Orange, VA, Excursions: Enjoy Montpelier’s Presidential History

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.

Set in the Virginia countryside, a few minutes from the historic town of Orange, Montpelier is the perfect spot to brush up on your American history. The staff at this living museum offers a full slate of unique activities throughout the year. Recently, they have teamed with several local inns and restaurants to create Montpelier Excursions. These all-inclusive packages combine gourmet dining, the romance of a country inn and the excitement of exploring the home of one of the nation’s founding fathers.

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.

There are several other three-day, two-night packages. The Montpelier Wine Weekend includes lodging, gourmet dinners, comprehensive tours of Montpelier and tastings at several renowned local wineries. The Montpelier History Excursions, which can be reserved for either a weekday or weekend stay, include a two-day admission to Montpelier so you can explore to your heart’s content.

For those who really want to become a part of history, the Dig in Style excursion might just be perfect. This six-day, five-night adventure allows guests to actually take part in the on-site archaeological digs at Montpelier. In addition to helping unearth some of Montpelier’s many treasures, this package includes meals, lodging and a special gourmet dinner with the mansion’s Director of Archaeology.

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.

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