hot Air Ballooning -
For the most adventurous of travelers, Charlottesville city offers something that few other places can: Hot Air Ballooning! In conjunction with Monticello Country Ballooning, your students will get a bird’s-eye view of all the historical attractions you’ve seen from the ground, and a chance to take in the full beauty of the Central Virginia mountainside. They’ll learn all about how ballooning works, and why you must launch so early in the morning. Sunrise from a hot air balloon is just one of the perks.
Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive -
For the ultimate outdoor experience, make sure you visit Shenandoah National Park. Following the Blue Ridge Mountains line gives your students a perspective few places can match.
Skyline Drive is a scenic highway that winds you through the Blue Ridge Mountains. While you can get breathtaking views from the road, there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy nature. Shenandoah National Park has several visitor centers and offers interesting exhibits about the area and its history. You can visit Skyland, the Park’s resort. It’s been in operation since 1890 and is a great place to have lunch.
If you’re looking to return to nature, Shenandoah National Park has many hiking trails, including sections of the famous Appalachian Trail. While on the trail, your students might be able to see hundreds of different species of wildlife, including bald eagles, wild turkeys, orioles, peregrine falcons, deer, opossums, flying squirrels, skunks (not too close!), black bears (definitely not too close!) and more.
Other Popular Attractions -
Charlottesville is also known as a strong cultural destination complete with a cool main street. Spared most of the devastation during the Civil War, many artisans relocated to the Charlottesville area after the war to restart their artistic careers. And it's a short trip to Jamestown, Yorktown, and Richmond.
Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection -
The Kluge-Ruhe is the only collection of Australian Indigenous Art anywhere outside of Australia, so this is something you won’t be able to find anywhere else. Owned and managed by the UVA, there are over 2,200m of individual artworks. As the pieces on display are cycled out throughout the year as parts of specific exhibitions, you could see something different every time you come.
The Glass Palette -
For something a little different, why don’t you try letting your students make some art of their own? At the Glass Palette, they can do just that. After viewing the art made by the studio owners and other guests, you can let your students be creative in their own way!
Historic Downtown Mall -
Ready for a little free time? The Historic Downtown Mall is just the place to let your students blow off a little steam in Albemarle County. With over 120 stores scattered throughout the 7-block brick-paved pedestrian zone, there’s something here to hold everyone’s attention. And with over 30 restaurants, it’s a great place for a scattered lunch, too.
Plan Your Visit -
As you can see, there are plenty of things to do for you and your learners in the Charlottesville area, all tied to our nation's rich history and the land. Of course, the hardest part about planning a field trip is figuring out how to see it all! But don’t worry. GL Travel has you covered. We plan out detailed field trips complete with full itineraries so you and your students can just sit back and enjoy the ride.
So if you want to take your class on an educational trip they’ll never forget, contact us today to get more information about our Charlottesville trip.
