Road Scholar : Virginia, Mother of Presidents: Seven Historic Sites - Virginia

Virginia, Mother of Presidents: Seven Historic Sites

Program Number:

19969RJ

Start and End Dates:


	10/13/2013 - 10/18/2013;

Duration:

5 nights

Location:

Charlottesville, Virginia

Price starting at:

$897.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city

Program Type:

History & Culture

Meals:

15; 5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners

Meal Options:

Gluten Free; Vegetarian

Truly the “Mother of Presidents,” the state of Virginia is the birthplace of eight of the country’s chief executives. Seven of these Old Dominion natives were among the first twelve holders of the nation’s highest office. Explore with experts how the homes of these men reflect their personalities and the social norms of each man’s own era.

Highlights

• Visit the homes of seven former United States Presidents, including Washington’s beloved Mount Vernon, Jefferson’s masterpiece at Monticello, the restored Montpelier of Madison and Tyler’s Sherwood Forest, the longest frame house in America.
• Experience the beauty of the Virginia countryside from the mountains to the Tidewater region, and enjoy lunch at historic Michie Tavern.
• Meet one of the Founding Fathers in a lively interaction where you can ask questions and gain insights from a convincing historical interpreter.

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day over uneven terrain.

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
Charming Charlottesville inn, set amid the beauty and history of Virginia’s Blue Ridge foothills. Traditional British decor lends warmth and charm.

Meals and Lodgings
	English Inn
		Charlottesville	5 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. In addition to the sites included in the program, there are additional historical homes, museums, and venues within easy driving distance. Browse through the shops in historic downtown, tour the local vineyards, or take a short trip to the Skyline Drive, famous for its fall splendor and breathtaking vistas.
	Contact info:	2000 Morton Drive Charlottesville, VA 22903 USA phone: 800-786-5400 web: www.wytestone.com
	Room amenities:	Rooms appointed with two queen beds or king, dresser and a wide desk. In-room coffee-maker, refrigerator, iron, ironing board, hair dryer, alarm clock, air conditioning. Cable TV with HBO, Telephone with voice mail and computer data port (Internet high speed access).
	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, adjacent to Rivanna Greenbelt Trail. 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. Elevators are available to upper floors. Daily newspaper provided. Guest Business Office open 24 hours with fax machine available. Safe deposit boxes available.
	Smoking allowed:	No
	Elevators available:	Yes
	Additional nights prior:	$75 plus tax, limited rooms. The English Inn can usually provide lodging before or after your program at the discounted Road Scholar rate. This rate is not always available, especially on football weekends in the fall.
	Check in time:	3:00 PM
	Additional nights after:	$75 plus tax, limited rooms. The English Inn can usually provide lodging before or after your program at the discounted Road Scholar rate. This rate is not always available, especially on football weekends in the fall.
	Check out time:	12:00 PM

Travel Details
	Start of Program: 4:00PM Program Registration & Check-In; 5:15 Program begins You will be staying at English Inn that night.
	End of Program: Noon, Friday with box lunch available for trip home You will be staying at English Inn the night before.
	Required documents: The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
	Parking availability: Free parking provided by the hotel.

Transportation

	To Start of Program
	Location:	Charlottesville
	Nearest highway:	I-64
	Nearest airport:	Charlottesville/Albemarle Airport; next closest is Richmond Airport

	From End of Program
	Location:	Charlottesville
		(Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
	Charlottesville Greyhound/Amtrak Station	From Bus Terminal
	Service:	Taxi Yellow Cab phone: 434-295-4131 Advanced Reservations Required
	Travel Time:	15 minutes
		Station serves both Amtrak train service and Greyhound Bus service.
	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.

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.

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:

Registration, Introductions, Orientation
(Sunday, October 13)

Afternoon:	Arrival and Registration Welcome, Road Scholar Introductions, Orientation
Dinner:	Dinner at hotel
Evening:	Class: "The Eight Virginia Presidents and Their Homes" Just as the titles in a bookcase reveal much about their owner's interests, the Virginia Presidential homes---their settings, their varying architectural designs, and the collections they contain---speak volumes about the Old Dominion's eight national chief executives. Learn about such fascinating tidbits as these: what Mount Vernon tells us of George Washington's business acumen; why James Monroe's Ashlawn-Highland stands within sight of Monticello; why Madison's Montpelier has two front entrances; and why John Tyler's Sherwood Forest was so named. This discussion will introduce you to all of the houses you will be visiting and provide some insights into their owners.

