    As the year begins to come to a close, the trees lining the Rotunda are turning greener, thoughts are turning to sundresses and bow ties for Foxfield, and our fourth years are hearing that ever-dreaded question with a growing frequency—“So, what are you doing next year?” With graduation being only a little over a month away, parents are eagerly making hotel reservations and planning parties, preparing for what is sure to be a monumental weekend here in Charlottesville. For all those coming back for the Final Exercises during May 19th to the 20th, here is a bit of extra help to make your weekend memorable (in a good way!):
           Skip the annoying lines and fights for a reservation when choosing places to take your parents out to dinner in Charlottesville. No one wants to see your grandmother get her soup elbowed in her lap in some jam-packed place. Take your family somewhere quintessentially Jeffersonian, open, and beautiful—Monticello. On Friday, May 18th, Monticello is offering a dinner for fourth years on its West Lawn, complete with live music and tours of the house. The event is from 6:00 to 8:30 in the evening and is $100 a head. Additionally, reservations are necessary and may be made by calling Monticello.
           Following the presidential trend, James Monroe’s home Ash Lawn-Highland is hosting the 18th Annual Virginia WineFest on Saturday, May 19th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Not only will they be showcasing wines from some of Virginia’s best wineries but they will also be providing live music and food. Take your parents here after the day’s events to enjoy a glass of wine amongst a picturesque setting. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.
           If your parents aren’t exactly the kind for peaceful settings and a glass of wine, take them out to see some of the live music for which Charlottesville is famed. The Jefferson is hosting the folk group Donna The Buffalo on Saturday, May 19th at 8:00 PM. Not only will this ensure an eclectic taste of C-Ville life but also with tickets being only $15 in advance and $17 at the door, you can entertain your parents without adding to the already heavy costs of the weekend.
           For the parents that have gotten a late start in finding accommodations for the weekend, hotels and rental houses are no doubt sold out by now. Let your parents get nostalgic about their own college days by arranging for them to stay in university housing—U.Va. is opening first year dorms for parents to stay in over the weekend, leaving them only a short walk away from the Lawn and the Corner. Also, ask around in your friend group and see if any of their apartments will be open for the weekend—your parents would make great house sitters!
           Lastly, traffic is going to be a madhouse in Charlottesville, especially around the Corner. If you are going to make a reservation, try to do it somewhere within walking distance to save your family from sitting bumper-to-bumper with the minivan in front of you for 30 minutes. The walk from Grounds to the Downtown Mall is only a short 10 minutes and will be (hopefully) especially wonderful in the May weather.
           All in all, graduation weekend will be one to remember, no matter who you’re with, what the weather is like, or where you go. Congratulations to the all the fourth years and best wishes for the future!Â