Orange, VA, Excursions: Enjoy Montpelier's Presidential History

By Jane Leisteiner

If you are a history buff, Virginia is a perfect destination. It is the birthplace of dozens of prominent Americans, most notably eight U.S. presidents. While many of these wonderful homes can be visited, few offer the multitude of activities that you will find at Montpelier, the home of James and Dolley Madison.

Set in the Virginia countryside, a few minutes from the historic town of Orange, Montpelier is the perfect spot to brush up on your American history. The staff at this living museum offers a full slate of unique activities throughout the year. Recently, they have teamed with several local inns and restaurants to create Montpelier Excursions. These all-inclusive packages combine gourmet dining, the romance of a country inn and the excitement of exploring the home of one of the nation's founding fathers.

There are several different excursions to enjoy. The Heart of Montpelier is ideal for those who wish to spend a long weekend soaking up some history. This three-day, two-night package includes a comprehensive tour of the mansion, as well as a visit to an archaeological dig in an area known as the "North Kitchen." The second day includes a tour of the extensive grounds and Landmark Forest of Montpelier. Each night includes a gourmet dinner at a local restaurant as well as lodging at a nearby country inn.

Other three-day, two-night excursions include the Montpelier Wine Weekend and the History Weekday or History Weekend adventures. Each of these packages includes lodging at a local inn and dining. The History Weekday and History Weekend packages also include a two-day admission pass to Montpelier, a gift bag and museum shop discount. The Montpelier Wine Weekend is a showcase of Virginia wine country and offers tastings at a half-dozen local wineries, as well as a tour of Montpelier.

If you have more time, consider the Dig in Style package. This unique adventure actually allows you to spend time at Montpelier digging for treasure. In addition to lodging and meals, the Dig in Style package includes a special 3-course dinner with Montpelier's Director of Archaeology, a tour of the mansion and grounds and several mornings where guests actually get to help assist in the extensive Montpelier archaeological digs.

There are several excellent local inns participating in the Montpelier Excursions program. The Holladay House, however, is an ideal lodging choice for those who wish to soak up even more history. Dating back to Madison's time, this historic inn shares some similar architectural features as Montpelier, including its front doors. It is located just five minutes from Montpelier right in the center of Orange's historic commercial district.

The innkeepers have decorated their inn with both history and romance in mind. Luxurious linens and fluffy robes are among the amenities, and several rooms boast a fireplace or whirlpool tub. One special room recently has been refurbished and named in honor of James Madison's great-nephew, John Madison Chapman, owner of the house and himself a prominent citizen. The room includes a fireplace with a beautiful mantel original to the home, as well as a luxurious cherry, four-poster bed. During his time as owner of the house, he also planted the rare English Oak tree that is still in the backyard. It came from a seedling from the Montpelier plantation.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Guides Complete