It's a Monticello Kind of Day

On Monday morning we are headed to our next destination, Washington, DC! In all my years of travel with my navy family and later as an adult, I have somehow never been to this part of our country so central to the birth of our nation. Moreover in recent years, I have been increasingly drawn to reading biographies of our president's, their wives and other related historical tomes. In fact, just before we leave Colorado, I have begun to read Doris Kearns Goodwin's book "Team of Rivals" about Lincoln's rise to the presidency and his cabinet during the Civil War. So now I am primed and pumped for a visit to the capital seat of the USA!

Just as we cross into Virginia, I suddenly get an inspiration and wonder, how far out of the way would it be for us to go to Monticello, Thomas Jefferson's estate? Thank goodness for the internet and our GPS (newly re-dubbed Charlotte in honor of our visit there). With the help of these tools I determine it shouldn't add too many extra miles to our day and punch in the new destination. Just in time too as John is immediately directed to take the next exit! Our new path takes us by way of Route 15 which turns out to be a lovely two-lane highway through pleasant countryside. 

About 250 miles into our journey, John sees a sign for Farmville (made infamous as a popular game on Facebook) and we have to stop for a picture.

We arrive at Monticello just in time for buffet  lunch at the historic Mitchie Tavern at the foot of the estate's vast acreage. Once we're suitably fed we head up to the main house for a tour of Monticello. Unfortunately, we have to skip the garden tours (which only gives me an excuse to have to return another day). A glimpse of the extensive vegetable gardens (Carol, are you jealous?) in this gallery gives you some idea of what we missed - plus there's abundant flower gardens and groves that are entirely omitted!

Monticello

Alas our time is limited - we still need to reach our hotel outside of Baltimore in Silver Spring, Maryland (another 125 miles distant) preferably before very late in the day. But we are not disappointed and very happy we made the detour!