Description: It should be noted that don’t plan a trip to Monticello while here or any of the other houses. Monticello is about 20 minutes from town and the only way to get there without a car is by bus and it is suggested to allow 3-4 hours here alone. We arrived in Charlottesville at noon. By the time I got off the train, caught the shuttle and got into town it was 12:30 and I had to be back on the train by 3. The Asheville trip does allow extra time giving you 5 hours, but don’t plan a trip to the Biltmore either. You need pretty much a whole day to see the home.
Tips 1. Arrive early. Seats are first come, first serve. The seats in the front and back offer more space. Groups can not reserve or hold seats.
2. Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. There is lots of walking involved in town. And when you embark and disembark the train it will be dark. The ground is uneven and can be slippery from the dew in the morning.
3. Leave the valuables at home. The train stays at the station and guests are free to come and go as they wish. They do not kick guests off and lock up the train.
4. Bring the camera and extra memory cards and batteries. Opportunities abound.
5. The trip is accessible to all. The train and the shuttle are handicapped accessible and they do take you out and pick you back up. I just opted to walk back. And there is a handicapped accessible walkway to the train but once again I opted for the direct down the bank to the train.
6. Get tickets early as they normally sell out and premium tickets go first! Start checking in the summer and get your name on the email list and they will notify you when the tickets go on sale.
Websites: www.nctrans.org
www.charlottesville.org
Recommendation Loved it! Would do it again in a heartbeat.
While I noticed the majority of he guests were mid 30’s and older, it is a wonderful trip for the whole family and I did see a few families. It was truly a wonderful trip and I can see my dad and nephew having a great time on this trip. I know I did!
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