With a tropical storm advancing up the coast and threatening skies above Jamestown, we headed for clearer weather by driving west across the state. We looped around Richmond and found ourselves some hours later at Monticello, Jefferson's home, located just south of Charlottesville.
The Monticello Visitor's Center is open 9-5:30 (9-5 from Nov to Feb) and provides a museum, a theater running a short film, and a tourist information center. The latter was quite helpful in pointing out accommodations for the night, which were located on the north side of Charlottesville. The lady even called and gave us a booklet of hotels and motels offering walk-in discounts.
On a whim, we tried the Fairfield Inn, which is run by Marriot, and is across a parking lot from a Marriot Courtyard. I generally like staying at Hampton Inns or Marriot Courtyards as I've never had a bad stay at either. I'm adding the Fairfield Inn to my list. It was a pleasant, quiet stay with firm bed, hot shower, and a continental breakfast the next day. It was about $20 or $30 less than the Courtyard, which went a long way towards paying for a wonderful dinner at a nearby Indian restaurant.
The back of Monticello.
I can't remember the name of the restaurant, but it was two traffic lights towards Charlottesville and adjacent to a health club. Out first foray to find it found us deadended at a post office. We returned to the Fairfield and asked at the desk. The clerk knew exactly where we wanted to go. Knowing where an Indian restaurant is gets an extra point in my book.
By the way, the Chicken Mahkani at this place was slightly spicier from what we know from the local Indian restaurant here in western NJ. Normally, I'm a Vindaloo guy, but for a change, I tried the Mahkani. It had a little kick to it, more on the Vindaloo side than the mild Mahkani's I'm used to. I liked it a lot. Thumbs up.
More Monticello
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