Jan 7 (Misty Mountain RV Resort): Our plan was to go to Monticello. However, with 3 inches of snow on the ground, this part of Virginia ground to a halt. I was impressed at how well the windy road up to Monticello was cleared, but the site itself was closed.
We had lunch at historic Michie Tavern, which is very atmospheric with hewn log walls and cozy fireplaces. However, the museum parts of the Tavern were also closed.
We took another trip into Charlottesville – it was very cold and windy. The walking mall downtown is nice and we went into a few stores when we needed to warm up.
We also visited the historic central quad of UVA, designed by Thomas Jefferson.
However, Charlottesville does not have many inside attractions on a bitterly cold (low teens) winter afternoon.
What the area has in abundance are wineries and cideries. Taking advantage of this, we went to Albermarle Cidery for a tasting and a cozy time by their fireside.
Jan. 8:
We went on a tour of Monticello. It was quite fascinating to learn about Thomas Jefferson and his many talents, which included engineering and horticulture, as well as political science. It would be interesting to understand why he did not free his slaves, not even his mistress and his children, when he had the opportunity. Ruined financially by the 1820 depression, I suppose he felt he could not release his human assets later in life.
The view from Monticello is stunning in every direction.
After that it was time to head off to Richmond.
We had a brief stop at the impressive Jefferson hotel, with its stained glass ceilings.
Then it was off to the airport to send Elisabeth back to Boston.