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Monticello National Historic Landmark
Thomas Jefferson's Architectural Masterpiece & Plantation
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 7/24/2024
Designed by Jefferson himself, Monticello is a stunning architectural marvel that seamlessly blends classical European influences with innovative American design. The sprawling estate features a neoclassical mansion adorned with intricate details, meticulously maintained gardens, and sprawling grounds offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Monticello serves as a testament to Jefferson's diverse interests, showcasing his passion for horticulture, architecture, and intellectual pursuits. Visitors can explore the meticulously restored rooms filled with personal artifacts, libraries stocked with Jefferson's extensive book collection, and an underground passage revealing the enslaved community's daily lives.
Monticello, located amidst Virginia's rolling Piedmont, transcends mere historic landmark status. It's a captivating tapestry woven with architecture, history, and the legacy of its most famous resident, Thomas Jefferson.
Jefferson, a self-proclaimed and self-taught architect, meticulously designed and redesigned Monticello over 40 years. The result? A masterpiece blending Palladian, Neoclassical, and vernacular styles, echoing his admiration for ancient Roman architecture. Explore the elegant entrance hall, the light-filled library, and the iconic dome, each testament to Jefferson's vision and ingenuity.
When you step outside the mansion and discover Jefferson's grand vision extended to the surrounding landscape. Meticulously designed gardens, showcasing his passion for horticulture and experimentation, provided not just beauty but sustenance. Explore Mulberry Row, the heart of his agricultural endeavors, and witness the ingenuity of his inventions, like the hemp brake and the polygraph.
Monticello was more than just a home; it was Jefferson's laboratory, his political platform, and a symbol of his ideals. Delve into the lives of enslaved people who toiled on the plantation, confronting a complex and challenging aspect of the property's history. Engage with exhibits and tours that explore Jefferson's accomplishments and contradictions, offering a nuanced understanding of this multifaceted and iconic figure.
How to get to Monticello Just a few minutes drive from Charlottesville and just beyond the Michie Tavern on the Thomas Jefferson Parkway. Exit 121 on I-64, turn south onto Virginia route 20 to route 53 (Thomas Jefferson Parkway) and drive up the hill. There are numerous signs, so it is a simple short drive.
Exploring Monticello Map
Visitors can explore the meticulously preserved rooms that reflect Jefferson's intellectual curiosity and progressive ideas. The expansive gardens and grounds offer a glimpse into his passion for horticulture and landscape design. The Monticello National Historic Landmark also delves into Jefferson's complex relationship with slavery, providing an opportunity for a deeper understanding of America's history.
Michie Tavern
This restaurant (actually it is buffet style) has what we consider to be the best fried chicken (southern style) we have ever had anywhere in any state. We will create opportunities to have lunch here, and have taken a number of guests who have seriously enjoyed the fare here. Fried chicken, corn bread, delicious apple cider and other side dishes! You do have to be careful about when you arrive here, because it is very popular and the parking lot fills up quickly at traditional eating times.
Michie Tavern isn't just a historic landmark; it's a living testament to Southern hospitality and the vibrant colonial past. You will step back in time to 1784 (all servers are in period attire), when William Michie, a Revolutionary War veteran, transformed his father's inn into a bustling tavern and ordinary, catering to weary travelers and fostering lively conversations.
The tavern's menu features traditional Southern fare, such as fried chicken, country ham, and cornbread, cooked using authentic 18th-century recipes. Visitors can savor these delicious dishes while immersing themselves in the rich history and charm of the tavern.
Step into the adjoining tavern shop, housed in a historic building itself. Browse local Virginia wines, craft beers, and artisan souvenirs, all reflecting the region's unique charm and craftsmanship. Take a guided tour of the grounds, immersing yourself in the picturesque setting and learning about the tavern's role in local history.
The tavern is located just below the hill where Monticello is located, on Thomas Jefferson Parkway. The food here is quite good, and we've taken a number of people here to have lunch after visiting Monticello - all who will tell you that the food is worth the stop.
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