Playing Tourist Around Charlottesville, VA

After working hard to get everything in its proper place, Chris, Amy, Adam and Lottie were driving to NJ to visit Amy's parents.  Rosie and I decided we could "help" by staying at their house and keeping Nani - plus doing a bit more arranging.  So we stayed the week of 05-SEP and played tourist around the Charlottesville area.  One of the first places we visited was the Rotunda at the University of Virginia.  It's a beautiful campus.  Unfortunately, the Rotunda was under repair and covered in a lot of blue tarps.  But it was still neat.

Our next visit was to Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello.  It's about a 15 minute drive from Chris and Amy's house.  Monticello is a beautiful house surrounded by excellent landscaping.  Here are some outside pictures of the house.  Here I am in front of the house.

Rosie is standing at the back of the house.

Views from the sides.

We enjoyed the butterfly weed in the garden.  It was very colorful.

Here's the vegetable garden.

The small gazebo was supposedly one of Jefferson's favorite views of the area.  In this picture you can better understand why.

Here's the obelisk at Jefferson's grave site.  The first item mentioned on his obelisk is "Author of the Declaration of American Independence."

After Monticello we went to Michie's Tavern (about 5 minutes away) for a tour of the tavern and lunch.  Here's Rosie by the Tavern's sign.

Here are some photos of the tavern and our docent.

Every tavern needs a good toilet.  Michie's Tavern had a multi-hole outhouse.  Great way to meet new friends!

 After Monticello, we drove to President James Monroe's home - again a short trip.  Here's the entrance to Monroe's house.

Here are some pictures from around the house.

Rosie and I are standing by the well.

This tree dates back to the time of Monroe.

Here we are with President Monroe.

On another day trip we headed out to see President James Madison's house.  Madison is know as the Father of the US Constitution.  Here are pictures of his house.

This statue of James and Dolly Madison is in the backyard of the house.

The gazebo was set away from the house with a great view of the lawn.

This tree dates back to the time of President Madison.

Here's the Madison cemetery and President Madison's gravestone.

We had a great time touring around Charlottesville.  There's a lot of history in the immediate area.  Thanks to Chris and Amy for letting us stay at their "bed and breakfast".