Last stop--Monticello

The last stop on my West Virginia trip, other than the airport, was Monticello. This time we didn’t have niece, Jami, planning for us, so my sister and I decided we would visit Monticello on our return from Virginia to West Virginia. In theory, it was a great idea—we didn’t have to go far off the beaten path, and we left fairly early in the morning figuring we’d have plenty of time. Suffice it to say that when visiting well known historical sites, planning ahead is a better idea! We arrived about 10:45 a.m. if memory serves me, but it may have been 11:00, but what’s fifteen minutes, right?

The first clue we might be in trouble was the fact that we had to wind around forever to get to a parking lot that finally had some empty space. My sister wondered if we should be taking note of where we’d parked, but I assured her (?) we’d be fine. Off we went, trekking up steps and hills until we reached the visitor center where we did what? Got in line to purchase our tickets. I was more than dismayed when the sweet girl at the ticket counter told us the next available tour of Monticello would be at 4:00 p.m.

We had a very long drive ahead of us and we couldn’t possibly wait until four o’clock for a tour. So, we made a commando decision and opted to purchase our ticket and go it on our own. We boarded a shuttle that took us from the Visitor Center up a winding road to Monticello. It wasn’t until we got there that we were told you can’t even go inside Monticello unless you’re on a tour. I’ll be honest—that woman guarding the front gate looked like she was ready to take on all comers who might try and get past her, so I decided trying to sneak in wouldn’t be wise.

A few of the casks used to store the beer.

We did get snap pictures of the outside and we enjoyed a Gardens and Grounds tour—both flower and vegetable, and the Slavery at Monticello tour. There is, without a doubt, a gorgeous view from the gardens and it is little wonder Jefferson chose this site for his home. I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for taking pictures of these little placards at historical sites. It helps me recall all the information that leaks out of my brain each night. So if you don't like reading these little informational tidbits, just skip right along. I won't even know if you don't read them. The two above are about the brewing that took place at Monticello and I hope you can click on them to read the information if you're so inclined.

This tells a bit about the cooking at Monticello and the one below is a recipe that was saved, but I obviously didn't have my camera well adjusted since it's hard to read, but it's a recipe for Snow Eggs (meringues in custard sauce.

Along the area known as Mulberry Row a section that encircled the house and grounds, Jefferson planted mulberry trees. In 1796 there were as many as 23 structures to help meet the needs of the household and manufacturing enterprises—everything from a blacksmith shop, carpenter’s shop to a smokehouse and dairy—and he raised Merino sheep for their prized wool as well as other livestock that would provide food for the table or be useful to work in the fields. Tobacco, rye, corn, and wheat were major crops, but Jefferson also enjoyed raising herbs, fruit trees and vegetables.

Most of Jefferson’s slaves came to him through inheritance and in 1782 he was the largest slaveholder in Albemarle County, Virginia.

I can’t close without saying my sister was right—we should have watched where we parked the car. After parading through several lots, we finally enlisted the aid of a gentleman who helped us find the “missing” vehicle. Until we finally laid eyes on the car, I did envision spending the night under the stars at Monticello. One last note: if you plan to go to Monticello, make sure you allow plenty of time and check on purchasing tour tickets in advance. I do hope to return when I can tour inside, but it was still a grand visit and I learned some things I didn’t know about Monticello and Thomas Jefferson. All in all, the wonderful ending to a super vacation!

May you find joy as you travel the highway of life. ~Judy

And great big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to our sweet Tammy. Hope you have a wonderful birthday. Wish we could all join you for cake and ice cream!