et - you've got mail!

yestravel: thanks! Got it!

I'm late to this well-attended party! I admit to bias as my son graduated recently from University of Virginia, but we loved going there. I like Williamsburg for the history/re-creation, but Cville is fun--the historic downtown has great restaurants, and the UVA campus, with the Jefferson-designed central grounds (the lawn; with the stunning pavilions) and Rotunda, is a must-stroll and is a great counterpart to Monticello. It just adds more depth to your visit.
You never know how good or great your Monticello guide will be inside the house, I have found. But the grounds and gardens also give you a feeling for the man; linger if you can. I can confirm what Betsy said; last year I did buy seeds from the garden.

As people have said, 66 can be trouble (at any time), but Rte 29 down to Cville is a lovely drive. Have a great trip!

>>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? <<

Yes, the tickets have a timed entry and in the house you are taken in groups from room to room. So you are aware, esp. during very busy times, that there are other groups before and after you. The busier it is, the more herded you might feel. Still worth it, IMO, to get a look inside. I think the quality of the tour guides is very high.

But you are free to visit the gardens & grounds as long as you like. During the peak season (and I think Oct applies) there is a separate plantation and garden tour included in the ticket price. The grounds and views are beautiful and that such a nice time of year to visit.

Just remember the "Three Ms"
Museums, Monuments and Martinis
((H))

good advice, maitai...

I can do only two Ms at a time...

Sometimes only one M...

Linda: Thanks for the recommendation on Charlottesville. I'll definitely stop there, probably have dinner there before the long drive back to DC.

obxgirl: Thanks for the invaluable information on the Barnes Foundation. Certainly will keep the garden tour in mind.

I'm anxious to see it now in its "natural state" before it's moved into town to join the other museums in Philadelphia. Apparently the higgety-piggety arrangement has some kind of hidden logic that can appreciated only by taking the tour.

I'm taking a break from all the trip planning (why are there so many Penn Stations on the East Coast? Gets so confusing!).

Also putting together list of things to take. Which is more important: an umbrella or a martini glass?

"Question: do they limit the amount of time you spend in there?"

I don't know whether you are referring to Monticello or the Barnes.

The last time I visited the Barnes years ago we weren't shuttled from room to room but at some point during our visit one half of the house was closed down and the other half opened up. I don't see anything on the website to suggest that they are still doing that. You could call them or post a question here. As you know, there are quite a few Fodorites who have visited more recently than I have.

Birdie: that's a great point!

I was asking about the Barnes. Just wondering how much time they allowed for going through the entire house.

Maybe obxgirl was answering about Monticello.

This is getting even more confusing! :)

DC sells umbrellas on the street everywhere, not so martini glasses...u be the judge of which will be more important.

Glad to know Harpers Ferry fit your plans - looking forward to hearing about your experience there!

>>Maybe obxgirl was answering about Monticello.<<

Yep, I was. Sorry about that, wasn't reading closely enough! Agree with Cranachin about Harper's Ferry. Sounds like a fun trip all around.

No comment on the martini glasses, but yestravel is right about buying umbrellas on the street!

With Barnes, you have an entry time (you must reserve, and should do so ahead, or at least this was true last year when I last went) but then you can stay in the house as long as you like. There is, I believe, an audioguide. We wandered at will; didn't have a tour guide. The gardens at Barnes (yes, they have gardens) are not in such good shape (no match for Monticello).

At Monticello, a guide talks to you and leads you through each room. There is time for questions. Is it herded? Well, it can get a bit tight (the rooms aren't all large) if things are crowded and busy, but not toooo bad. Yes, the guides are good; some better than others. I've been there 5 times or so and had different people. You can take optional tours of the gardens and the live of the slaves in high season, at least; those are free and are very good if you have the time (45 minutes or so?).

Great places, great trip.

For one day, MOnticello.

yestravel: We here in the hinterlands are quite familiar with certain types of umbrellas:

http://images.hayneedle.com/mgen/master:GLT014.jpg

Only we use these for shade and we're not used to carrying them around with us - kinda bulky, ya' know! ;)

Besides which, raising and lowering the umbrellas are always left up to the menfolk.

Cranachin: Thanks again! will do a TR on return.

obxgirl: No problemo! Will just transfer your comments over to the Monticello file. Thanks again!

Linda: very useful information. It's good to know that the time at Barnes will be flexible. Many thanks to you also!

Gretchen: you're making it almost unanimous for Monticello for one day! :)

Thanks to you all again for your invaluable help. My plans are coming together much faster with your help!

et -- my word .... i do believe I have seen one of those once or twice-rarely in our Nation's Capital though, usually on the West Coast. Completely agree about the menfolks role --

Hi all, I just stumbled on your conversation and want to thank you...my family is planning a trip to DC end of December and I've been wanting to make Monticello part of our trip. Your advice is just the kind of info I've been searching for. Thanks again!

Monticello, in my opinon.

While in Washington DC, take a day to visit Mt. Vernon - well worth it.

I know this reply isn't needed but I had to add my $.02 ... like obxgirl, I live in Williamsburg. I went to UVA and go to Charlottesville often on business and would choose it in an instant for a 1-day trip. Monticello is amazing and the downtown mall, as someone else stated, is a great place to meander and get some really fun food. Christian's Pizza is fab, Hamilton's wonderful, a Mexican place whose name I am blanking on ... on and on it's hard to go wrong. Have a fabulous trip!