Bill_I

We are going to be in Williamsburg, VA this June. Is Monticello near enough to Williamsburg to be able to drive there by car, visit the grounds & buildings, & drive back to Williamsburg, in the same day? I have heard that they are having some exhibits on Lewis & Clark this year, at Monticello. Has anybody been to see that? How is it?

ronkala

Bill, Freetrip.com shows Monticello as a 118 miles, 2 hour trip. Certainly doable and well worth it. Give it a shot, you won't regret it.

obxgirl

Monticello is a very doable day trip from Williamsburg tho it is a long day. It will take you about 2 hours and 15 minutes if you drive non stop and don't encounter any traffic burps in the Richmond metro area. Monticello opens quite early in the summer (8 am I think) and I recommend you leave as early in the morning as you're comfortably able. You might hit some rush hour traffic in Richmond but you want to get to Monticello before the lines really get long. After you purchase a ticket, you'll be bussed up the hill to the house and taken through the house by guides. After that you're free to tour the gardens, outbuildings, shops, etc. at your own pace.

Earlier this month I saw a travelling exhibition of the Literature of Lewis and Clark which was fabulous. It unfortunately closes sometime this spring, moving on to Philadelphia I think. But since 2003 is the L&C Bicentennial there's quite a number of special projects going. Check the website.

Dining options are really slim. During the summer there's a canteen type place with hot dogs and such. Bring a picnic lunch (Cheese Shop sandwiches from Wmb are always good!) or head into Charlottesville where you'll find plenty of options. Do not under any circumstances be tempted to eat at the Mitchie Tavern which is half way up the mountain on the way to Monticello. It's godawful and overpriced.

If you're not totally fried on the drive back, hop over to Route 5 once you are east of Richmond. It'll take you a little longer (15 minutes or so) to get back to Williamsburg but the drive is very pretty (farms, countryside, river views) The James River Plantations are worth a visit too. On another day of course!

Betsy

OBX is right on! All of a sudden I was transported back to the summer I spent at William and Mary. The cheese shop was there way back then too.

Monticello is one of my favorite spots. A beautiful house, beautifully preserved and presented. Don't miss it. And do take Rte. 5 on your return.

ronkala

I agree with Obx and Betty in regard to route 5 , it really is a winner.

Bill_I

Thanks very much for the info. It is greatly appreciated, & I will use it. I, along with my wife & 2 sons, have been to Mount Vernon a few times, & although not on the same scale, we have been to Lincoln's home in Springfield, IL & to Grant's in Galena,IL, & are looking forward to seeing Monticello. I will also check out the website.