Spend the Afternoon with Thomas Jefferson

Maybe during spring break, your family is looking for a day trip that is entertaining and educational. Why not consider visiting the home of Thomas Jefferson in Charlottesville, Virginia. Thomas Jefferson was the third president of the United States. His estate, Monticello, is the image recognized on the back of the American nickel. If you are planning to visit Monticello, be prepared to have good walking shoes and a light jacket, as much of the tour will be outside on the beautiful grounds of the estate.


To begin your visit, stop at the visitor's center and pay a nominal charge for the one hour tour. Visitor guides will suggest walking tours along the grounds and gardens. Take the shuttle bus to the estate entrance. The house tour will take your back in time to the early history of our country, as you witness the well decorated home. Jefferson's library and bed chamber are two rooms of particular interest to guests. From the outside, you will notice the domed shaped buildings that were designed by Thomas Jefferson. Plan to take Mulberry Row and enjoy a stroll to Jefferson's grave. Then you can return to the visitor's center and see the film about the history of this amazing estate. Also, take the children into the Griffin Discovery Room where hands-on exhibits are available for them to explore the inventions by Thomas Jefferson.

Choosing a day trip to a historical place will give your child lasting memories of lessons learned in school. Talk to your child about places studied in school and plan to make "history tours" a part of your child's spring break.