Monticello. It’s my favorite place on earth.
Some people like sitting on a beach or going to Disneyland, but if I could be anywhere in the world 365 days a year, it would be in the vegetable garden at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate.
Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter it wouldn’t matter. 
I think I’ve happily handed over the $25 admission fee 6 times over the last 2 years.
I just can’t get enough. 
With every visit I learn something new.
I’ve even thought about applying for their summer apprentice program. How wild would that be? Maybe once the kids are gone I’ll take the summer off from gardening in my own yard and spend a summer tending the vegetable plot at Monticello. Do you think they’d let me bring my own costume?
I could spend my days wandering the property collecting twigs and making little trellis’ for peas and beans.
I could pick berries. 
And plant artichoke plants like this AWESOME woman. 
I could collect the vegetable seeds they sell in the gift shop from vegetables grown in the garden.
I could crush grapes into wine.
But most of all, I’d get to spend 8 hours a day looking this magnificent view.
A girl can dream, right?
~Mavis
Lana says
We are going for the first time in four weeks. I am stoked!
Mavis Butterfield says
The cafe at Monticello is nice but if you’d like a super delicious meal, dine at Mitche Tavern just down the road. It’s the my favorite place to eat.
Lana says
Thanks!
Karen says
Mavis, I love your attitude and zest for life! Thanks for sharing your adventures with us 🙂
Kathleen says
Oh Mavis can I go with you. I have been wanting to visit that place for so long. I just wish I lived closer. My kids are already gone and I can have by bags packed in no time. Love your pictures, Thank you
karen says
Oh, Mavis, right there with you, GF! Love, love, love, Monticello!! And the apprentice idea is awesome!
Gail says
http://www.monticello.org/site/visit/annual-pass
Melinda says
I live an hour from there! I have a bedroom in a basement! Mavis, Kathleen, people, come stay with me when you want to head to Monticello. It’s great!
Nancy says
We went for the tour to go upstairs and that was great. I love to see the history in this country and Virginia is full of history My husband was a good sport and walked the gardens with me They were lovely gardens as your pictures show. I too would love to spend hours there just planting and seed gathering
Vicki says
Maybe it should be obvious, but I have always been curious as to what that structure in the garden is. Can you tell me?
Kim says
Mavis,
My husband and I want to buy some Southwest airlines tickets before their sale prices expire 6/4/15. We cannot decide between the “Mt. Vernon, Monticello, Williamsburg” trip and a trip to Maine. We were wondering if the gardens would still be fun to see in September, or if we should wait and do that some spring. Any way you could give me a quick opinion within 24 hours?
We rarely get to travel and want to really think this through.
Thanks,
Kim
Mavis Butterfield says
I would think the gardens would be beautiful in early September. I vote gardens in September!!