Hi, All!

I'm hoping to get some good advice on my dilemma.

I will have just one day (not even an added night), would it even be worthwhile to drive from DC to either Monticello or Williamsburg? If so, which one?

In the past on numerous trips back to DC, the opportunity of getting out of town that far never presented itself and now there's a narrow window to squeeze in at least one of these historical sites.

Which one? Which one? Such a hard choice! If it were you, which one would you choose?

I don't think I would go to either as just a day trip. Have you been to Mount Vernon? Whichever is closer if I had too, though.

I'd choose Charlottesville (Monticello) because it means I could avoid driving on I-95. I also think Monticello and C-ville are a one-day trip whereas some people might prefer a second day in Williamsburg (to go on to Jamestown or Yorktown, for example).

vjpb: yes, I've been to Mount Vernon, which is why, this trip, a more distant destination seemed possible.

schlegal1: I'll be driving on a weekend. Will this make a difference?

I was afraid that Monticello would be a bit of a repeat of Mt Vernon, but that Williamsburg would present more of the "little guy/town life" rather than estate life.

Hi et--coming back to DC, nice. Traffic to either could be brutal even on weekends. When r u coming? Locals tend to head out in the direction u go to Charlottesville and can make for some heavy traffic leaving and returning to DC on Rte 66. This is esp true during the Fall leaf peeping season.

Going to Williamsburg u go down Rte 95 which can get pretty bad also. I'll be heading that way on Saturday and hoping not to hit horrible traffic. there are some alternative routes to avoid Rte 95, but longer, less traffic and more scenic than 95.

So if u don't mind the possiblity of getting stuck in traffic some it's certainly doable, but a long day for either place. On a good day Charlottesville is 2+ hours. Williamsburg always takes a bit longer I think. In either case you'd be spending a good 5 hours or more traveling back and forth.

Interesting observation about Mt Vernon and Monticello, there is some similarity as u described. I prefer Charlottesville by a mile over Williamsburg, so if you're gong to leave the city that's what I'd vote for even with the repetition.

Have u visited Annapolis? TDudette is from there and I bet would have some good suggestions of things to see in that area.

I think I would spend the time at Monticello over Williamsburg. I will be honest and say I did not enjoy Williamsburg that much.... It seemed like an Amusement Park or something,,,( I know I will get slammed for that)... I will never go back whereas I would go back in a heart beat to Monticello - great scenery too!

I think Annapolis is a good choice as well. There are sailing tours out of there too for an hour or so which would also be nice.

Hi easytraveler, I think yestravel summed up the traffic situation pretty well. Although I tend to think 66 to 29 is a bit easier to drive than I-95 any day of the week, that may just be my personal preference --I also think it is a prettier and more relaxing road trip.

No slam, here, annesherrod, I feel the same way about Williamsburg (and think it is overpriced).

I have been to Monticello multiple times and haven't been bored yet.

There's also a neaby winery (click Jefferson in the link): http://www.monticellowinetrail.com/
and apple picking http://www.cartermountainorchard.com/

I'm amazed... 3 of us who don't like Williamsburg! it reminds me of a Colonial Disneyland. I think it's great for school kids to learn about the colonial period though.

schlegal1, I also agree with u on 66 to 29 being way nicer than 95. Once u get out on 29, it's really pretty. Although last Fall we got stuck just trying to get from DC to 66...unreal traffic on a beautiful Saturday.

I like Williamsburg, but I think Monticello is better for a day trip. In one day, you'll have time to tour Monticello and see a bit of Charlottesville, too, if you like. You really need several days to do justice to the Williamsburg area--CW, Jamestown and Yorktown.
If you like German food, be sure to eat at The Bavarian Chef located about 20 miles north of Charlottesville on Rt. 29. The food is EXCELLENT. (You might need a reservation for a Saturday night.)

I live in Williamsburg and like it just fine but I would agree that Monticello makes a better day trip from DC. Monticello is quite doable in a day. The overall experience is more like Mt Vernon than Wmbg is but it's a beautiful and fascinating place to see in its own right.

I don't think you mentioned when you are visiting, but if it's a Saturday in the fall, I'd check UVA's schedule to make sure you're missing homecoming weekend or a big home football game which might impact your visit to Charlottesville (not Monicello though).

Also, pass on either place if big rain is forecast.

Rain? We Californians hardly ever think of rain when planning a trip!

Thanks all for your valuable input! I'm still mulling over the entire situation. 3 against and 2 for Williamsburg. However, it does sound like it will take more days to truly appreciate everything Williamsburg has to offer.

yestravel: glad to see you responding! As for when I'm coming, it looks like the middle of October. This trip started out as a family affairs trip to New York to which was added a hiking trip to New England to which was added the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia to which was added an opera in DC. and now, to which will be added either Monticello/Williamsburg. This trip is ever morphing.

