Poplar Forest--Finally!

After talking about a trip there for years and buying passes online over a year ago, we finally made it to Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest.  The site is lovely--not to mention substantially more low key than TJ's Monticello. 

Compared to Virginia's other historic Presidential homes, this one is approachable: smaller tours, smaller site, home designed to be the retreat of a private citizen.  Like James Madison's Montpelier, Poplar Forest is being actively researched and reconstructed.  Their reconstruction efforts are historic in nearly every way, down to the use of antique tools; their work in this area has earned them recognition from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.  Don't miss learning about the bricks, as multiple shapes of brick were made to construct the home.  Also worth noting is the amazing skylight in the home's dining area, unique in Jeffersonian architecture.  The exhbits on the lower level answer many visitor questions about the progress of the site and are attractively presented.

If you go, thank the volunteers--your tour may even be led by a knowledgeable one.  Visit the website of special events, too.  In November 2011, the first candlelight tours of the home are planned.

Relevant Twitter Handle:
@PoplarForest

Relevant Website:
Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest