Should I see the Jefferson Estate or the Washington Estate?

Question

I'm going to Washington D.C. soon and I only have time to see one. There are several great things about both places but I'm not sure wich one to see.

Answer 1

The Jefferson Estate is called Monticello and is not in Washington, DC. It is in Charlottesville near the University of Virginia which Jefferson also designed.

For comparison, Mount Vernon- Washington's home is about 10 miles south of the city in Virginia. Monticello is about 4.5 hours south.

But hey, if you like long car rides, it's pretty down there.

Answer 2

If my time were limited, I'd go to Mt. Vernon.
It's about a half hour drive from downtown DC and the road runs alongside the Potomac River.
There're a lot of things to see there besides the house: kitchen, carraige house, blacksmith , weaving and spinning house, slaves' quarters, Washington's tomb, the area where the slaves were buried, the dock where Washington ran his Potomac Ferry from, etc. This website tells a great deal about Mt. Vernon and will help you plan your visit, as well as give you times it's open and admission price. Sometimes there are craftspeople demonstrating the skills that people used at Mt. Vernon when Washington was there.
http://www.mountvernon.org/

On the way back, stop at the historic part of Alexandria called Old Town. http://oha.ci.alexandria.va.us/
It'll give you a feel for what life was like there in the 17 and 18centuries.
Here's a link for a map
http://www.alexchamber.com/visit/map.htm
If you still have the time or energy, you can visit Arlington National Cemetery
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/
and Robert E. Lee's Home which was owned and designed by Washington's adopted grandson
http://www.arlingtoncemetery.org/
before crossing Memorial Bridge into Washington.

Answer 3

I really loved both. If you want to see more of a house, go to Mt. Vernon because you don't go upstairs for Monticello. The grounds are both gorgeous, Monticello has the hills/ mountains veiw and Mt. Vernon is right along the Potomac. I've been to Washington twice, first time we went to Mt. Vernon, second time Monticello. Both places are worth your drive, so you may have to just flip a coin (I know that's what I'd have to do!)

Answer 4

If you are going to be in DC, visit Mount Vernon. It is only about ten miles outside downtown DC.
When you visit, make sure you see the views of the Potomac, which are fantastic.
Mount Vernon is a little expensive to visit, but the tour offers lots of interesting information about Washington, and you can visit his grave, which is sort of a cool pilgrimage.
If you visit Mt Vernon, get there early, because at 10 am they have a ceremonial wreath-laying at his grave and you can pictures with the gates open.

Answer 5

Definitely Mt. Vernon. Especially if you only have time for one. Alexandria has tons of good places to eat, some bars and nice shops.

Unless you like driving through the countryside, then Monticello, but really I would only recommend that if you wanted to spend the day in the car. There are some pretty wineries out that way as well.

Answer 6

I would reccomend Mount Vernon. They're both borring but for Mount Vernon, you can spend a few hours and then go eat lunch/dinner in Old Town Alexandria. Ask your driver/cab to reccomend a restaurant on King Street near the water. The Chart House overlooks the Patomac.

Answer 7

Mount Vernon

Answer 8

Monticello is about 2.5 hours south of D.C. by bus, but that time could take much longer depending on the time of day and the traffic levels. I personally like Monticello better.

Answer 9

Jefferson. Mt. Vernon was kinda dull. :)

Answer 10

if ui want go becuz it can be a one time thing. so go for it if u want.