Charlottesville is an interesting location year round but there are some particular times of the year when most visitors flock to the area.

In the Spring, I look forward to the annual Virginia Festival of the Book, offering five days of events celebrating reading and the culture around books.

In the summer, I always encourage my friends to visit over 4th of July, to experience the celebration and naturalization ceremony at Monticello, honoring America’s Declaration of Independence each summer at the home of its author.

In the fall, film buffs flock to the Virginia Film Festival to celebrate the power of cinema. And, of course, nothing beats the fall foliage; Shenandoah National Park and the Skyline Drive fill with “leaf-peepers,” bird-watchers and outdoor enthusiasts drinking in the beauty.

While these annual events attract the crowds, they’re just the beginning of Charlottesville’s charm. Here, you’ll discover a vibrant, close-knit community that celebrates its unique culture with events throughout the year that include steeplechase racing, orchard outings and the Ash Lawn Opera Festival at the Paramount Theater downtown. So get those bags packed and come on over!