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Virginia’s Southern Journey Through Hallowed Ground Historic Byway Road Trip

Road Trip

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flickr/Ivy Dawned
From Orange to Gordonsville, you’ll start your exploration of presidential estates and history. One famous home is James Madison’s Montpelier. Madison, who was the fourth president of the United States, lived in the circa 1760 home with his family. Learn more about his life and times on a tour or during one of the events held throughout the year.
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Drive trips stop
Mark Levisay/flickr
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Orange to Gordonsville
From Orange to Gordonsville, you’ll start your exploration of presidential estates and history. One famous home is James Madison’s Montpelier. Madison, who was the fourth president of the United States, lived in the circa 1760 home with his family. Learn more about his life and times on a tour or during one of the events held throughout the year.
Recommended Stops
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James Madison Museum of Orange County Heritage
129, Caroline Street Orange, Virginia 22960
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James Madison’s Montpelier
11350, Constitution Highway Montpelier Station, Virginia 11350
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mebrett/flickr
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Gordonsville to Charlottesville
From Gordonsville to Charlottesville, you will find two presidential estates: Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello and James Monroe’s Highlands. For a break, stop at Michie Tavern, circa 1784. If you’re not in the mood for a tour from a costumed interpreter, be sure to dine in the rustic tavern or buy a souvenir at one of the on-site shops.
Recommended Stops
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The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum
400, South Main Street Gordonsville, Virginia 22942
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James Monroe’s Highland
2050, James Monroe Parkway Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
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Monticello
931, Thomas Jefferson Parkway Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
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Michie Tavern ca 1784
683, Thomas Jefferson Parkway Charlottesville, Virginia 22902
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Montes-Bradley/iStockphoto.com
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Charlottesville to Old Somerset
Before you leave Charlottesville, consider staying at a historic bed-and-breakfast, where rooms are named after presidents. It’ll provide you a central location in which to travel to historical sites as well as restaurants and shops.
Recommended Stops