I had not visited Charlottesville, Virginia since a seventh grade trip. I remembered Monticello and the University of Virginia, but nothing else. It turns out Charlottesville, a cozy town located about 117 miles from Washington, D.C. is steeped in history. Touring Charlottesville during a recent Girlfriend’s Getaway week, I rediscovered how the past can come to life. If you are spending a few days in Charlottesville, these historic sites are a must visit.
Begin your tour at Ash Lawn-Highland, former home to President James Monroe. A smaller property of 200 acres, Ash Lawn Highland originally stretched for 3500 acres. Ash Lawn is a simple home, much like President Monroe was a simple man who enjoyed farming, designed with comfort in mind. It almost felt like we were in the sitting room waiting for Mrs. Monroe to appear and serve us tea. The house is divided into two sections, the original built by James Monroe and a later addition build by the “new” owners around 1870.
the 35 minute tour of the house, led by an extremely knowledgeable guide, and then spend time walking through the self-guided portion. This portion includes the kitchens, located below the house, former slave quarters and gardens. I stopped to visit with the new lamb which had recently been born. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours at the home.
Stop for lunch at Miche’s Tavern, a beautifully restored 1784 tavern, and take a step back in time. Servers dressed in period costume greet you at the door of The Ordinary and the dinner is Colonial Mid-day Fare. The daily menu consists of fried chicken, pulled pork, biscuits, corn bread, and an assortment of vegetables. Be sure to save room for dessert; a to-die-for peach cobbler topped with ice cream. It was a cold and blustery day when we dined, but the blazing fire and good food lulled me into a relaxed state. I could almost hear voices of soldiers and patriots calling for their meal.
After finishing dinner, be sure to plan time to visit the restored 18th century buildings scattered around the property and take a tour of the oldest section of the tavern. There’s always something happening at the tavern and specials and coupons are often shared on the Miche Tavern website. If you have a chance, talk to Cindy, the owner, about the fascinating history of the building or ask about the resident ghosts. Centrally located, the tavern is two miles from Ash Lawn-Highland and a half mile from Monticello. Plan to spend a minimum of two hours at the Tavern. I could easily have stayed all day.
After lunch, prepare to spend the afternoon at Monticello, former home of President Thomas Jefferson. Jefferson was a brilliant man who filled his home with his own inventions. I was impressed with how the tour guides didn’t downplay his role in slavery, offering a portrait of a conflicted man who wrestled with his conscience on the issue, in the end deciding to leave the problem for future generations.
Admission price includes a tour of the home, a self-guided tour of the buildings located under his home, which features an interactive exhibit for children, along with a tour of Mulberry Road, with former slave cabins and gardens. Before leaving be sure to tour the museum and watch the 20 minute film on the life of Thomas Jefferson. We spent an entire afternoon exploring and could have spent several more hours. Since much of the tour is outside and the house is located on top of a mountain, I recommend visiting on a day when it is not freezing and blustery to be able to spend more time exploring the grounds.
Montpelier, former home of Dolly and James Madison, is located about 45 minutes from Monticello. This house provides unique views into James Madison’s life, as he was born, raised and died on the property. We spent time talking to archaeologists who were excavating the north lawn for artifacts and had amassed a large collection, all of which are cataloged and on display. If you want a hands-on family vacation, Montpelier offers changes to participate in digs with no experience necessary, although children need to be 12 or over to join the dig.
The home tour lasts for approximately an hour, including a short film and free time to wander through the upstairs rooms of the home. There are several trails to explore, including trails leading to the cemetery where James and Dolly Madison are laid to rest, a slave cemetery, the archaeology building and formal gardens.
End your history tour with some delicious bar-b-que. After almost every local we encountered recommended the Bar-b-Que Exchange, we felt compelled to visit. It was worth the trip! This casual restaurant, located in Gordonsville, about 30 minutes from the Charlottesville airport, serves slow roasted pulled pork, traditional sides and some of the most amazing cupcakes I’ve seen. I purchased the Pork Sandwich, topped with my choice of one of three cole slaw recipes, along with the “half & half” basket of half fries and half hushpuppies. I had my choice of five pickles, finally deciding on the jalapeno pickles. Prices were reasonable with large portions.
Planning a visit to Charlottesville?
Pingback: 7 Must Visit Free Things To Do in St. Louis - Simply Southern Mom
I have always wanted to visit Charlottesville! It has so much history and education.
Pingback: Exploring the Monticello Artisan Trail - Simply Southern Mom
Pingback: Girlfriend's Getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia - Simply Southern Mom
Pingback: Must Try Restaurants in Charlottesville, Va - Simply Southern Mom
Pingback: Where to Stay in Charlottesville, Virginia - Simply Southern Mom
Love learning about historical places. Have never been but would like to.
Aw I’ve never seen a baby lamb. I think Charlottesville sounds great!
I have never been here.
I like your pictures!
I have never been to Charlottesville, but we do vacation in Williamsburg quiet often. I just love Virginia’s rich historical culture.
We have great friends is Charlottesville – who keep urging us to visit with the kiddos. So cool to get a glimpse of the history in their neck of the woods.
i totally get a kick out of visiting historical places like these. there is so much history you never get tired of learning all they have to offer.
It’s great that you were able to visit such a historic American landmark! There’s no substitute for being able to see it in person!
This trip is on my bucket list! I love historical sights!
My sister lives in Maryland and my favorite thing to do when visiting is to check out the amazing historical spots nearby. I haven’t made it to Charlottesville yet, but it’s on my list!
I would love to try out Miche’s Tavern! I have visited other places where they dress in period clothing and re-enact the lifestyle of the time. It’s so much fun! If I ever get to Charlottesville I’ll check out these places.
This food looks delicious. I love to go to historical locations when i travel.
I love visiting historical sites like this. My husband and I were recently talking about planning a trip to Washington D.C. I may have to add this to our trip too, it looks like such a neat location!
Boy oh boy! Guess where I want to plan a road trip now. My husband and I visited Virginia several years back while traveling from Florida to California. We missed your awesome spots though. That just means we need another trip and soon!
Who knew there was so much history in VA, that is really cool! I am a huge fan of any trip that involves learning something about our history and this would make a great road trip some day!
These are some really nice spots! I really want to head to Charlottesville again sometime.
Oh these places always intrigue me. I love visiting places like this. That food looks so so so delicious!
I love vistiing historical places the history is so much fun to learn about! These are great places, love the older homes too.
I love all the history! When my daughter gets older (and will appreciate history a bit more) we’re definitely going to take a tour of the area!
Miche’s Tavern sounds amazing! Worth the trip for that alone!
You know, my GOD-Father lives around Charlottesville and we keep discussing a trip to visit him. Now I know what we will do, when we do. Thanks for sharing.
Adding Miche’s Tavern to my list of places I must visit. That’s just my style. What a nice trip.
This looks like a great place to visit and the BBQ looks really yummy. I love visiting historic sites when I travel.
I would LOVE to go and see all these beautiful national sites. I’m a Daughter of the Revolution!
Those places are so gorgeous! I find that if you’re going to take the kids out, why not make it educational? These are great tips, and I can’t wait to go with my family!
I agree with that – why not help them learn a thing or two along the way?
I’d love to take a trip to see all of these places. There’s nothing more fun to me than absorbing the feeling of history you can find in places like these.
I love historical places like these. I have always wanted to visit Monticello!