I have a fun fact about Charlottesville that I overheard at breakfast the other day and it just made me laugh.
As you know, I live in a very country area... somewhat “Hill Billy” meets “Redneck”
There’s a road that winds through Charlottesville, called Rio road. Now... if you pronounce it like you would think it’s pronounced (Ree-o), the locals will laugh and say, “You’re not from around here, are ya? It’s Rye-o.”
To which I’ve just shook my head and have followed suit, thinking ... “Okay... if y’all say so.”
But I heard this man discussing this at the next table over and he said that Rio road used to be called route 10. All it had on the sign was R 10. I just face palmed right there.
Because Charlottesville is such an artsy little college town with a lot going on... the locals are so proud and somewhat pretentious... and so quick to tell you when you pronounce that road incorrectly!