The only thing I didn't like and that goes for all libraries is the little kids running around and…read moreparents not doing a thing about it. Libraries are supposed to be quiet places to read, not a playground.

I absolutely love this library!!…read more They have a great selection, while also having a very intimate feel to it. Also, they are part of the Jefferson-Madison Regional Library system, so you can always request books from one of the surrounding libraries and pick it up from here if they don't have a specific book you're wanting. And of course, their online OverDrive collection is fantastic and so easy to use. Everyone who works here is so nice and helpful, which really makes for a great readers' community. We love our local public libraries!!!

Scottsville is an excellent library, and the librarians are pros. The curmudgeonly and starkly…read morejudgmental reviews here are a sad sign of the times when folks can't see past their own prejudice and fears. Libraries (and language and countries, for that matter) are not staid monoliths that never change or evolve. Since the pandemic libraries have evolved into places of fun, active learning and, yes Mr. Grumpy, entertainment. As for luring children and young people into their doors, that's the whole idea if you happened to miss it. Fostering reading and curiosity in our youth is the only way to build a society that can survive. Children and youth belong at libraries, indeed we need them to drag us there and if we are to thrive as a community and as a Republic. And if they squeal with delight while attending a live program, or cheer while playing a video game, or snicker while listening to an audiobook or even cry while their older siblings read a book (for shame!!). Well that might well be overlooked as your Civil Duty. There are no "good ole days" to "go back" to. No library can be a silent, moribund, crypt. Perhaps that's where you might feel more at home? Yes, "the times" they are changing and for the GOOD when people (ALL people) use their public institutions to better their lot, foster curiosity and industriousness and take their children to the library and USE it.

So I guess I'm getting old but I remember a time when libraries were actually quiet, this library…read moreat least is extremely loud. The librarians are some of the worst offenders, their voices echo throughout the entire place it's impossible to read or study there. Libraries have become rec centers, screaming children are no longer told to be quiet for the fear of upsetting their parents and because the librarians don't care.

Small library that has a nice environment. Easy to park. Quieter than other libraries in the region.read more

History, history, history. This places has abundant quantity, which makes this college a really…read moreenjoyable walking tour. If you are in the area then park the car and just walk around campus and face at the architecture. While your there, check out a museum, or (if you are like me) stop in a pub.

James Madison lived at Montpelier his entire life. This is a really interesting historic home that…read morelater belonged to the DuPont family, who eventually donated funds to turn it back into a historic site as Madison's home. That renovation/restoration took a long time, and it's now a lovely place to visit and learn about our 4th President and his wife Dolley Madison. In addition to the house, which acknowledges its part in running a plantation through the work of enslaved people, it has exhibits about slavery at Montpelier and archeological finds. The property also has lovely grounds with a beautiful garden that's filled with many colorful flowers in the spring. The visitor center offers a movie, and the house docents offer hour-long tours on the half hour. They also have picnic tables under shady trees to enjoy lunch. The views from Montpelier are breathtaking. They charge a fee to visit the house and grounds. If you only want to visit the grounds, the fee is lower.

This is a great place to visit if you are interested in America's founding, American style of…read moredemocracy, or to celebrate the upcoming Sestercentennial of the United States. (Having experienced the bicentennial as a kid on a summer-long vacation, I am looking forward to it.) The guided tour of the house is well done. The out-buildings and grounds are self-guided. There are many and spread out, and the whole property is on a gentle slope. Could be an issue if it is a hot and humid day. Be sure to visit the garden! Think twice about buying the Looking Through the Landscape book for $10.00. I thought it would be something I could put on my bookshelf but no. Hardly a pamphlet, it contains QR code links to YouTube videos they created. It was snuck in during the checkout process and frankly left me feeling duped. I chalked it up as a donation.

