back from C'ville

We just got back from a nice visit to Charlottesville, (Thanks for a wonderful time, Carol!). Linda and I have now been down there about four times in the last five or six years, and each time we seem to enjoy the town more and more. Like so many large college towns, the downtown area is quite neat, they've blocked it off to traffic, making it totally pedestrian friendly. The cool thing is that the shops and eateries there are virtually all locally owned. There are no chains or franchises. Half a dozen used book stores and an equal number of craft shops featuring local artisans make it unique and interesting. The county supports at least one brewpub and several wineries, (essentials to modern living). It's really starting to grow on us. Very cool place.