Monticello

One on-going goal we have is to get out and see places of interest- especially when we're in a new area. We learned this the hard way the first time we were at language school- we kept saying we need to do this, we need to do that, but we never did them. Then the weekend before Mr. M left for training, we tried to cram everything in. Needless to say, it was a crazy weekend and we missed a lot of things we wanted to see and do.

Our first Saturday here we went to Monticello- Thomas Jefferson's estate. The weather was gorgeous- 80 degrees and sunny- perfect for walking around the grounds and admiring everything, including the daffodils and violets. When we started our trip on Monday, it was cold and snowing, but it's spring here already.

The tickets were more expensive than we anticipated, but LMS did get in free. We contemplated waiting and coming back, but decided that things would get really busy very soon and it wouldn't end up happening, so we went ahead and spent the money.

We watched a short video about Jefferson before heading up the hill from the visitor's center to the house.

waiting in line for our turn to take the tour

the front entrance

the back of the building, with the famous rotunda, from the left side

notice the white criss cross banisters on both sides of the house

same as above, but from the right side

what's below the white criss cross banisters: stables, kitchens, store rooms and so on

they run in a big horseshoe shape at the back of the house

walking down to the extensive gardens

enjoying the view of the gardens, orchards, and vineyard

the walk back to the visitor's center takes you past the family cemetary, where Thomas Jefferson is buried

We had an enjoyable time wandering around Monticello. There's a guided tour through the house, but after that you're free to wander the grounds and explore the cellars. It was a gorgeous day for walking around and if you ever come to visit us, it is worth the trip to see it.