Fried Chicken and Thomas Jefferson

Today we drove through some of the most beautiful county I have ever seen. Nestled back in the woods was our first stop ~ Mickie's Tavern ~ for an authentic southern lunch. We were served a family style buffet of fried chicken, gravy, mashed potatoes (and yes with those yummy lumps), green beans, black-eyed peas, stewed tomatoes, biscuits, apple cobbler, and cornbread. Every 3 minutes a server came around to see if you were ready for more! I'm telling you this is no place for a Weight Watcher or Jenny Craig client! Boy was it yummy and the best part is that my stove is not all grease splattered!

After lunch we drove a short way into Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson. When compared to Washington's estate in the same time period it seems so magnificent. Washington's home seemed rather common although he had a view to die for. Jefferson had many pillars and of course a dome which he loved so much. He also had many of the latest and greatest inventions of the time and so many books.

The estate is HUGE and the grounds have been kept up nicely. It really took you back in time as you strolled down mulberry row. You could see where many structures had once been and thanks to detailed notes left behind, we know what many were used for. It seems like he was a bit OCD.

The docent tour was very well done. Like Washington, Jefferson entertained many dignitaries and guests after his retirement from public service.

It seemed like he too never really got to retire.