Explore historic Charlottesville, Va. April 15-18 with UNC Asheville’s Behind the Scenes tour, sponsored by UNCA’s N.C. Center for Creative Retirement.

The tour includes a visit to the University of Virginia to investigate its famed architecture, art and manuscripts. Stops are also scheduled at several historic homes, including Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello; James Madison’s home, Montpelier; and James Monroe’s home, Ash Lawn-Highland. In addition to the group experiences, travelers will also be able to explore the downtown area of Charlottesville at night.

UNCA’s College for Seniors students may learn a bit of appropriate history before the trip by enrolling in a special spring course, "Comparing the Ideas of Jefferson, Adams and Madison." Instructor Kirk Symmes and his wife Gay will be resource guests on the tour, which offers a unique study and travel combination. The trip will occur during the College for Seniors spring break.

Registration for the Behind the Scenes tour of Charlottesville is on a first-received, first-served basis. Cost of the tour is $525 before December 5, and $575 after. Fees include travel by bus, accommodations at the Omni hotel, six meals, and all tour and speakers’ expenses.

The four-day trip will be led by Howard and Juanita Spanogle, originators of this seminar-on-wheels program.

For more information or to register for the trip or the class, call UNCA’s College for Seniors Office at 828/251-6384.

Media Contacts:

• Cissie Stevens, UNCA College for Seniors Director, 828/251-6873
• Jill Yarnall, UNCA Public Information Assistant, 828/251-6526