Accommodations:	English Inn
Meals Included:	Dinner

Day 2:

Mount Vernon Day
(Monday, October 14)

Breakfast:	Buffet breakfast at hotel
Morning:	Travel to Mount Vernon Travel Time Talk: "George Washington and His World" Engage in an analysis of Mount Vernon, the 8,000 acre estate perched above the gently flowing Potomac River, that was George Washington's home for his entire adult life. With five main farms, the plantation was more akin to a small village than a family farm. Consider the many enterprises in which Washington engaged, including the crops he grew, the livestock he raised, the grain that was milled and the whiskey that was distilled, and even the very profitable fishery he ran. Learn what this riverside enterprise tells us about the determined Virginian who became, "First in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen." Field Trip: "Reynolds Museum an Education Center" Explore this new Museum that contains 25 theaters and galleries. View more than 500 original artifacts that detail the storied life of our nation's first great hero. The Museum includes interactive displays, a major movie, short films produced by The History Channel, and high-tech, immersive experiences. View three life-size models created by a forensic anthropologist that will let you see Washington from his teen year to his maturity.
Lunch:	Lunch at the Mount Vernon Food Court
Afternoon:	Field Trip: "Mount Vernon Mansion and Grounds" Enjoy a guided walk through the grounds of Washington's beloved estate which features four different gardens, the tombs of George and Martha, and a working four-acre farm that includes a recreation of the President's famous 16-sides barn. Then with a knowledgeable guide, explore the mansion itself with its magnificent views of the Potomac River. Here you will develop an understanding of the family's wealth and status as evidenced in the decoration and furnishings and view numerous original possessions.
Dinner:	Dinner at hotel
Evening:	FREE EVENING It's been a long day!

Accommodations:	English Inn
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3:

Albemarle County Day: Monticello and Ashlawn-Highland
(Tuesday, October 15)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at hotel
Morning:	Class: "Jefferson and Monroe: Country Neighbors" Explore the lives and philosophies of these two neighbors of rural Albemarle County. Consider the world of the landed gentry and how it contrasted with that of the small farmers, women, and the slaves who made the lifestyle possible. Learn something of the mindset that this way of life gave to both men and how it affected their politics and careers. Field Trip: "Monticello, Home of Thomas Jefferson" The excursion includes a guided walk through the magnificent mansion where you will glimpse the genius of Jefferson in the architecture he employed, a wonderful homage to Roman antiquity. No less delightful are the many innovative gadgets that he devised and that now fill the main floor, carefully preserved and presented for the latter day visitor. Step back in time to the President's retirement years not only in the house visit but also in walks through the extensive ornamental and kitchen gardens and the Jefferson family cemetery.
Lunch:	Lunch at historic Michie Tavern, a delicious meal in an authentic colonial tavern
Afternoon:	Field Trip: "Ashlawn-Highland, Home of James Monroe" This small, homey dwelling is an interesting contrast to the stately mansions of Monroe's friends and neighbors. Discover how the house has evolved through the centuries with different owners. Imagine participating in the Monroe tradition of welcoming friends, neighbors, and dignitaries. Stroll the grounds to see the gardens and ash tree-lined entrance while taking in the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.
Dinner:	Dinner at hotel
Evening:	Performance: "A Visit with Colonel Monroe" Having now visited his home, what could be a better way to end the day than with a conversation with one of the Founding Fathers that you have been learning about? A very convincing historical interpreter gives you a first person perspective on James Monroe and his celebrated friends of the Virginia Piedmont.

Accommodations:	English Inn
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4:

Orange County Day: Montpelier and Montebello
(Wednesday, October 16)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at the hotel
Morning:	Class: "Madison, Montpelier, and the Constitution" Engage in an in-depth study of the "Father of the Constitution", his co-authorship of the Federalist Papers, and his career of public service. Connect the President to his magnificent home as it grew and changed with the needs of his family. Learn the details of the life enjoyed by him and his delightful wife Dolley, heroine of the burning of the White House during the War of 1812. Field Trip: "Montpelier, Home of James Madison" Enjoy a guided walk through the beautifully restored mansion, which has just undergone a major refurbishing to return it to its appearance at the time it was occupied by James and Dolley Madison. The estate, which Madison described as "a squirrel's jump from heaven", features historic buildings, ongoing archaeological sites, a fabulous walled garden, and a freedman's cabin and farm. The visit will include time to explore the Education and Visitor Centers as well. During the ride to or from Montpelier, stop by the site of Montebello, birthplace of President Zachary Taylor.
Lunch:	Boxed lunch at the Visitor Center
Afternoon:	FREE AFTERNOON Use this time to explore the Charlottesville area on your own. Information will be provided on some of the sites such as the Grounds of the University of Virginia or the Downtown Pedestrian Mall.
Dinner:	Dinner at hotel
Evening:	Class: "Virginia's Early Dominance of the Presidency: Causes and Outcomes" Amazingly of the first twelve Presidents of the United States, seven of them were from Virginia. In this presentation, explore the possible reasons for this abundance of chief executives from the Old Dominion, looking at factors such as regional cultures, relative wealth, and political power. Consider also the effects the background of these seven men had on national politics and the course the nation took in the pre-Civil War years.

