Monday, March 7, 2011

Travel Advice For Blue Ridge Mountains VA

By Chris Matthews


A trip out to Blue Ridge Mountains VA is not really as adventurous as it seems to be. These are hallowed grounds for history buffs and fans of Thomas Jefferson, with over a half-million annual visitors each year making their way to his plantation home. It's no big surprise that the facilities in the mountain foothills are quite impressive.

This includes many good hotels that cater to the many types of travelers who come here all year round to visit Monticello. This is the name of Jefferson's aforementioned home in Charlottesville. But first things first, so let's cover the travel logistics and then the attractions and hotels.

The best way to reach here is by air. Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport has flights scheduled daily to most big cities within easy reach like New York, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Atlanta and Detroit. A large number of travelers also make their way here by road from Richmond, which is 70 miles away.

Then there are the Blue Ridge Parkway roadtrippers and national park visitors on their way to or from Shenandoah. The place where America's Favorite Drive ends at Shenandoah is only 22 miles from here. For these outdoor loving travelers, a comfortable hotel stay with a mountain view offers a perfect end to a long road trip.

Then there is another hardy lot who are hiking the Appalachian Trail. Many of the hikers take a break around these parts and enjoy all the historical landmarks and nature's wonders like the Natural Bridge. Again, a hotel nestled in the mountain foothills is something that might appeal to hikers.

Charlottesville has its own share of attractions for visitors, including the Downtown Pedestrian Mall and the famed Paramount Theater. Then there's also the massive University of Virginia that is worth a look-see. The list of local attractions is rounded up by the homes of James Madison (Montpelier) and James Monroe (Ashlawn-Highlands).

As for what to expect in a hotel, it's pretty much on par with industry standards. Most offer free high-speed internet with an outdoor pool and onsite restaurant. There might also be an onsite fitness center and business travelers will like as not have access to a business center and meeting rooms with catering options.

Family visitors will probably like it a lot more, because most hotels here are pet friendly and offer laundry/dry-cleaning services with daily housekeeping. Many even have a 'Kids Eat Free' program going on at onsite restaurants. The bottom line is that a visit to Blue Ridge Mountains VA is likely to be just as memorable for its natural beauty and landmarks as it is for the level of service and quality of the facilities for visitors.




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