Have you considered Harpers Ferry, WV?

It's only about 65-70 miles from Washington, and 2009 marks the 150th anniversary of John Brown's famous raid on the arsenal there. That makes this year a particularly good year to visit, as there are a number of commemorative events and exhibits.

Check out the NPS website at http://www.nps.gov/hafe/index.htm for more details on visiting Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Looking at it makes me want to take a road trip!

easytraveler -

I was writing my post when you posted.

The big commemorative weekend is October 16-18.

http://www.johnbrownraid.org/Draft%2...ts%2016-18.pdf

Don't know if that makes it more interesting (due to all the activities) or less interesting (due to the crowds)!

oops, sorry , didn't mean to insult anyone who lives in Williamsburg -- I sure it offers a lot that is not obvious when just visiting for a day.

et -- First of all that water that falls from the sky is rain -- I realize a foreign entity to CA'ers, but a fact of life here in the dreary East Coat! My son who lives in Southern CA doesn't go out if it rains...
Sounds like quite the trip! We were in NE in August and I was so wanting to go back up in the Fall. So you'll be here at the peak of leaf peeping season making traffic out Rte 66 to Charlottesville heavier and possibly Rte 95 too. U know if u travelled at odd hours u might miss the traffic. If u are an early bird and u left early am, I bet u would miss the worst of the traffic. We never take off until mid/late am and I gather based on the traffic so do hordes of others.

I agree u should check the UVA football schedule to avoid being there pre or post football game.

Happy to help with any other local issues.

I love them both, but I vote MONTICELLO! Walk to the house along the route that includes the cemetary and then ride the little bus back down. The house is fascinating and the grounds are lovely.

easytraveler, you've received good advice. I only want to add that you will love the Barnes. I'm trying to plan a return trip myself before it moves to the new site.

Here's another vote for Monticello for a one-day trip. The house and grounds are amazing, and you may come away with a new respect for the genius of Thomas Jefferson. I think you may be able to buy seeds there descended from his garden (I know you're a gardener). I visited Monticello for the first time in fourth grade, back in the dark ages.

As others have advised, check the UVA football schedule, and keep your fingers crossed that they have an "away" game, so you can avoid the hordes of football fans.

Cranachin: Thanks so much for that suggestion of Harper's Ferry and that link! It looks very doable, especially the Friday night events (6-9 pm). Imagine marching on Harper's Ferry by moonlight! Why, we could start another Civil War!

yestravel:"First of all that water that falls from the sky is rain"

Thank you for that wonderfully elegant explanation! Now that you mention it, I've encountered that water from the sky phenomenon a couple of times in my life.

On that UVA game schedule, is "Maryland" an "away" game?

Birdie: your posts, among others, were my inspiration to go to the Barnes Foundation. It's pretty much set in stone now, I've already gotten a ticket and a parking spot. Very excited about seeing the collection. Even my BIL, who seems to have been to every museum on the East Coast, hasn't been to the Barnes Foundation yet. It'll be quite a coup for me to beat him to the punch.

Question: do they limit the amount of time you spend in there? They seem to strictly limit the number of people who can enter at any one time. So, is this like Neuenschwanstein, where we get herded from room to room?

crazy4Hawaii and Betsy (Hi!) - thanks for weighing in and helping me with my decision. It looks like Monticello wins this round.

Earlier this year I had finished Ellis's "Thomas Jefferson, American Sphinx", an excellent biography! Will drag it out and take it with me to Monticello.

This now looks like a jam-packed weekend:
Friday - Harper's Ferry
Saturday - Barnes in the morning, then opera at night in DC
Sunday - Monticello

As an early riser, I'll try to slip out of town before the sun rises.

Thank you all so very much for all your help and your tips! I couldn't have done this planning without you! Thanks again!

yestravel: any chance of a cup of coffee together the Monday or Tuesday after this event-filled weekend? I've bookmarked maitaitom's TR and he's inspired me to visit some museums in DC.

et -- you're not kidding about a jam packed visit. Was thinking that myself about trying to get together with you. Anyway we can communicate offline? Do u do Trip Advisor where we could get in touch thru their PM?

U really should see some musuems while in DC--there are so many great ones. We just went to the Newseum for the first time and loved it. I'm a news junkie so maybe that is why, but beautiful bldg with great views and very interesting.

I just looked and the UMD/UVA footballgame is at College Park, so u lucked out with that

yestravel: great minds work in the same direction!

I have a "junk" email address:
[email protected]

If you email me there, then I'll look for your email, otherwise, I try not to wade through all the junk email from hotels, car rental companies, et al. Please indicate in some way on the title that it's you!

The Newseum was tops on my list of new museums to visit.

Thanks for the info on the football game. My lucky star holds! See you offline!