Tourist attractions with ties to Jefferson partner

By Dave Thompson

Published: June 19, 2008

Popular tourist attractions in Bedford County and Charlottesville are making the most out of their historic connection with founding father Thomas Jefferson.

Poplar Forest, Jefferson’s retreat home just outside of Lynchburg, and Monticello, his main residence in Charlottesville, have combined with Charlottesville’s Michie Tavern and Lynchburg’s Amazement Square to offer an overnight tour package.

Vacationers can begin their day either in Charlottesville or Lynchburg, and stay the night at either Lynchburg’s Kirkley Hotel or Charlottesville’s English Inn.

“We wanted to just provide basically a two-day experience for families,” said Anna Bentson, with Poplar Forest’s media relations.

“We … wanted to create a package that was very family friendly and also sort of showcase the diversity of attractions in Central Virginia,” she added.

Bentson said the Thomas Jefferson connection was what drew Poplar Forest and Monticello into the initial talks of a partnership.

Amazement Square and Michie Tavern came along in order to round out the package with family friendly attractions.

“They are both great attractions in their own right,” she said of the children’s museum and the historic restaurant.

Admission to all four attractions and lodging starts at $139, and varies with the size of the party.