Ash Lawn-Highland

Ash Lawn-Highland is the home of James Monroe, the fifth president, and it sits just a couple of miles beyond Monticello on a ridge of the same Southwest Mountains. Monroe moved here to be near his friend and mentor Thomas Jefferson, and he and his family lived on the property, which he called Highland, for part of his life. It is a smaller, simpler place than its famous neighbor, and its farm setting, free-roaming peacocks and relaxed pace make it a welcome counterpoint to the polish of the big presidential houses. The College of William and Mary, which owns the property, runs it as a historic site.

The house tour is brief and personal. Guides take small groups through the surviving rooms, which hold furnishings and personal items associated with the Monroe family, and explain Monroe's long career as a soldier, diplomat, governor, secretary of state and president, from the Louisiana Purchase negotiations to the doctrine that bears his name. The house itself is modest, partly because the original structure was altered after Monroe's era, and the interpretation makes clear that Highland was a working farm rather than a showpiece.

Outdoors is where the site shines. The grounds include boxwood gardens, a pond, old trees and fields, and the peacocks that wander the lawn are an unexpected delight for children and photographers. Farm outbuildings and a reconstructed slave quarter area help tell the story of the people who worked the land, and the site has expanded its research and interpretation of enslaved life in recent years. Walking the property takes an hour or so, and the views of the mountains are worth the trip on their own.

The property also hosts seasonal events, including a summer festival tradition and living-history programs, so it is worth checking the calendar. Its location makes it easy to combine with Monticello and Michie Tavern, all three within a few minutes of each other along Route 53 and the James Monroe Parkway, which is how many visitors plan a presidential half day. Ash Lawn-Highland is also a calmer choice than Monticello for visitors who dislike crowds.

Plan for about ninety minutes to two hours. Opening days and hours vary by season, so check before you go, and book in advance if you want a guided tour at a specific time. Wear comfortable shoes for the grounds, bring a camera for the peacocks, and consider a combination ticket if one is offered for nearby sites. Lunch at Michie Tavern is a short drive away.