Inauguration alternative: Presidential road trip

January 12, 8:33 PMDC Budget Travel ExaminerKatie Howell

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Thomas Jefferson's home, Monticello, in Charlottesville. (Photo: Virginia Tourism Corporation)

If the thought of the looming crowds and transportation nightmares sure to disrupt the District on Inauguration Day have you less than ecstatic about spending next Tuesday on the Mall with 4 million – er, 2 million – of your nearest and dearest countrymen, why not consider a long-weekend getaway with an equally presidential feel. Eight U.S. presidents hail from Virginia, and in just a couple of days, you can soak up all the commander in chief glory of their hometowns without having to wait in mile-long lines for the Port-a-Potty.

1. Mount Vernon: Start out heading south just a few miles to Mount Vernon, George Washington’s riverside estate on the bluffs of the Potomac. Explore the main house, numerous outbuildings, grounds, gardens and the first president’s burial place. Admission is steep at $15 for adults, but you can easily spend a day exploring there.
2. Colonial Beach: Head south along the Potomac River to Washington’s birthplace at Colonial Beach. Young George spent the first 3 1/2 years of his life on his father’s tobacco farm here before moving to Mount Vernon. The original house burned in the 18th century, but a Memorial House was built near the site in 1930 and today, the National Park Service operates a working colonial farm with costumed interpreters. Admission is $4 for adults.
3. Charles City: Next, venture further south to Charles City, home to both William Henry Harrison and his successor, John Tyler. Sherwood Forest, Tyler’s home, is the first stop. Take the self-guided tour of the grounds of the working plantation that was once home to the first president to take office via succession -- but perhaps best known for annexing the great state of Texas. Tours of the house are available by appointment only.
4. Charles City: Next, drive just a few miles away to Berkeley Plantation, home of Tyler’s predecessor, Harrison. Explore the grounds and stately plantation home that once entertained all of the first 10 presidents as well as the 23rd (Benjamin Harrison, William Henry’s grandson). Abraham Lincoln (16th prez) stopped here to review Union troops during the Civil War, and the famous U.S. military piece, “Taps,” was composed here. Admission for adults is $11.
5. Richmond: Roll just a few miles west to Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, the final resting place for James Madison, James Monroe and John Tyler as well as Confederate President Jefferson Davis.
6. Staunton: Woodrow Wilson, the only 20th-century president to hail from the Old Dominion State, was born in Staunton. There, visit his home, Manse, and presidential library. Wilson’s Pierce-Arrow limousine is also on display. Admission is $12 for adults.
7. Charlottesville: Now, start your return trip, stopping first in Charlottesville to visit the impressive homes of James Monroe and Thomas Jefferson. Ash Lawn-Highland, which Monroe moved to in 1799, remains a working farm. Visitors can tour the home, grounds and slave quarters. Admission for adults is $10.
8. Charlottesville: Monticello, Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece and home, is located adjacent to Ash Lawn-Highland. Visit the home and grounds that the third president and author of the Declaration of Independence designed and tweaked over nearly 40 years. Admission is high at $15, but like Mount Vernon, you can spend a large amount of time here.
9. Montpelier Station: On your drive from Jefferson’s Monticello to James Madison’s Montpelier, you’ll pass through Barboursville, birthplace of 12th president, Zachary Taylor. Upon reaching Madison’s lifelong home, Montpelier, you’ll find the recently restored (September 2008) estate that includes farmland, race courses, a formal garden, a National Landmark Forest and active archaeological sites. Admission for adults is $14.

Click here for a map and driving directions from Washington to all the presidential sites.
 

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