Best Things to Do on a Road Trip from Charlottesville, VA to Ashburn, VA
Charlottesville and Ashburn, both located in Virginia, are two beautiful cities that attract visitors all year round. Driving from Charlottesville to Ashburn is a journey of around 120 miles, taking approximately two hours. The journey itself encompasses some of the most stunning landscapes of Virginia, making it an ideal route to take for a road trip. The halfway point of this road trip is Remington, VA.
Top Five Things to Do
1. Monticello
Monticello is the former home of Thomas Jefferson, located in Charlottesville. It offers visitors a glimpse into the life and times of the author of the Declaration of Independence. The house and gardens are immaculately preserved and offer a glimpse into an important part of American history.
Interesting Fact: Monticello was the only home Thomas Jefferson ever owned, and he designed it himself.
2. Paramount Theater
The Paramount Theater is a cultural icon within Charlottesville. Since its entirety renovation in 2004, it provides a venue that is both sleek and modern but still retains its 1930s charm. The theater provides a multitude of performances, ranging from musicals, plays, and dance performances.
Interesting Fact: The Paramount Theater, which opened in the 1930s, was one of the few theaters in Virginia that was racially integrated.
3. Manassas National Battlefield Park
The Manassas National Battlefield Park is located approximately 15 miles north of Remington. The park offers a unique look into one of the most important battles of the Civil War, the First Battle of Bull Run. Visitors can explore some of the historic battlefields, and there is an on-site museum that houses Civil War-era artifacts.
Interesting Fact: The battle was so widely followed that citizens from Washington, D.C., retreated to the hills around the park to watch the action.
4. National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
The National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA, is a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation and space technology. The museum houses over 50 aircraft and spacecraft, including the Space Shuttle Discovery and the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird.
Interesting Fact: The museum was named after Steven F. Udvar-Hazy, a successful entrepreneur in the aircraft leasing industry and a significant contributor to the museum.
5. One Loudoun
One Loudoun, located in Ashburn, VA, offers visitors a unique shopping and dining experience. From local cuisine to international cuisine, One Loudoun boasts a culinary experience like no other place. The center provides a range of shopping opportunities along with one-of-a-kind experiences suitable for any age.
Interesting Fact: One Loudoun is home to one of the tallest Christmas trees in the country.
Conclusion
Driving from Charlottesville, VA, to Ashburn, VA, allows visitors to explore some of the most beautiful landscapes and cultural experiences Virginia has to offer. For history buffs, the trip is a unique chance to explore the home of one of the USA's most important Founding Fathers in Monticello, or delve deep into the country's military past at Manassas National Battlefield Park. For those looking for a more modern experience, One Loudoun and the Paramount Theater offer shopping and cultural experiences that will keep visitors entertained. Finally, the National Air and Space Museum Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center provides visitors a glimpse of innovation and technology of our time. Overall, this road trip offers a variety of experiences suitable for any age, making it an ideal journey for families and groups.