On August 17, 2006 we left Long Island for Charlottesville. We had planned to visit the home of our 3rd president Thomas Jefferson for some time and decide that now would be the best time to do it. After some rough driving on the New Jersey Turnpike, Interstate 66, and US 29, we finished the 400 mile trip in about 8 hours. On the first night we simply ate dinner nearby and rested. We headed on to Monticello the next day. As the name implies, it sits on top of a small mountain. The mansion itself is an architechtural gem, and while not huge, has more character than all of the McMansions put together. We saw all of the rooms on the first floor, and we were really impressed by the foyer, library (Jefferson loved books), the study with the telescope and copying machine, the parlor with the musical instruments, games, and portraits, and the dining area with the dumb waiter to bring wine from the cellar. Outside and built into the hills where the service areas were located: stables, ice house, kitchens, wine celar, beer room, and outhouses. Along the south terrace is Mulberry Row, where the slaves lived and where the crafts shps - weavers, nailers, blacksmiths, joiners and others - were located. Walking down the hill brings you to the cemetery where Jefferson, his family, and descendants are buried.
Since the time of Jefferson there has been wine making. We stopped at the Jefferson Winery near Monticello to sample the wines made there and buy two bottles of claret. The land for this winery was owned by Jefferson himself in the 18th century.
Another president who lieved nearby ws our 5th president, James Monroe. His estate is called Ash Lawn, located a few miles from Monticello. While not as impresive as Monticello, Ash Lawn was a comfortable 19th century residence. Like at Monticello, there were portraits and games rooms inside, and outside were the support buildings and rooms.
Thomas Jefferson's final achievement was the founding of the University of Virginia in 1819. It is located on the western edge of Charlottesville. I have known several alumni in my life, and was impressed by their knowledge of law and other disciplines. The most impressive building on the campus is the Rotunda, located off University and Madison Avenues. It looks remarkably like Monticello, because Jefferson designed the two of them. The Rotunda serves as a side of the Quadrangle, of which two other sides are comprised of dormitory rooms. One of their residents was Edgar Allen Poe.
The University's teams are officially called the Cavaliers, but the unofficial name is the Wahoos or 'Hoos. Be careful how you pronounce it, since it can come out as "Hoes" and most women would be quite insulted. The Cavaliers play football, baseball, and basketball in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and also field teams in sports like softball and lacrosse.
Since Charlottesville is the home of a major university, it has become another Silicon Valley, as well as a research center. The school also means a large supply of decent restaurants and activities on weekends and holidays. |
