Tag: photography blog

Ash Lawn-Highland Historic Home of James Monroe

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When you’re visiting Monticello it a short 2.5 mile drive to the home of President James Monroe. This home is actually quite modest but very interesting as 80% of the furnishings are original to the house. While Jefferson was President, Monroe helped negotiated the Louisiana Purchase which doubled the size of the US. It also gave us control of the Port in New Orleans and the Mississippi. He purchased everything from Napoleon for the sweet price of $15M.

The grounds allow you to step back in time and the are truly worth the visit.

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The road that leads to his home.

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His home.

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The changing leaves in the parking lot!

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On one side the leaves where still on the trees… On the other side where the sun was setting the leaves were all gone. Hope you get a chance to visit! You won’t be disappointed!

Enchanting Monticello!

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20131105-193124.jpg When I was little we took a lot trips… which is probably why I love to travel so much. But we didn’t fly, we drove all around the United States in a camper my Dad built. Which is most likely why I love to drive so much. One trip I will always remember is when we drove through Virginia to the historic Monticello estate, the home of Thomas Jefferson. I remember it like it was yesterday. And to this day it is still one of my favorite places to visit. I hope these photos inspire you to add this destination to your bucket list. In my humble opinion two of the best times are on the spring and the fall. Here are my fall pics from a few days ago: as you can see… I LOVE this place!

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Arriving

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The gardens.

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The little house in the photo was glass enclosed and where Thomas Jefferson would stay for hours and do some of his “best thinking”.

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Sipping hot chocolate (it was chilly outside)

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The walking path down to the visitors center from the estate.

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Thomas Jeffersons grave…he died on July 4 exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence. You see this on the walking path.

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The end of the walking path just before the visitors center.

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One last kiss and jump before I said good bye. Until the next time!!!!

Keswick Hall Hotel Escape

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After dodging deer and totally getting lost on some remote Virginia back roads I finally pull into the Keswick Hall Hotel. It’s a beautiful historic hotel and one of my favorites. Because of the time change it was just about 5 and the sun was about to set. I threw my luggage in my room and went out to my favorite patios overlooking the golf course and ordered a glass of local wine. I only wish my most amazing peeps were there with me. Here are some of the photos I took during my stay at the hotel…

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As I’m writing this I’m having breakfast and it’s really good. Poached eggs, cheese grits and yes…. BACON!

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Along with the staff, thanks to Cork and Max in the upstairs patio area and TJ in the breakfast area for the wonderful service!

Backroads of Virginia, Middleburg

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20131103-100345.jpgI just stopped in a super cute town called Middleburg. The streets are lined with fall leaves that feel like they are glowing with reds and yellows. The town smells like baked goods and bacon so I followed my nose to a quaint bakery.

Inside I found pies that are warm from the oven. The smell of homemade cinnamon rolls, muffins and crispy bacon. I ordered a bacon and egg sandwich and as I write this I’m eating it outside in the wam sun.
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The photo above and the first one in this post show what the backroads look like this time of year. You see what I call “fall snow” everywhere which is the graceful swirling of thousands of colored leaves. Well, my sandwich is gone so I’m off again with no idea of where I’ll stop next!

Manassas Civil War Battlefield

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The sky is a rainbow of clouds, the birds are chirping, and I seem to be the only one here. Surrounding me are open fields, a few large trees gracing the landscape, and a number of canons. I’m in the middle of the Manassas Civil War Battlefield where the battle of Bull Run was fought. This was the first major land battle of the armies of Virginia. Seeing this landmark site at sunrise is a must if you can. What a serene location. As I walk across the fields I can only think of the many solders who lost their lives. I hope you’ll have a chance to visit this historical site that was the beginning of a very important change in our history. The abolishment of slavery.

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Where to Travel to in November??? ;)

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Off on another adventure: Backroads exploring Civil War battlefields, Montecello, a drive through the Blue Ridge mountains when the fall leaves are at their peak. The final destination will be the Historic Biltmore Estate. Now I just need to get through this red eye flight which lands at 5:20am. Hoping for an empty row so I can sleep! I hope you'll follow me on my journey 😉