Montpelier: Enjoy Living History With An Orange, Virginia, Excursion

While tourists flock to both Monticello and Mount Vernon, the homes of Presidents Jefferson and Washington, they would do well to include a visit to Montpelier, the stunning home of President James Madison.

Situated just outside the historic village of Orange in the Virginia countryside, Montpelier offers a huge variety of exciting activities, as well as interesting tours and even wine tasting. The latest offering from this historic site are the Montpelier Excursion Packages. These special packages include lodging at a romantic country inn, days filled with fun activities and dinners at local gourmet restaurants.

There are several different excursions to enjoy. The Heart of Montpelier is ideal for those who wish to spend a long weekend soaking up some history. This three-day, two-night package includes a comprehensive tour of the mansion, as well as a visit to an archaeological dig in an area known as the "North Kitchen." The second day includes a tour of the extensive grounds and Landmark Forest of Montpelier. Each night includes a gourmet dinner at a local restaurant as well as lodging at a nearby country inn.

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.

If you have more time, consider the Dig in Style package. This unique adventure actually allows you to spend time at Montpelier digging for treasure. In addition to lodging and meals, the Dig in Style package includes a special 3-course dinner with Montpelier's Director of Archaeology, a tour of the mansion and grounds and several mornings where guests actually get to help assist in the extensive Montpelier archaeological digs.

Among the inns and bed and breakfasts participating in the Montpelier Excursions is the romantic Holladay House Bed & Breakfast. This historic gem dates back to the Madison era and is located just five minutes away from Montpelier in the village of Orange. The Holladay House contains some similar architectural features at Montpelier, such as their front doors.

The Holladay House offers a variety of inviting and romantic guest rooms, one of which has been recently remodeled and named in honor of James Madison great-nephew, John Madison Chapman, who owned the house and was a prominent local citizen. (Chapman also planted the rare English Oak in the backyard, which came from a seedling from Montpelier plantation.) This room features a cherry, four-poster bed and a fireplace with the original historic mantel. Other guest rooms and suites are equally charming; some even include double whirlpool tubs.