However, on a positive note - bad weather and inability to spend time at plantations allowed us for reach Charlottesville early enough to visit Monticello – house of Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence and the third President of the United States:
http://www.monticello.org/
As public official, historian, philosopher, and plantation owner, Thomas Jefferson served his country for over five decades. Monticello was the primary plantation of Thomas Jefferson that he inherited from his father. The house was designed by Thomas Jefferson himself and was based on the neoclassical principles and many of Jefferson’s own ideas. He reworked the house through much of his presidency to include design elements popular in late eighteenth-century Europe. Monticello is also famous for the dome and west-facing, columned portico shown on the nickel.
During Jefferson’s presidency purchasing of the vast Louisiana Territory from France (1803) occurred, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804–1806) were sent to explore the new west.
Thomas Jefferson was somewhat controversial figure. While authoring the famous phrase that “all man are created equal”
Jefferson owned hundreds of slaves as it was customary in his days. Also, when he said ‘man’, he really meant it since in those days woman were not considered equal to man. And yet he was one of the most progressive and educated people of his time.
Unfortunately, no indoor photography was allowed in the main house so I have only photos of Monticello grounds and some support areas.
After visiting Monticello we had dinner at Savour in Charlottesville and what a great experience this was! I would say this was the best restaurant on our entire trip. We had Tuna Tartar in Wasabi Sauce and Beef Baguettini (shredded beef baked in baguette with jus and horseradish sauce) for appetizers. Both appetizers were perfect and I am definitely planning to recreate them at home. For entrée Alex had Scallops (seared, with mild curry, coconut milk, scallions and crispy wontons) and I had Duck (boneless half duck with port wine, ginger and huckleberry compote). Alex’s scallops were huge and perfectly prepared – seared and yet soft and plumb in very aromatic and creamy curry sauce. My duck was even better – crispy boneless leg meat topped with medium rare breast meat – yummy!!! We also got great bottle of wine - Nativa Terra Reserva 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon, Chile. Our overall experience was absolutely heavenly. The chef-owner Ed Nafil came to our table and not only answered all of my questions regarding the dishes but also took me to his kitchen and shared some of very helpful insides regarding his recipes.
http://savourcville.com/Savour_Restaurant/Welcome.html
After fine dinner very happy and slightly tipsy we retired to our hotel in Waynesboro (BEST WESTERN PLUS Waynesboro Inn & Suites Conference Center)
To be continued...
