Road Scholar : Home
Three Friends: Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, James Monroe

Program Number: 9113RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/3/2012 - 6/6/2012; 6/2/2013 - 6/5/2013; 6/30/2013 - 7/3/2013; 8/25/2013 - 8/28/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/25/2013; 10/20/2013 - 10/23/2013; 10/27/2013 - 10/30/2013; 11/17/2013 - 11/20/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Price starting at: $499.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture
Meals: 8; 3 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian; Gluten Free    

Explore the friendship among three U.S. presidents — Jefferson, Madison, Monroe — as you journey back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, the time when these great men lived, worked, laughed and loved. Learn about their personal stories and the historic events that drew them together, explore their views on contemporary issues such as religion, government and slavery, and delve into the lasting contributions each made to our nation.




Highlights

• Visit the historic homes of these American patriarchs — Jefferson's Monticello, Monroe's Ash Lawn-Highland and Madison's Montpelier.
• Investigate the connection between Jefferson's educational vision and design of his university while strolling the grounds with an expert.
• Enjoy an evening of music from the period in which these men lived, and meet one of them in an interactive living-history presentation.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles per day; some uneven terrain and stairs.



An extended five-night version of this program is also available: #2007-Friends, Neighbors, Presidents: The World of Jefferson, Madison and Monroe. For details, see www.roadscholar.org/2007.




Date Specific Information

10-20-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by the College of William and Mary.




Charlottesville

A modern-day college town with a historic legacy, Charlottesville claims President Thomas Jefferson among its famous native sons. Monticello, Jefferson’s unique home, is one of many historic buildings in and around this vibrant community.
Accommodations
Modern hotel near restored downtown pedestrian center, indoor pool and fitness center.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Elizabeth Taylor
During her 22-year career in museum education and historical research, Beth Taylor served as the director of interpretation at Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and director of education at James Madison's Montpelier. She is now a Fellow at the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities. Beth's first book, "A Slave in the White House: Paul Jennings and the Madisons," was a New York Times bestseller and a National Book Award nominee. Beth holds a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley.
 
Jim Wootton
Jim Wootton served as curator and assistant director of Ash Lawn-Highland, home of President James Monroe, where he collaborated with the museum staff in research, planning, and interpretation for more than 20 years. In 2000, Jim became executive director of the Capitol Square Preservation Council, which reviews projects that affect the State Capitol and the historic buildings and landscape of Capitol Square. Jim has appeared in films and documentaries and authored numerous articles and publications, including a biography of Elizabeth Kortright Monroe. Now retired, he has lectured with Road Scholar for over 10 years.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   English Inn
  Charlottesville 3 nights
 English Inn
Type: Hotel
  Description: Located in the beautiful and historic Piedmont region of Virginia at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville offers a variety of activities and attractions, all located conveniently near the English Inn. Visit numerous other historical sites besides the presidential homes included in the program or one of the nearby museums.. Stroll along the streets in historic downtown, take in a show at the restored Paramount Theater, tour the local vineyards, or take a short trip to Skyline Drive, famous for its fall splendor and breathtaking vistas.
  Contact info: 2000 Morton Drive
Charlottesville, VA 23185 USA
phone: 800-786-5400
web: www.wytestone.com
  Room amenities: Rooms appointed with two double beds, dresser and a wide desk. In-room coffee-maker, iron, ironing board, and hairdryer. Cable TV with HBO, Telephone with voice mail and computer data port.
  Facility amenities: Relax amid the warmth and charm of traditional British decor. Enjoy a bountiful, buffet breakfast every morning and tea and cookies in the afternoon. Indoor pool, sauna and workout room. The hotel offers a complimentary airport shuttle from 7:00am-8:00pm, but reservations are needed. Conveniently located only one mile from UVA campus. Enjoy the area fitness center, ACAC, free with your room key.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: approximately $75, plus tax The English Inn can usually provide lodging before or after your program. The discounted Road Scholar rate is approximately $80 with tax. This rate is not always available especially on football weekends when rooms may be very limited.
  Check in time: 2:00 PM
  Additional nights after: approximately $75, plus tax The English Inn can usually provide lodging before or after your program. The discounted Road Scholar rate is approximately $80 with tax. This rate is not always available especially on football weekends when rooms may be very limited.
  Check out time: 12:00 PM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 pm Program Registration, 4:00pm Room Check In, 5:15pm Program Begins. You will be staying at English Inn that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends mid-morning with time to check-out and make independent arrangements for lunch before trip home. You will be staying at English Inn the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
The hotel has free parking.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Charlottesville
  Nearest highway: I-64
  Nearest airport:  Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport
  From End of Program
  Location: Charlottesville
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
English Inn Shuttle
phone: 800-786-5400
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

free
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes depending on traffic 
 

Distance:

 

8 miles
   

Shuttle provided by the hotel free of charge between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. You need to call hotel to inform them of your arrival/departure times and make reservations.
 

Charlottesville Greyhound/Amtrak Station

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Yellow Cab
phone: 434-295-4131
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Varies depending on gas prices; call for current rates
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

15 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

3 miles
   

Station serves both Amtrak train service and Greyhound Bus service. For Greyhound information, call 800-231-2222 or www.greyhound.com. For Amtrak information call 800-872-7245 www.amtrak.com.
 
