Ash Lawn-Highland was the home of President James Monroe who held more offices than any other President. A self-supporting 535 acre estate boasts several special events, including the Summer Festival. Monroe purchased Ash Lawn-Highland because his friend Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello was close by. Today’s guests can enjoy the historic, refurbished home, elegant furnishings, garden, picnic spots, statue, and glimpses of Monticello.
Michie Tavern is an 18th century inn that invites visitors to dine on a traditional southern luncheon meal served by period attired servers. Visitors enjoy period dishes like southern fried chicken, hickory smoked pork barbecue, black eye peas, stewed tomatoes, biscuits, and cornbread along with Virginia wines and lagers.
The President’s Pass is available for travelers who want to combine a tour to Michie Tavern, Monticello, and Ash Lawn-Highland. You can purchase the pass online.
UVA, founded by Thomas Jefferson, is one of the most prestigious universities in the United States and was built by Jefferson as an academical village to enrich those seeking knowledge. We enjoyed visiting the special collections library to see the original Declaration of Independence broadsides. The UVA Rotunda was exquisite.
Montpelier, the lifelong plantation home of President James Madison and his wife Dolly has a 200 acre, old-growth forest, archaeological sites, and cemeteries for the entire Madison family and slaves.
This spectacular President’s home will always be one of our top favorites. You can actually stand in the library where James Madison first envisioned the constitution. With an enormous number of educational exhibits and extremely friendly and helpful docents, we learned a great deal about the President and his history.
We even enjoyed a delightful deli lunch at the snack bar where we were refreshed by healthy food choices as well as some not-so-healthy,
Walton’s Mountain Museum provides a step back to a simpler time and replicas of The Godsey’s Store, and sets of portions of the Walton’s home. Tours are available by appointment.
For some of the best food in town try Downtown Thai in Charlottesville. Rarely do you find such outstanding food for such a reasonable price. Memorable salads, curries, soups and specials, along with freshly prepared starters, promise you’ll be pleased.
You can choose mild, medium, hot, extra hot, or native Thai for your seasoning/spice level.
The greater Charlottesville area and Orange County are literally brimming with treasures and finds for a road tripping couple. Arts, culture, shopping, history, festivals, wine tasting….a Presidential Road Trip awaits.