🚗 Cross-Country Road Trip Stop 2: Charlottesville, VA

This quaint Virginia town was home to Thomas Jefferson—the third U.S. president. The guy inherited and bought up nearly 5,000 acres of land, built a not-so-lavish (but iconic) house called Monticello 🏛️—yes, the one on the back of the nickel! Fun (and sobering) fact: While drafting the Declaration of Independence, he also owned hundreds of enslaved people 👥⚖️. The tour area is fairly compact and tickets aren’t cheap 💵, but if you’re with kids, the family-friendly tour is a good pick. Also in town: the prestigious University of Virginia 📚, founded by Jefferson himself. (Pictured at the north gate—no hate if I got the direction wrong 🧭😅) The whole town oozes historic charm—quiet, peaceful, and perfect for a slow day. The weather was gorgeous… if we weren’t on a tight schedule, I would’ve stayed here for days 😌🍃 Plus, there are wineries everywhere 🍇🍷—you really can’t go wrong! #Charlottesville #Monticello #VirginiaTravel #USHistory #RoadTripUSA #JeffersonLegacy #WineCountry