Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Virginia

It takes about 3 hours to drive from Alexandria, Virginia to Monticello in Charlottesville, Virginia. This November, my daughter and I went to the Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. What an amazing location to walk and relax and soak in the views. It feels like I have stepped back in time. Truly, I am thankful for this time with my daughter and my family. Most of all it’s a wonderful time to think of all the blessings we all have.

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello

The gardens were my favorite part of the tour. The plants are the same as when Jefferson lived here and the simple, traditional American colonial crops are still some of our favorites today.

The entrance to Monticello

Cost

Tickets cost about $25.00 for adults to enter the buildings and photos inside aren’t allowed. The gardens and grounds are part of the day pass. The Monticello gates open from 8:30 am to 6 pm.

Address

931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
Charlottesville, VA 22902

• Monticello on Google Maps

Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello – The Cooks Room

Since we are heading towards the Thanksgiving holiday, I thought it would be fun to look at an early American cook’s kitchen. One of the most interesting parts of Monticello to me is the slave living quarters and especially the kitchen and the burial site. These locations represent a sub-culture and the underbelly of Monticello. These places, unseen from Jefferson’s main home, made the historic home what it was during Jefferson’s time. These quarters illustrate the inequality of the time and why all men and women deserve to live equally. His slaves were important to him and his success. So, it is strange to me that the slave quarters are hidden yet in plain sight.

The most interesting room to me

The Monticello Garden

Fava Beans

Since our 3rd president is known for his writings, thoughtful reasoning and desire for social justice, I wanted to show my photo with his statue. He is the founder of liberty – liberty for all. Even as a slave owner, he said there is a need for justice for all people regardless of religion, beliefs, creed or race. As Americans, I hope we reach this lofty goal and represent liberty and Jefferson’s view as we are ambassadors when we travel.