Wineries in Greenwood, VA

Monticello is one of the biggest tourist destinations in the entire state. Anyone who is interested in learning more about the Founding Fathers will love visiting the plantation home of Thomas Jefferson. Filled with exhibits, Monticello promises to be an opportunity of a lifetime.

We’ve put together this brief guide to let you know about what’s available and what to expect.

Monticello wasn’t just a house for Thomas Jefferson. It can be considered a masterpiece. The Founding Father spent more than 40 years redesigning and rebuilding the property. You can get a guided tour through the restored home to gain a glimpse of what life might have been like for the third President of the United States. You can explore each room in the three-story building, all the while learning little known facts about the building and the people who lived there.

During a tour of the building, you’ll be able to learn about all facets of what 19th-century living was like, such as:

How the house was heated and cooled
How the house was illuminated
The overall costs of construction
What percentage of the home and furnishing are original
And much more!

The Gardens served a number of purposes and not just as a major source of food for the denizens of the plantation. It was a showcase of botanical beauty, displaying some of the best gardening prowess of the day. In addition, Jefferson used his gardens as a laboratory of sorts, experimenting with plants from around the world.

Whether you are enjoying winding paths on the property lined with beautiful colored flowers or learning more about the 19th-century cultivation techniques, there is a bit of something for everyone here.

While there is no doubt that Thomas Jefferson accomplished many great things in his lifetime, his reputation remains a bit of a paradox. In our day, it seems unthinkable that a man dedicated to fighting for freedom would own slaves.

Today, there are a number of exhibits around the Monticello property dedicated to exploring Slavery at Monticello. You can learn more about the ways of life of the men, women, and children who were enslaved at the plantation. One of the most famous of these individuals is Sally Hemings, was able to negotiate with Thomas Jefferson to gain “extraodinary privileges” for herself as well as freedom for her future children.

There are activities for all ages at Monticello, making visiting the locale a great family outing. Children will be able to participate in exciting activities while learning more about the past.

Some of the activities include:

Meeting Thomas Jefferson as portrayed by famed actor-interpretor Bill Barker)
Take part in a mobile scavenger hunt
Participate in hands-on activities at the Griffin Discovery Room
Write with a quill and explore mystery objects at the Mountaintop Activity Center
And so much more!

Be sure to give yourself plenty of time when visiting Monticello, as there are plenty of opportunities for educational fun. The average stay is about 3.5 hours.