Political Facts and Tips

For lovers of history, Virginia is an exciting destination filled with museums, battlefields, historic architecture and the homes of eight United States presidents. Montpelier, the magnificent home of President James Madison, is a must-see attraction.

Situated just outside the historic village of Orange in the Virginia countryside, Montpelier offers a huge variety of exciting activities, as well as interesting tours and even wine tasting. The latest offering from this historic site are the Montpelier Excursion Packages. These special packages include lodging at a romantic country inn, days filled with fun activities and dinners at local gourmet restaurants.

The first step for travelers is to select one of several Montpelier Excursions. The Heart of Montpelier excursion is a three-day, two-night adventure featuring a full day, comprehensive, behind-the-scenes tour of Montpelier that includes an architectural mansion tour as well as visits to the on-site archaeology lab. On your second day, you’ll enjoy a tour of the Landmark Forest and gardens at Montpelier. In addition to the activities at Montpelier, the package includes two overnight stays at a local inn, complete with breakfast, as well as certificates good for dinner at several fine, local restaurants.

Other three-day, two-night excursions include the Montpelier Wine Weekend and the History Weekday or History Weekend adventures. Each of these packages includes lodging at a local inn and dining. The History Weekday and History Weekend packages also include a two-day admission pass to Montpelier, a gift bag and museum shop discount. The Montpelier Wine Weekend is a showcase of Virginia wine country and offers tastings at a half-dozen local wineries, as well as a tour of Montpelier.

For those with a bit more time, the unique Dig in Style package might be just the ticket. This six-day, five-night package includes lodging and meals, as well as a special dinner with Montpelier’s Director of Archaeology. During the day, guests actually get to participate in archaeological digs currently in action at Montpelier. There is no end to the treasures you might uncover.

There are several excellent local inns participating in the Montpelier Excursions program. The Holladay House, however, is an ideal lodging choice for those who wish to soak up even more history. Dating back to Madison’s time, this historic inn shares some similar architectural features as Montpelier, including its front doors. It is located just five minutes from Montpelier right in the center of Orange’s historic commercial district.

The romantic guest rooms are filled with amenities; several have a fireplace or double whirlpool tub. One recently renovated room has been decorated and named in honor of John Madison Chapman, owner of the house and a prominent local who was also the great-nephew of President James Madison. This special suite includes a fireplace and a four-poster bed. Chapman also took a seedling of a rare English Oak tree from Montpelier plantation and planted it in the backyard where it still grows today.