Accommodations:	English Inn
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5:

James River Plantations: Berkeley and Sherwood Forest
(Thursday, October 17)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at hotel
Morning:	Travel to Berkeley Plantation Travel Time Talk: "Scions of Virginia's First Families: Tippecanoe and Tyler, Too" During this presentation, explore the lives of the two Virginia Whigs, Indian fighter William Henry Harrison and running mate John Tyler, who utilized the nation's first campaign song in their quest for the White House. Consider what today seems to us almost impossible: the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of 1840 being from the same state. Learn about the lives of these Virginia patricians who were actually Charles City County neighbors. Field Trip: "Berkeley Plantation, Home of William Henry Harrison" Visit the home of William Henry Harrison, America's shortest serving president, and ancestral home of his grandson, President Benjamin Harrison. Stroll through the gorgeous tree-lined lawn and the ten acres of formal gardens before participating in a guided walk through Virginia's oldest three story brick home that can prove its date. Berkeley was also the site of America's first Thanksgiving in 1619 and is the place where "Taps" was composed while the Union Army camped on its grounds during the Civil War.
Lunch:	Cross the Benjamin Harrison Bridge for a delightful riverside lunch at a local restaurant.
Afternoon:	Field Trip: "Sherwood Forest, Home of John Tyler" Explore the beautifully wooded landscape and 12 dependencies of this plantation that reflects the gracious lifestyle of a mid-19th century presidential family. Sherwood Forest, named by Tyler in recognition of his outlaw status as a politician, boasts the longest frame house in America---over 300 feet. Incredibly, it is currently occupied by Tyler's grandson, Harrison Tyler, and his family.
Dinner:	Dinner at hotel
Evening:	FREE EVENING

Accommodations:	English Inn
Meals Included:	Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6:

Woodrow Wilson Birthplace
(Friday, October 18)

Breakfast:	Breakfast at hotel
Morning:	Travel to Staunton Travel Time Talk: "Woodrow Wilson: The Schoolmaster in the White House" Learn about the impressive academic career of Virginia's only 20th century President who was educated at Princeton, the University of Virginia, and Johns Hopkins. Discover his life as a prolific professor, writing treatises on government, politics, and Constitutional law. Follow his advancement from President of Princeton to Governor of New Jersey, and finally to the Presidency. Learn how this Southern intellectual Democrat brought his brand of progressivism to the nation and his ideals of international cooperation to the world. Field Trip: Woodrow Wilson Museum and Birthplace" First explore the museum located in a château-style mansion and featuring galleries dedicated to President Wilson's life. Then enjoy a guided walk through the house with its period furnishings and Wilson family belongings. Finish with a stroll through the charming boxwood garden, a restoration project of the Garden Club of Virginia. Travel Time Talk: "The Homes and the Men: What the Presidential Houses Can Tell Us" On the trip back to the hotel before leaving for home, enjoy this summary presentation that brings together the wealth of information that has been presented during the week. Look once again at each of the Virginia Presidents and how their homes reflected their world views and influenced their time in the White House.
Lunch:	Box lunch waiting for trip home upon return to hotel at approximately noon.

Meals Included:

Breakfast, Lunch

Free Time Opportunities

Charlottesville

Historic Charlottesville
During your free time, you may wish to explore further the University of Virginia, tour an area vineyard, drive the picturesque Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge Parkway, or explore Charlottesville' s restored downtown pedestrian center. Within reasonable driving distance you will also find the Walton's Mountain Museum, the P. Buckley Moss Museum, and the Roaring Twenties Antique Car Museum. Your free time will be fairly limited, so consider extending your stay to enjoy all the Charlottesville area has to offer. Most of the historical sites have seasonal special events on the weekends that you may want to investigate by going to their individual websites. For additional information, visit www.wm.edu/LearningOdysseys

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:

5 nights accommodations
15 meals: 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
Expert-led lectures: 8
Expert-led lectures

Led by one or more of our world-class instructors, typically in a classroom setting, lectures come in the form of presentations, discussions or workshops and offer expert insight into your area of study.
Field trips: 8
Field trips

The world is your classroom, as you're on location with an instructor to pursue your educational theme firsthand.
Performances: 1
Performances

A performance can range from a night at the opera to a visit from a local performer at your hotel.

Plus these special experiences...

Visit the seven historic homes of Virginia's eight Presidents that are open to the public, exploring both the house and the grounds at each site.
Enjoy in-depth discussions of each President and how his home both reflected his personality and contributed to his philosophy and world view.
Meet one of the Founding Fathers in a lively interaction that let's you ask questions and gain insights from a convincing historical interpreter.
Experience the beauty of Virginia's landscape in narrated field trips to each house from Northern Virginia to the Piedmont to the Shenandoah Valley.

View the Daily Schedule to see more

And included with all Road Scholar programs:

Learning led by expert instructors who are authorities in the field of study.
An experienced Group Leader attuned to the needs of Road Scholar participants.
Customary gratuities throughout the program that you would normally pay yourself.
The Road Scholar Travel Assistance Plan, providing 24-hour-a-day emergency assistance coverage.
Taxes

Highlights

Activity Particulars

Walking up to two miles a day over uneven terrain.

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.

Meals and Lodgings

Travel Details

Travel Details

Charlottesville Greyhound/Amtrak Station

From Bus Terminal

Service:

TaxiYellow Cabphone: 434-295-4131Advanced Reservations Required

Travel Time:

15 minutes

Station serves both Amtrak train service and Greyhound Bus service.

Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport (CHO)

From Airport

Service:

Hotel ShuttleEnglish Inn Shuttlephone: 800-786-5400Advanced Reservations Required

Per Person/One Way:

freePrices 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.