D.C. to Monticello

Hi there, I am planning a trip with my husband to Washington D.C. April 2-6th and he really wants to visit Monticello (he did an American studies degree at Uni) I thought it was possible to do Monticello in one day if we got an early start (the best day to do this would be Thursday). Being from L.A. I can deal with a hour drive. We will be staying in Springfield with some of my family so will have a car and a bit of a head start in that direction. Is this possible? I could really use some suggestions regarding directions and places to eat/see on the road. Thanks!

D.C. to Monticello

I%26#39;ll get you started and some of the more knowledgable Charlottesville area people can give you more details. The quickest route is I95S to I64W which takes about 2 hours. You should have no problem seeing Monticello, nice lunch (maybe Michie Tavern), including drive time to %26amp; from in one day. If you happen to enjoy a nice walk/hike, I just walked the Saunders-Monticello trail (leads to Monticello Visitors area where you board a shuttle for the tour), it%26#39;s 2 mi and quite beautiful, www.monticello.org/parkway/trail.html

Consider driving a portion of Skyline Drive if you have the time, it%26#39;s one of the most scentic roads in the USA; it would probably add 2 hours to your trip. For example, from Springfield go to Front Royal to the beginning of Skyline Dr and take it to Elkton and get off on rt33, then take rt29S to Charlottesville. Then of course, take the quicker route of I64 %26amp; I95 back to DC.

Enjoy your trip.

D.C. to Monticello

Good suggestions in the above post. I%26#39;m originally from this area and I usually take 66 West and then 29 South which also takes about 2 hours from the DC area, although from Springfield 95 might be a little faster. I will say though that 29 is the scenic route and will give you a taste of VA if you prefer that. It will take you through Madison Country and into the Charlottesville area. I suggest going to downtown Charlottesville after your time at Monticello. The downtown mall is a nice pedestrianised street in the old town with lots of shops and restaurants. And there are a good number of winerys around the Charlottesville area as well. Go in for a wine tasting.

Thanks Guys,

We decided to do a side trip from D.C. and head down to Williamsburg/Jamestown and Monticello for two nights. This way we can stop by some of the plantations from Williamsburg to Monticello. I know there are a lot of suggestions on the board but since you guys gave pretty specific suggestions maybe you know which plantations/historical houses are best to visit. Also, some yummy food to have en route.

Cleancty, For questions specific to Williamsburg (including Jamestown, Yorktown), post in the W%26#39;burg forum and the destination expert, Zoey, will give you great advice. Enjoy your trip.

Go with the 66/29 route into/out of Charlottesville to D.C. if you make that leg. MUCH nicer to look at than 95 to 64. It really won%26#39;t take you much longer, and with 95s reputation for traffic-you may just find it faster.