My family and I are stopping in Charlottesville via AMTRAK on our way to NYC. We'll be there two days and two nights. Any suggestions for "must see" places? Should we rent a car? Thanks!

I think it goes without saying, but you must see Monticello.

In addition to Monticello, the historic campus of the University of Virginia (rotunda and central grounds), home of President Madison (Ash Lawn-Highland) and the Michie Tavern are all highlights and can be easily seen in two days.

Renting a car would give you maximum flexibility. It would also allow you to also visit the Blue Ridge Parkway (if you haven't already visited) and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

I agree with the above recommendations. Monticello is interesting as is UVA. In the evenings you could walk around the downtown pedestrian mall and shop or eat there. Where will you be staying?

I would actually rent a car as there a number of good wineries in & mostly around Charlottesville. Check out www.virginiawines.org or www.virginiawineguide.com.

SusanEva said it all!

We are staying in the Charlottesville Residence Inn ... first trip to VA.

Your location is right behind the Barrack's Road Shopping cetner but not close walking distance to main UVA or the Downtown Mall. (You are close to the law school and business school) There is a UVA bus transit system that goes through this area, though, so you could use that to get over to the campus and the downtown mall. You aren't really close to any interesting restaurants or sights so hopefully you'll have a car?

And to clarify, the Barrack's Road shopping center is a long strip of retail stores and grocery shopping. There are some chain stores and a few unique stores scattered in there.

Its not THAT far from Barrack's to the central UVA grounds, definitely walkable in nice weather, I walk farther than that every day to go to work.

But a car is indeed necessary to see Monticello/Ash Lawn/Montpelier and to go to the wineries.

BTW not to be too nitpicky but Ash Lawn is James Monroe's home, Madison is at Montpelier which is about 45 minutes north of C'ville.

Thanks NYJ! - Not picky, important correction. SE

Topping - any other must sees?