Monticello is lovely. There will probably be plenty blooming by the time you get there. Some friends of mine who have gone on the Wildflower Walks tell me that it is wonderful, but the first one is on April 9th, and I don't know if you'll be around for that.

DC is just truly awesome, any time of year. So much to see and do with all the museums and monuments. All the museums are great, but my personal favorite is the National Air and Space Museum, followed closely by the Museum of Natural History. Of course, if you're into baubles, you might want to poke in on the gemstone collection at Natural History.

On the Botanical end, the Cherry Blossom Festival runs from March 26th through April 10th, so your timing is perfect. Peak blooms are supposed to be from April 4-9th, but that depends a lot on how the weather is for the next couple of weeks. You can keep track at http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/ Also worth a visit are the US Botanical Garden (http://www.usbg.gov/) which is right next to the Capitol Building on the Mall, and the National Arboretum (http://www.usna.usda.gov/)

For good eats, visit Georgetown, Adams Morgan, or Dupont Circle.

Probably forgetting lots of important stuff. I'm sure others will fill in.

Suja

I really love Dumbarton Oaks. Though I hear mixed reviews on it. But for garden structure it's a model of everything right and looks as good in dead of winter as high summer. It's in Georgetown.

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Georgetown:

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And you have to go to the Arboretum. The columns below are from the East portico of the capital building removed in 1958 during renovations. These were in storage until 1984, when someone had the bright idea to install them at the arboretum. They're a stunning sight at the crest of hill and visible from different parts of the arboretum grounds.

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Hi....In the Charlottesville area, Monticello is definitely a star attraction. If you have time, you might also want to take a peek at Ashlawn-Highland, Pres James Monroe's estate, just down the road from Monticello. It includes a wonderful farmhouse and gardens (including peacocks!)....

If you come into Charlottesville itself, be sure to check out The Lawn at UVA, especially the gardens tucked away behind the wonderful early 19th c. Pavilions that line The Lawn. The buildings are inhabited by students and faculty, but the gardens are open to the public. Just walk through the gates and enjoy---keeping a discreet distance from the residences themselves. The gardens aren't large, but they're charming. (Note: Pleeeez ignore our hideous North 29 entry to town----lined for what feels like miles with malls. The downtown pedestrian area is quite nice, and the other directions out of town E-S-W are still sane and pretty much unspoiled.)

Too bad you'll be visiting too early to take in one of the best events of the year down here: Virginia Garden Week (late April). Many private estates and farms are open to the public for a day or two that week. Incredible gardens, often set off by the Blue Ridge as a backdrop.

We also have loads of vineyards, Skyline Drive, and the Blue Ridge Parkway offering fabulous mountain scenery. Plus hiking trails galore. (Do I sound like I love where I live, LOL???!!)

Have a great visit!

I love the garden on the East side of the Lawn with the ancient obleisk. At least I think it's the east side- this one closest to the old hospital.

When Jefferson designed the Lawn, the view of the hills out from the Rotunda was unobstructed- there may have been a fence to keep the cows out. I have been told he thought of it as knowledge opening the mind- the classroom leading out to the world.

I am not connected in anyway with the nursery called Lazy S's Farm but their plant displays seem quite extraordinary.
They also won me over by being down-to-earth and pleasant.
They have a website and are just outside Charlottesville.

Thank you for your helpful suggestions!

Suja, I totally lucked out on the timing of the ethereal cherry blossoms! We will be staying in Georgetown, so expect to have some fabulous meals there. Any favorite restaurants or jazz clubs in the area?

Cynthia, your pictures are absolutely gorgeous. What talent you have! I had heard mixed reviews of D.O. as you indicated, but now will have to make some time to visit.

Cathi, your love for your city is delightful. We will be in Cville for our nephew's wedding. He and his fiancee are in med school at UVA, so we will definitely want to tour The Lawn. The Blue Ridge Parkway sounds like a great choice for a drive after the wedding -- provided I can stop myself from bursting into the old John Denver song and making a fool of myself! Any restaurant suggestions?

Creatix, what a wonderful piece of information about Jefferson. I need to read more about the man before our flight.

Bogturtle, thank you so much for the Lazy S recommendation. It's always fun to get some "insider" ideas for places to visit.

