Shennandoah & Charlottesville

Oct 14 - 18, 2010 - We're staying at a very nice campground called Heavenly Acres in Stanardsville, VA surrounded by farm lands.  This week we visited Monticello - the house, gardens and family burial grounds of our former President Jefferson:

We stopped at the Carter Mtn Orchid on our way back.  Beautiful vineyards and views from the top of the mountain in addition to fresh fruits and homemade baked goods!

This week we also visited the Natural Bridge - touted as one of the Natural Wonders of the World:

From here we headed back up the Blue Ridge Pkwy:

And took a detour off the Pkwy to visit and hike Crabtree Falls - great steep hike up the falls!

Another day we went back up the Skyline Pkwy looking for hiking - more beautiful scenery headed South:

We stopped and hiked along the Appalachian Trail:

But hurried back to camp to sit out in the sun and watch the 4-1 Pats squeak out a win . . .

Today we hit historic downtown Charlottesville - all kinds of restaurants and cafes but 5 Guys was the place to be today!  Then took the long way back to drive through the country and hit Blue Mountain Brewery for samplings in the sun - beautiful afternoon!