Beyond The Fence
Charlottesville
In the Washington D.C. area, we are saturated with monuments and historical sites. At first glance, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home may seem like just another landmark. But just as Jefferson stood out from the founding fathers, Monticello stands out from its peers. Perhaps most recognized as being emblazoned on the back of the nickel, Monticello stands atop a peak in the Southwest Mountains, just outside of Charlottesville. To get there, you take an impatient uphill journey, following winding roads and trails covered by a canopy of trees. As you reach the top, the trees give way to luscious green grass and gardens. And on a clear day, the sun kisses Jefferson’s neoclassical home, highlighting the white dome and columns. Monticello, Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece that he designed and built (and redesigned and rebuilt) is a magnificent site. Touring the inside is like walking through Jefferson’s autobiography—the design, decor, and custom features capture Jefferson, a Renaissance man and a lifelong learner. Outside, Monticello’s grounds are picturesque throughout the year. In spring, thousands of colorful tulips enliven the landscape, and throughout summer, the historic gardens and orchards, originally planted by Jefferson, are in full bloom. As it gets cooler, the endless orange, red, and yellow of fall surround the mountaintop. But there is something surprisingly special about winter at Monticello—the frigid air is crisp and clean and you can see for miles. When you stand on the northwest side of the house and look down, you get a clear view of Charlottesville through the bare trees.
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