By Jennifer Ciotta

Today the University of Virginia continues to embody a rich history.  A tourist can visit Edgar Allan Poe's dormitory room, shielded by a glass door and preserved from his days as a student.  The dormitory holds the most prestigious housing title at the university only fourth-year students with the highest GPAs on campus reside here.  Poe's room itself contains old-fashioned artifacts that the author himself may have used.  For example, visitors can imagine the author penning his gloomiest works with the quill pen and notebooks on his minute, wooden desk.  His green coat is thrown over his desk chair and his black top hat sits erect, waiting for their owner to return.  Also on display are a wooden bed with a blue comforter, a beat-up trunk and a washstand consisting of a pitcher, basin and mirror.

Due to its location, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville boasts favorable weather all year round.  Many students hike, camp and fish their way through college.  Others take walks in the hills, like the poet himself, or picnic on the Lawn, where Poe once played sports.  Students also enjoy the extensive nightlife that the University of Virginia has to offer.  Like Poe, one can work on their experimental drinking by exploring the large bar scene, and especially, the excellent music venues, which in the past have attracted impressive headliners such as Dave Matthews Band, Blues Traveler and Smashing Pumpkins.

Held in late March is the Virginia Festival of the Book.  Two hundred free and 4 ticketed literary events are packed into five days.  The 2007 Festival includes luncheons with authors, discussion panels and a business breakfast.  Highlights from the 2006 Festival were readings and discussions from Rita Dove and John Hope Franklin.  Poetry readings, a publishing day and historical lectures are given as well as educational programs for youth.

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