Summer Vacation Road Trip - Day 1

Summer Vacation Road Trip - Day 1 - Charlottesville, VA

Taking a break from the hard news stories.

Earlier this month, I headed home to Pennsylvania from here in Raleigh. Traditionally, I try to split the trip home by staying overnight somewhere along the way. This year, I stayed in Charlottesville, VA. And was able to tour Monticello and later walk around the campus of the University of Virginia.

Monticello is certainly worth a visit. I would recommend about a half day to spend there. I took a half day off work and was able to get to the grounds at 3:30. The park closes at 5 pm, but the ground remain open until 6. I walked around the grounds to just about 6.

Cost is $20 and includes the tour of Monticello and other tours of the grounds. The Monticello home tour is about an hour - and is extremely worth it. It is hard to put into words all of the unique features - and at that time well ahead of its time technologies. The tour guides are well versed, personable, and excellent. Of course, you can not take photos of the inside of the house. But photography is welcomed anywhere else on the grounds.

For the entire flickr set of Monticello - click here.

The flowers along the grounds are amazing. Jefferson saw himself as first and foremost as a farmer. In fact, during the 1800 Census - while he was Vice President - he listed his occupation as exactly that, a farmer.

After checking in at the hotel, I headed down to the University of Virginia and walked the grounds of the University of Virginia. The grounds are impressive.

For the entire UVA photo set on flickr - click here.

Of course, the main hang out place on campus is known as 'The Corner'. There a number of bars, restaurants, book stores, coffee shops, you name it sit. I ate a Restaurant/bar called '3'. On Tuesday's, everything on the menu is $5. Not a bad deal!

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