Thank you, everyone, for taking the time to respond. All ideas and suggestions are welcome. This should be a wonderful trip!

Rain

What kind of food do you like, Rain? Food service is one industry that is thriving in Cville.

You can wander the pavilion gardens at UVA at will--no tour needed. Tour information is available on UVA's website, however. I really enjoyed the Rotunda tour.

Wildflower season will be poking up right around the end of the month. I have some favorite trails in SNP for wildflowers, but I don't know if you like hiking.

I lived in DC for several years--you've been given great suggestions. The National Zoo does have several interesting gardens, but there won't be much this time of the year. The pollinarium (part of the Invertebrate House) is amazing, though--if you like hummingbirds and butterflies, check it out!

ygg

Here is a link that might be useful: Academical Village (UVA)

I completely neglected to mention the National Cathedral! The bishop's garden is wonderful. I spent a lot of time there when I lived in the area. Quiet, beautiful, lots of hidden surprises.

ygg

If it's cold--and it might be at that time of year--I recommend the Botanical Gardens (which Suja also suggested)just west of the Capital Building. The glass greenhouse was recently renovated. I hear the gardens at Merriweather Post are great but I have never been there.

Filbert

Across Independence Ave from the Botanical Gardens is a lovely triangle park, Bertoulli Gardens. Worth spending an hour at. It is just starting to take off for the year, but already the Westerstede hamamelis can be scented on the breeze 3 blocks away at the USDA bldg.

While you're up here, go three blocks farther East and check out the Library of Congress's Jefferson Bldg. I've lived in DC for 15 years, but until I started work at the LOC at Christmas I never knew this amazingly beautiful place was here. The main Reading Room is a huge marble and mosaic dome, and the Great Hall is equally elaborate. And what do they sell in their gift shop? BOOKS!(Besides the usual t-shirts and coffee mugs, I mean)

LynnT

Oh, goody! More excellent suggestions!

Ygg (mysterious name, that), my SO and I usually lean toward continental cuisine. If someone's recommendation of a restaurant consists of describing how HUGE the portions are (think The Olive Garden), we run the other way, but are open to just about anything else. Love hummers and would like to see what species exist over on "your side," so the pollinarium is on the list.

Filbert, sounds like the Botanical Gardens are a must. Thanks!

LynnT, have you ever noticed how many gardeners are big readers? I had completely forgotten about the LOC. Duh. Thank you for the memory jog!

Now, if I may impose yet again, could some kind person tell me whether or not it would be worth the time to visit Congress? For the lawyers or other law lovers out there, what about a trip to see the Supremes?

Thank you all. Let me know if I can return the favor for anyone planning a trip West.

Oops, and sorry for spelling your name with a C, KathiCville.

Best Regards,

Rain

I know what continental knitting is, but cuisine? There, I'm stuck. Is that just regional European cuisine?

I'm sure you can find stuff to eat in Cville. We have all sorts of stuff, from gourmet pizza to greasy spoons to French restaurants. I don't eat out much due to some pretty severe food allergies. When I do eat out, I tend to opt for Ethiopian and Indian cuisine.

This region of VA has some pretty good bbq, I'm told. My husband is quite fond of the Blue Ridge Pig in Nellysford. There is a small French bakery nearby, where food is sometimes served.

If you like Spanish tapas, don't miss Jaleo in DC. Mas in Charlottesville is also nice.

ygg

Ygg,

Sorry to hear of your allergies. That must make things tough for you.

I'd love to try the regional fare, and will pick up some local cookbooks to see what that fare might be. The Blue Ridge Pig sounds like it might be a good local joint. Is Nellysford nearby to Cville? Might it be on one of the scenic drives mentioned?

Love tapas. Jaleo might be the ticket for our first night in DC.

Thanks again,

Rain

Nellysford is about 40 minutes from C'ville. It's on 151, near Wintergreen VA. The drive is certainly scenic. You can get there from the Blue Ridge Parkway (via 664 east from the gap near milepost 10, then take 151 north) or you can take 151 south from US 250 West of town, or you can take US 29S to VA 6 West and then go south on 151. The shop is on the east side of the highway, amidst what appears to be a broken down car wash and a gritty gas station. There's a decrepit pig on a pole out by the road.

