Tuesday, July 8, 2008-Charlottesville, VA

This morning we ordered two Presidential Tour passes on line. This pass included three historical sites; Monticello, Michie Tavern, Ash Lawn-Highlands. Monticello was the home of Thomas Jefferson, Michie Tavern was a tavern used during the time of and after the Revolutionary War, and Ash Lawn-Highlands was the home of James Monroe. These three historical sites are located on a loop road south east of Charlottesville. The earliest time available was 11:00 AM, starting at Monticello.

We left the KOA and toured "historic" Charlottesville after a quick breakfast at McDonald's. We arrived early so we could visit the gift shop. Sue wanted to buy some books and DVDs to use with her first grade class. This next school year, they study Thomas Jefferson and Lewis, Clark and Sacagawea. After Jefferson purchased the Louisiana Territory, He sent Lewis and Clark to explore the region. After the gift shop visit, we went on a thirty minute tour of the first floor of Monticello. The docent was a good speaker and well informed. After the tour, we walked through the basement floor, which contained the store rooms, wine and beer cellars, and other work areas. While we were there, a carpenter was constructing a new roof for the ice cellar. During Jefferson's time, they cut ice from the local streams and river in winter and stored it in the insulated ice cellar. The ice lasted through the summer and provided cooling for food and cooking. During a fire, the ice was used to prevent the spread of the flames. We walked through the flower garden and the planted fields that provided vegetables for the plantation. Jefferson planted extensive vineyards at Monticello.

When we were finished touring Monticello, we drove to Michie Tavern. We were tired, hungry and ready to relax. We ate a large buffet lunch (our big meal today) and were ready to visit the Michie Museum. The tour was an extensive dialogue about the history of the tavern and the role it played in early American history. The tavern was not located at this site during Jefferson's time. It was  moved to this location some time after Jefferson's death.

We decided not to go to the Ash  Lawn-Highland and returned to the camper at the KOA. We relaxed and watched the Jefferson DVD. Tomorrow, we will drive to Shenandoah National Park, since we are not camping there on this trip. We particularly enjoy the lodge at Big Meadows and will have breakfast there, for old time sake.