The only way Joe was able to convince me on going for a long drive to Orlando was to stop by Charlottesville, Virginia to visit the Monticello. It is known as Thomas Jefferson's masterpiece. He was one of the most influential people in American history having the one to draft the Declaration of Independence and the Louisiana Purchase and the founder of University of Virginia.
After serving as the 3rd President of the United States, he chose to retire in Virginia in a great mountaintop mansion that he designed and built. Monticello was originally designed following the English Georgian style till he came back from Europe. He completely changed the whole structure and followed the Neo-classical style which is popular during 16th century France and Italy.
After Jefferson's death, the estate was inherited by his daughter Martha whom sold it to a U.S. Navy officer till it was purchased back by the Thomas Jefferson Memorial Foundation.
The Monticello is open to the public, it now serves as a museum.
The plantation garden.
The view from the front porch.
Jefferson was obsessed with time and weather conditions. He kept a daily log for more than 50 years.
The house was designed in Neo-classical style using Palladian windows and Roman columns.
The kitchen underneath the main house.
Once you got your tickets at the visitors center, you are given a schedule to view a short film about Thomas Jefferson. Afterwards, you will ushered out to the shuttle that would drop you off to the mansion. You have an option to walk but the workers caution you that it is a long walk up. The shuttle also stops at the Jefferson graveyard, you have to inform the driver beforehand.
From there, you would be greeted by another employee that you be your tour guide. You are not allowed to wander through alone inside the mansion. It was also mentioned that all furnitures and glass fixtures where originals. You are not allowed to touch anything and warned to stay beyong the ropes.
Taking photographs are only allowed outdoors.
Is it a waste of time to visit Monticello?
Not at all!
I enjoyed my visit to this site. It has a state of the art facility with great wheel access, it is easy to manuever with a stroller. It also has a large facility dedicated as a play area where children can relax and play with puzzle and toys. We went there in the middle of summer and the heat can be intense but the mansion is air conditioned.
The only downside was we weren't prepared on bringing any bug spray. We tried to walk over the vegetable garden but was attacked with giant mosquitoes.
Next time we would know better.
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