Driving Directions
  From Richmond/East of Richmond From Richmond/East of Richmond: Take I-64 WEST toward Charlottesville. Take the first Charlottesville exit #124. It will say Charlottesville/Shadwell/250 Bypass. Turn RIGHT onto Rte. 250 Bypass for 3-4 miles, to Emmet Street, Rt. SOUTH 29 exit. Turn LEFT onto Emmet Street ramp. At the bottom of the ramp, immediately go LEFT across two lanes of traffic and turn LEFT onto Morton Drive. The English Inn is behind Bodo’s Bagels.
  From Roanoke and West From 81, take I-64 East to Exit 118-B. This will be the 250 Bypass. Follow the Route 250 Bypass to the Emmet Street exit (about 4 miles). At the bottom of the exit, cross two lanes of traffic and get in the far left lane. Turn LEFT onto Morton Drive. The English Inn is behind Bodo’s Bagels.
  From Washington DC/Northern Virginia Take 66 WEST to Gainesville. Exit on 29 SOUTH towards Charlottesville, go about 70 miles before reaching the outskirts of Charlottesville. Upon reaching “local” traffic, go about five miles. You will go under the route 250 bypass and take your first LEFT. The English Inn is on Morton Drive behind Bodo’s Bagels.
Equipment Requirements: This program includes a good deal of walking and standing over extended periods of time. Read through the itinerary closely to make sure you are comfortable with the level of activity.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Arrival, Introductions, Overview
(Sunday, June 3)
   
 Afternoon: Registration and hotel check in Introductions and overview
 Dinner: Dinner, buffet style provided by caterer in hotel dining room
 Evening: Class: "Jefferson, Madison, and Monroe", an introduction to the three presidents, their friendship, and the world of the early American republic.
   
Accommodations: English Inn
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: University of Virginia, Monticello
(Monday, June 4)

Note: The field trip to UVA includes an extended walk on the Grounds which are terraced with steps between levels. Participants who do not want to negotiate the steps can enjoy the small museum in the Rotunda until the walk concludes. Monticello is on the top of a steep hill, reached by a trolley ride. The house is accessible, but parts of the grounds are steep and/or reached only by long stairs. Participants can select those areas where they will be comfortable during the independent time.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast
 Morning: Class: "A Society to Our Taste", An investigation of the culture of the Virginia landed gentry, based on breeding and education, and how the three presidential neighbors represented that society which dominated life in both the colonial and early federal periods. Field Trip: The University of Virginia---Enjoy a guided excursion of Jefferson's "Academical Village" as you walk through the Grounds, visiting the Rotunda and the Lawn, both designed by Jefferson. Learn how the layout of the buildings reflected and supported Jefferson's view of education in the new republic.
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson. The afternoon begins at the new visitor center followed by a guided walk through the magnificent mansion where you will glimpse the genius of Jefferson through the architecture he employed and the many innovative gadgets that he devised. There will also be free time to explore the extensive ornamental and kitchen gardens and the Jefferson family cemetery.
 Dinner: Dinner at Hotel
 Evening: Class: "James Monroe: Insights", an intimate look at our fifth president, last of the early Virginia presidents and perhaps the least well-known.
   
Accommodations: English Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Montpelier, Ashlawn-Highland
(Tuesday, June 5)

Note: This day is jam-packed with activities and requires stamina. Both historic houses are located in hilly terrain, but participants can easily adjust the amount of walking they do around the grounds. The second floor of Montpelier is optional and those finding the grounds too tiring can enjoy the Education Center instead. At Ashlawn Highland there is a short staircase that can be avoided by going outside and coming in another door.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at your leisure
 Morning: Class: "Madison, Montpelier, and Constitution-Making", Often referred to as the Father of the Constitution, Madison was a small man with huge ideas. The history of his impressive home adds to the appeal of this president. Field Trip: Montpelier, home of James and Dolly Madison. Witness firsthand the painstaking restoration recently completed in this historic home on a guided exploration, then investigate on your own the gardens, Education Center, and new Visitor Center.
 Lunch: Box lunch at Montpelier Visitor Center
 Afternoon: Field Trip: Ash Lawn-Highland, home of James Monroe, Discover how the house has evolved through the centuries, reflecting the needs and tastes of its different owners. Stroll the grounds to see the gardens and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.
 Dinner: Dinner at the hotel
 Evening: Evening Entertainment: "An Evening of Music", authentic music of the early years of the American republic, played on period style instruments
   
Accommodations: English Inn
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Historical Visitor
(Wednesday, June 6)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at your lesiure
 Morning: Class: "Silent Voices: Women, Slaves, and Free People of Color" Discover the large part of the early American population rarely referred to in the history books. This revealing discussion gives voice to the women who stood beside the men and the African Americans, slave and free, whose labors supported the landed gentry of the late colonial and early republican United States. Performance: A special visit with President James Monroe, Meet the Virginia gentleman himself and hear him describe his life and offer his opinions. Conclusion and Farewells: Program ends in mid-morning with time to check out and make individual arrangements for lunch before starting home.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Charlottesville Historic Charlottesville
Your program will be filled with lectures, field trips, and other activities, so free time will be very limited, especially in this "Snapshot" Road Scholar. Consider staying an extra day or two before or after the program to explore all that the Charlottesville area has to offer, including vineyards, museums, downtown historic district, nearby historical sites, and the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Historical sites often have special programs on the weekends that you could enjoy by arriving early. Check their websites for calendars of events. Visit our web site for ideas and links. For additional information, visit www.wm.edu/elderhostel
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


You can't find a better value than Road Scholar.


As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing all-inclusive educational programs at great value. From lectures to gratuities to field trips to accommodations - the tuition you pay up front is all that you pay.



Specifically, this program includes:

Plus these special experiences...

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:


© Road Scholar 2013 | Call toll-free: 1-800-454-5768