James Madison's Montpelier

Was thinking of visiting in June for a few hours on our way to New York, but it would be a little out of our way. Has anyone taken a tour of the home? Is it worth stopping for? Do you get to see all the rooms on both floors?

I love touring historic mansions (most on route 5 in VA, all in Charleston, SC, etc.) but have been dissapointed by a few.

James Madison's Montpelier

I was at Montpelier about 18 months ago in early spring. I had never been before, and had just gone there on a whim. (Staying in Orange-had some time to kill.)

When we arrived, (myself and two sons)we discovered the house was still under renovations, so we decided not go to in. I said to the boys that we should save our money and come back when it is done.

One of the tour guides took the time to tell the boys all about the house and the renovations (undoing what the DuPonts did to it!) and a lot of the history.

We very much enjoyed the grounds. We walked down to the old family farm site where they have done archaeological studies. There are horses there and amazing gardens.

Next time we are in Orange, we will go back now that the renovations are complete.

I would go on their website for an update on what is open in the house and what you get to see in the tour.

ANOTHER neat house that gets missed, and don%26#39;t know if this would be on your route is Woodlawn Plantation near Mount Vernon in Alexandria. As an added bonus when visiting that property is the Pope Leahy house is there which is a Frank Lloyd Wright property.

James Madison's Montpelier

We were there just last week. The architectural rennovations to the home are complete and you can take a guided tour of the whole house.

That said, there is no furniture in the house except for a couple of benches to rest on in a couple of the larger rooms and a single bookshelf in the library.

We were staying nearby and absolutely found the visit to be worth it. The ';interpreter'; (guide) gave a very good tour and gave lots of background on the Madisons and the history of the home.

If you are interested in a tour of a furnished historic home, you%26#39;ll need to wait until they get it furnished.

We visited it when the renovation was just beginning, so I%26#39;d love to go back now. It was amazing, some of the details that were discovered, and just realizing the history in that home.

Thanks for all the input. I think we%26#39;ll go. It would be nice if it were furnished, but I like to tour the homes and learn the history of them as well as the families that have lived there.

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