The pig is tiny and looks intimidating to more urban types. It's attached to a gas station. Looks can be deceiving, the BBQ is great and the gas station market is actually a gourmet convenience store. ;) For those who don't like BBQ, my hubby recommends the turkey croissant with dill sauce.

If necessary, I'm capable of much more exact directions. I've gotten lazy in my dotage.

I was up in the mountains this weekend. Not much is blooming yet. Here in town, we've got crocus, daffies, and a few other things here and there. My husband and I just bought a new house, so I have to identify the landscaping. My specialty is wildflowers, *NOT* landscape shrubbery. We have three things blooming. One might be a camellia. I have no clue if they even grow in VA. ;) The other two have crabapple type blossoms, but don't look like crabapple trees. Alyssum is blooming, too, but it's easy to miss. Pollen season is also starting--I just requested my spring drugs because the maple, ash, and juniper pollens are all making me miserable. If you have allergies, make sure you have your meds. ;)

ygg

Howdy......I see that the Blue Ridge Pig has popped up! It's a fun little place, definitely on the 'local dive' side. I do take-out from there when I'm homeward bound from hikes in that area, 'cause I don't find the atmosphere inside especially compelling. (That, and I usually have my dog with me.)

Basic Necessities, the little French place a stone's throw from the Blue Ridge Pig, does have a dining room/porch, but I don't know if it's in operation year-round. Might be worth a call to find out. If not, it's a nice place to pick up good bread, cheeses, wine, and what-not if you're in picnic mode.

Another restaurant in the Nellysford area is MC2 (Mossy Creek Catering), in the middle of the main strip shopping center. The big Wintergreen Resort, naturally, has a few restaurants, ranging from very casual to pert fancy. If you're into resort-type settings, it's fun---there's a nice spa there. If you're planning to do part of the Blue Ridge Parkway, either Nellysford or Wintergreen would be convenient food-and-gas stops.

If you're in the mood for tapas while you're in Cville, Mas in the Belmont neighborhood is a good choice. Other restaurants in town that are favorites for food and atmosphere: Ciboulette, Mono Loco, L'Avventura, Hamilton's, Bang!, Fleurie and OXO. I know I'm forgetting PLENTY of others, but those are the ones that leap to mind first. (I hope none of these has closed--it's been a while since I've had time to go out to dinner!!) When you get to Charlottesville, you might try to get your mitts on that week's "Cville" or "The Hook", our two competing local freebie newspapers---they'll have dining guides to help you sort out your options. Plus a calendar of events in case you have time to explore.

Have fun!

Yes, Ygg, many cameliias will thrive in your part of the country. I used to dislike them, thinking them "old lady" plants (whatever that means). Still don't like the general appearance of them (big, broad, globby shrub, polka-dotted with equally globby flowers), but, close up, the flowers of some varieties have the most amazing symmetry. Pluck some off and float them in a bowl and you'll see!

KathiCville, thanks for all of your suggestions. I'm certain we'll be eatin' right in 'ginny!

Only seven days until we leave. Yippee!

Rain

Just a quick note to thank everyone for their wonderful suggestions.

We loved, loved, LOVED D.C. and plan to stop over for a few days in the fall on our way overseas. Beautiful city, superb restaurants, fabulous(and free!) museums, gorgeous (and also free!) gardens and, amazingly enough for a city of approximately 500 thousand -- overrun with tourists numbering close to 20 mil annually -- patient, polite and downright pleasant citizens.

Unfortunately, we were only able to stay in Cville for two days, one of which was devoted to a wedding. We visited Monticello, drove a bit of the Blue Ridge Parkway, and made a brief stop at a small vineyard, and had to call it good. Sigh. Never enough time!

Thanks again, all.

My best,

Rain

I went to Cville on a fall trip a few years ago, and ate at a local place called Dooley's, if I recall the name correctly. Absolutely wonderful French food, and a lavender creme brulee to die for. Can a local correct the name for us?

Lynn

Hi, LynnT......I wonder if you're thinking of Fleurie?? Small place, downtown, on a side street, just off of the pedestrian mall??

I'm so glad you enjoyed DC -- sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. If you'll send me email or post here next fall and I can give you more recommendations.

Julia