Phila Airport Parking Vacations

As we get set to inaugurate a new leader, it’s also a good time to remember the leaders of the past. Take a Virginia vacation and you will find four historic presidential homes to tour, and after a day delving into the nation’s history you can come back and spend a restful night at a peaceful bed and breakfast.

Virginia has been home to more presidents than any other state in the union. Many of these presidential homes are open to the public and offer tours. Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson, is perhaps the highlight of any presidential home tour. Jefferson designed this amazing home himself, and a tour of Monticello might include a 30-minute walk through the house, as well as a tour of the gardens or plantation. James Monroe’s house, Ash Lawn-Highland, is just a few minutes from Monticello and also offers tours.

James Madison’s home, Montpelier, is less than a half-hour from the previous homes, and also is open for tours. Woodrow Wilson’s home is also in the same vicinity and offers yet another presidential adventure. Even George Washington’s home is just two hours away in Alexandria. So even if your time is limited, there is plenty to see and do.

Travelers can enjoy many of the presidential homes by staying at the historic Holladay House in Orange, Virginia. This Virginia inn is just minutes from James Madison’s home. The homes of Presidents Jefferson and Monroe are within 30 minutes of the inn. Another close presidential home is that of Woodrow Wilson. Even George Washington’s gracious manor, Mount Vernon, is only two hours away. In addition to the presidential venues, there are dozens of popular wineries nearby. Fine restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the inn.

The guest rooms at the Holladay House are decorated with antiques, and the queen and king beds are topped with the finest linens. Some rooms include a fireplace or double whirlpool tub, and all bathrooms are stocked with specialty hypoallergenic bath products. The innkeepers pamper guests with a full breakfast and offer coffee, tea and home baked goodies throughout the day.

To celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama to our nation’s most prestigious office, the innkeepers at Holladay House are offering a special inauguration discount. If you stay at the inn for three nights during the inauguration (January 20), you will receive your third night’s stay at half price. At a time when saving money is especially important, this deal will help make your presidential getaway a little easier on the pocketbook.

If you can’t make it for the inauguration, the innkeepers also offer two presidential packages. The “Bill of Rights” package includes a two-night stay at the inn, full breakfast each morning, tickets to Monticello, Montpelier and Ash Lawn-Highland, as well as passes to the historic Michie Tavern. The innkeepers will send you off on your day trip with a picnic basket stocked with cheese, crackers, fresh fruit, dessert and sparkling water. If you upgrade “Constitution Package,” you receive all of these amenities, as well as a two-night’s stay in one of the inn’s suites, which have a whirlpool tub, king bed, fireplace and private porch.

Virginia, with its myriad of historic attractions and splendid scenery, is an ideal spot for an old-fashioned country Christmas. There are plenty of interesting seasonal events, and some excellent bed and breakfasts, where you can truly savor the spirit of Christmas.

Orange, Virginia, is a perfect home base for your holiday travels. This quaint, country town graced with many historic buildings creates a delightful ambiance and you’ll find wreath-adorned front doors, a towering community Christmas tree in Taylor Park and a variety of holiday events. In addition, Orange is near to many historic sites, including the homes of four presidents.

At George Washington’s home, Christmas heralds the annual Mount Vernon by Candlelit events. These three-hour evening programs include a tour of the home, as well as fireside caroling and mugs of hot cider.

At Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, visitors can take a step back in time and experience the holiday season much as it was during the early 19th century. Throughout December, nine Signature Tours are held and these evening events include a tour of the main floor of the house and the third-floor dome room. James Monroe’s home, Ash Lawn-Highland, is another holiday option. The home is decorated for the season and special concerts and holiday workshops are scheduled during December.

If you are searching for a historic Virginia inn, look no further than the Holladay House Bed and Breakfast, located on Orange’s Main Street. The Holladay House is one of Orange’s two oldest structures in the Orange Commercial Historic District, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. This Virginia inn is named for its most prominent residents, who lived in the home for nearly a century. Civil War skirmishes took place nearby on Main Street, and James Madison probably passed by on his way down the street. Antiques and period touches add to the historic setting.

Each of the guest rooms has been decorated individually to capture a different theme. The Garden Room is a perfect spot for romance with its in-room double whirlpool tub and private patio. The Victorian Suite is another posh option and includes a four-poster bed and fireplace. The other rooms are equally delightful, and all guests enjoy luxurious linens, fluffy towels and fine bath products. Guests also are treated to a full, gourmet breakfast and homemade baked goods, coffee and tea are available throughout the day. The innkeepers at this Virginia bed and breakfast can arrange for anything from Civil War tours to hot-air balloon rides to in-room massage services.