We are senior citizens who live in NYC and prefer not to drive to Monticello which we have not visited before. Several questions:

-Is there some way to go there by rail or plane?

-If we drove, how long would it take?

-Once there (in July), besides visiting Monticello itself, are there any other cultural or classical concert events at UVA or elsewhere to take in?

I hope Joy in Virginia or OBXgirl answers this post because they know the area better.

By rail or plane, go to Richmond. There might be day trips from there. Or check to see if there are tours leaving from DC. I don't know how long it would take to drive.

July is VERY hot and humid in the south. If you could wait until cooler weather (like Oct. or Nov.) you would enjoy the weather better and enjoy the autumn leaves.

I would check with UVa about events. In July there wouldn't be as much as during the academic year. Maybe the Charlottesville Daily Progress or Richmond Times has a website with cultural events listed. In the area of Monticello there are several wineries and the home of some other famous Virginia guy (James Monroe maybe?)

US Airways flies directly into Charlottesville from LaGuardia. Prop plane. 1.5 to 2 hour trip.

There's an Amtrak station in Charlotteville.

The drive time is about six or so hours without encountering traffic problems along the way.

What to see besides Monticello? Univ. of Virginia, Montpelier (James Madison's home), Ashlawn (Monroe's home), Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, local vineyards tour, Boarshead Inn (spa and resort).

A car would really be necessary to see the above.

ncgrrl is correct about the temperatures being hot and humid in July. Fall and spring are th e best times to visit. I also agree with her suggestion that the C'ville Daily Progress would be a good source for concerts and cultural events.

In addition to that Amtrak station, I recall a bus waiting at the Richmond Amtrak Station bound to Charlottesville. The line was "James River Transportation Company", and the driver told me that they met a number of Amtrak trains. Maybe the timing or frequency by taking the train to Richmond instead of Charlottesville might be more convenient?

Alternatively, call the Charlottesville / Albemarle Convention & Visitors Bureau
(434-977-1783 or 877-386-1102) and see if they can tell you what motorcoach companies they've worked with that are scheduling trips to Charlottesville - perhaps a company near NYC has a trip you'd want to go on.

Here are websites for two local, reputable transportation companies that you can email re availability: www.jrbl.com (James River Bus Lines) and www.groometransportation.com
your best bet might be to fly into Charlottesville or Richmond then rent vehicle. C'ville is about one hour from Richmond. I would also suggest the Museum of Frontier Culture in Staunton, just 45 min from C'ville. www.frontiermuseum.org

Thank you for the helpful suggestions.