We chose to park in the West Trailhead side and walked in from that direction of the tunnel. We…read morestarted out with our flashlights on but wanted to walk the tunnel without the flashlights. The Experience was fantastic. We did turn on our flashlights when we saw people approaching so we would not startle them. It is dark, damp, and cold in the tunnel. You hear the little water falling inside. We had pocket warmers and I think they were needed. We were both happy we had our pocket warmers. The hike to the tunnel has wonderful forest views and an excellently maintained trail. They also have some plaques with historical information on them. We really thought that was a nice additions to our hike. Both sides of the tunnel has picnic tables. The picnic tables are brand new this year. We stopped and had lunch. There are 2 parking areas. East Trailhead Blue Ridge Tunnel and West Trailhead Blue Ridge Tunnel. Both have a porta potty but no running water. So you will want to take some hand sanitizer. Easy hike, 4.6 miles. Out and back. 370ft elevation gain. The best maintained trail I have ever seen. Hiker friendly, kid friendly. Dogs on leash, Forest view, tucked away on the side of a mountain, Historical tunnel view. Some of the trail is paved, then gravel, and then dirt with gravel mix. Make sure you leave no trash behind

We had a group of eight for the hike. We started on the east side. The walk through the tunnel…read morewas great. I was thankful that started on the east side because it was a pretty steep and long climb after the tunnel. It was 4.5 miles total for the walk. To have the steepest part at the middle was perfect rather than having it at the end. Highly recommend. The tunnel is not claustrophobic at all as it is large inside and you can see the end the entire time. It was a perfect fall hike with the leaves changing. We stopped at Blue Mountain Brewery afterward (only 6 minutes away) for lunch.

Home of the University of Virginia and not to be confused with Charlotte, NC, it is a charming…read moreplace and everyone I met was really friendly. I stayed here for 4 days/3 nights and was in town for a conference. Plenty of good food and bad traffic. Additionally, the city is lovingly referred to as C'ville but if I lived here I would absolutely not say that. I really enjoyed the Historic Downtown Mall area too. There are some good food options here and throughout the metro area. Tourism website: https://www.visitcharlottesville.org Local Government Website: https://www.charlottesville.gov

If Chantelles and Charlizes won't make out with you, then Charlottesville. Tryst me I know. Trust*…read more Charlottesville is a beautiful and historic old city that now is the focal point of the University of Virginia, started by Thomas Jefferson. It has a lot of wonderful elements and aspects to it, and is in a gorgeous setting. There are mountains surrounding the region especially in the direction of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Harrisonburg. There are some pretty delicious food treats hidden away in this town as well such as Bodo's Bagels and the amazing Tortas at Al Carbon. Not to mention the delicious burger at Riverside Grill. There's also a KFT location (get the Lemon Black Tea, or try Honey Oolong, or Winter Melon/Very Berry, both with Black Tea if they'll do it). And there's plenty more if you explore. Much like in my bedroom.

The ruins are located on the grounds of the Barboursville Vineyard…read more They are all that remain of the grand brick mansion of James Barbour -- a Virginia governor, U.S. senator, Secretary of War under John Quincy Adams, and close friend of Thomas Jefferson. Built in 1822, the original house was designed by Thomas Jefferson in his neoclassical style, complete with a distinctive octagonal drawing room (note connection to the naming Barboursville Winnery award winning red!) On Christmas Day, 1884, the mansion burned in a devastating fire leaving only the brick walls, columns, and chimneys standing. Instead of rebuilding, the Barbour family moved to a nearby residence, and the ruins remain as a picturesque shell. A short walk from either the tasting room or cottages, this is a must stop for history buffs interested in civil war era and Thomas Jeffereson and photographers for the weathered remains with the vineyard and blue ridge foothills in the background Parking nearby if you choose to drive. Steep uneven climb from parking

This site is part of a winery complex which has a restaurant and an inn. The site is free to enter,…read morethough it is confusing as my map tried to bring me in on a dirt road that wasn't open rather than the actual entrance which is east of the site. I eventually wormed my way around to find the one-lane bridge to the site blocked by someone who bizarrely just seemed to want to sit there, so I parked at the winery/restaurant and walked over. It's a nice walk. The ruins are interesting to look at. There's not a lot to the site and you can't go past it as it becomes private space for guests of the site. It also closes at 5:30 and signs angrily warn that being there after 5:31 is trespassing, so you can't plan on catching a sunset there or anything. But if you looked this up and your goal is to see some cool ruins, you can, within limits.