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Monticello Review

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Monticello

Address: Rte. 53, Charlottesville, VA, 22902 | Map It
Phone: 434/984-9822
www.monticello.org

Category: Houses/Mansions
Location: Charlottesville

Write a review | Avg. member rating: 4.8/5

Fodor's Review:

Monticello, long featured on the back of the U.S. nickel, is well worth the admission and the almost inevitable wait. Arrive early, ideally on a weekday, and allow at least three hours to explore the nuances of Jefferson's life as exemplified by the architecture, inventions, and layout throughout his grand, hilltop estate. Monticello (which means "little mountain") is the most famous of Jefferson's homes, constructed from 1769 to 1809. Note the narrow staircases—hidden because he considered them unsightly and a waste of space—and his inventions, such as a seven-day clock and a two-pen contraption that allowed him to make a copy of his correspondence as he wrote it without having to show it to a copyist. On-site are re-created gardens, the plantation street where his slaves lived, and a gift shop.

Cost: $15
Open: Mar.-Oct., daily 8-5; Nov.-Feb., daily 9-4:30

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Member Reviews and Ratings

Reviewed by ConnieT from Sugarcreek, Ohio on 7/9/09
My husband and I planned a stop at Monticello on our honeymoon (a driving tour of Virginia). We'd spent a lovely night in a B&B near there the evening prior. Unfortunately, my stomach had other ideas the next morning. After purchasing the steep ticket price and waiting in line a little, I ended up seeing two rooms before dashing outside and becoming sick. The staff was wonderful and gracious during this horrifying experience of mine (at such a historic site! I was so embarrassed), and after considerable time in the restroom, we decided to move on to the next stop so I could sleep in the car. The next year, with my in-laws, we decided to make the trip again (and pay another round of steep tickets with more waiting in line). This time it was wonderful and so worth the wait. My favorite part was the inventions inside and the plantation section. Everything is well-maintained and beautiful, and staff is knowledgeable and friendly. There's a lot to see for your $15. After having seen every inch of the place including the restrooms, I recommend it to everyone I can.