Monticello

One of our target destinations this summer was to visit Monticello in Charlotteville, VA.  We had been to Washington, Williamsburg, and Mt. Vernon many times but Monticello was always a little to far out of the way.

We took three tours during the day, the first was the first floor of the home.  We had an incredible tour guide, who was a former elementary teacher.  She reminded me of Ms. Frizzle from Magic School Bus.

Jefferson's home was awesome, but you'll have to visit yourself because no pictures were allowed inside.  The porch had a weather vane.

Under the house, the rooms there could be photographed.

This was the kitchen.

Having sent time in France, Jefferson was very keen on good wine.  He had a wine cellar and a vineyard of his own.

He grew hops and brewed beer.

We went on a garden tour.  Jefferson plants had to be useful, unusual, and fragrant.

Flowers

Vegetables and Flowers

A fish pond, which holds fish that have been caught until they will be cooked.

Monticello is built on a hill and the view is incredible.

Our last tour was the Slave Tour.  Three tours in one day is a lot. We did grab a bite to eat along the way.  No pictures from this tour, as they are in the process of building a new exhibit.  A lot of good information on Jefferson as a slave owner and Jefferson "the author of freedom."

We enjoyed Monticello but Vanderbilt is still the highlight for me of this years trip.