Thomas Jefferson
Visiting Monticello: A Must-See Charlottesville Experience
Just 10 minutes from Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello is one of Charlottesville’s most iconic attractions. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s historic home, gardens, trails, and exhibits while discovering the innovation and history that shaped America. The below offers insight on a number of tours and exhibits at Monticello. For a complete listing of tours and exhibits, to purchase tickets, and view hours, visit www.Monticello.org.
Popular Monticello Tours
The Highlights Tour is approximately 45 minutes and explores Thomas Jefferson’s life, the iconic architecture of the house, and the history of slavery at Monticello. Guests visit key first-floor rooms and several outdoor spaces. Offered regularly throughout the year.
History enthusiasts often choose the 90-minute Behind the Scenes Tour, which provides access to areas not included on standard tours, including Jefferson’s private quarters on the second and third floors. Visitors gain deeper insight into Jefferson’s personal life, architectural innovations, and daily routines. This tour is offered throughout the year.
The From Slavery to Freedom Tour is a powerful 2.5-hour small-group tour that focuses on the lives, experiences and enduring legacy of the enslaved community at Monticello, Through stories, locations and historical interpretation, visitors gain a broader understanding of plantation life and American history. This tour is available during the operating season.
The Founding Friends, Founding Foes Tour is a one-hour guided experience and examines the fascinating relationship between Thomas Jefferson and John Adams, tracing their journey from the revolutionary allies to political rivals and eventually friends. Offered on select dates throughout the season.
Special 2026 Experience: Jefferson Remembers the Declaration: Created for America’s 250th anniversary celebration, this special theatrical program features historical interpreter Bill Barker portraying Thomas Jefferson inside the house. Visitors experience the story of the Declaration of Independence from Jefferson’s perspective. Available during the 2026 commemorative season.
If you prefer to explore at your own pace, Monticello offers self-guided options that showcase the estate’s beautiful grounds, exhibits, and gardens.
The Saunders-Monticello Trail can be accessed at the visitor center and provides a scenic four-mile roundtrip walk through forests, wetlands, and mountain landscapes. The accessible trail offers stunning Blue Ridge Mountain views and serves as a beautiful approach to Jefferson’s historic home.
Garden enthusiasts will find plenty to admire at the Monticello Gardens. Jefferson’s restored vegetable gardens feature heirloom vegetables, herbs, fruits, flowers, and plants collected from around the world.
The museum and historic mountaintop feature several engaging exhibits, such as:
1776: Road to the Declaration immerses visitors in the turbulent year that led to American independence. Through rare artifacts, original documents, archaeological discoveries, and a surviving 1823 Stone copy of the Declaration of Independence, guests gain a deeper understanding of the people, events, and ideas that shaped the nation. Availability: Open now as part of the America 250th Commemoration and is expected to remain a featured exhibit through the 250th anniversary period. Cost: Included with Admission
The orientation exhibit Many Threads – One Story Orientation Timeline introduces visitors to Monticello’s layered history, connecting the lives of Thomas Jefferson, his family, the enslaved community, and generations who followed. It serves as an excellent starting point before touring the house and grounds. Availability: Ongoing exhibit. Cost: Included with admission
Thomas Jefferson’s World Film is a visually rich introductory film that provides an overview of Jefferson’s life as an architect, inventor, statesman, farmer, and founder. The short presentation helps visitors better understand the significance of Monticello before exploring the estate. Cost: Included with admission. Availability: Ongoing daily presentation.
Located beneath Jefferson’s home, these exhibits reveal the extensive network of workspaces that supported daily life at Monticello. Visitors learn about the enslaved artisans, cooks, servants, and laborers whose work sustained the plantation and household.
The Life of Sally Hemings exhibit explores the life and legacy of Sally Hemings through historical records and the recollections of her son, Madison Hemings. It provides important insight into one of the most significant and discussed stories associated with Monticello. Cost: Included with admission. Availability: Permanent exhibit.
Since 1993, the Getting Word: African American Descendant Stories project has documented oral histories from descendants of Monticello’s enslaved families. The exhibit highlights personal stories, family connections, and the enduring legacy of those who lived and worked on the plantation. Cost: Included with admission.
Availability: Ongoing exhibit.
Often considered one of the most impactful experiences at Monticello, Mulberry Row was the center of plantation life and industry. Reconstructed buildings and interpretive exhibits help visitors understand the daily lives, skilled trades, and contributions of the enslaved community. Cost: Included with admission. Availability: Permanent outdoor exhibit.
The Burial Ground for Enslaved People honors more than 400 enslaved African Americans who lived and labored at Monticello during Jefferson’s lifetime. The site encourages reflection on their lives, resilience, and contributions. Cost: Included with admission. Availability: Permanent memorial site.
As you can see, many of the current museum exhibits and outdoor exhibits are included with regular Monticello Admission.
Think you might get hungry? Located in the Visitor Center, the Monticello Café serves made-to-order sandwiches, fresh salads, grab-and-go options, desserts, seasonal specialties, and beverages.
The Shop at Monticello is worth a visit on its own. Guests will find Jefferson-related books, unique Virginia-made products, home décor, educational toys, garden seeds harvested from Monticello gardens, gourmet foods, collectibles, souvenirs, and exclusive Monticello gifts.
As America commemorates its 250th anniversary, visitors can participate in the Virginia 250 Passport program. Travelers collect stamps at participating historic sites across Virginia, including Monticello. Passport holders with at least one stamp receive a discount on eligible admission tickets while exploring Virginia’s remarkable history.
Discounts & Savings: Before purchasing tickets, be sure to check available discounts for Active-duty military personnel and Veterans.
In closing, Monticello is rich in history and Arcady Vineyard Bed & Breakfast is just 10 minutes from Monticello, making it easy to experience one of Virginia’s most treasured landmarks while enjoying the comfort, hospitality, and vineyard views that make Charlottesville such a memorable getaway. Book your stay at Arcady Vineyard today!
Fantastic information to have consolidated here in one place! We’re ready to come back . . .
Thank you, and we’d love to have you back!