There is an introductory video, made in the late 1980s, early 1990s, that gives a brief overview of the president's life. It does not focus on the controversial aspects of his administration, like the Trail of Tears or the Bank conflict. Maybe those topics are covered in the small museum also on the premises; we did not go in it. You walk out to the main house (transportation is available, I believe, for those in wheelchairs, etc.) for a guided tour, which only takes about 20 minutes. This seemed a bit rushed to me, as I wanted more time to see the items in the rooms. The gardens and outbuildings, like the kitchen, are viewed at your own pace. There is an interesting display about Alfred. Once a slave, he stayed on at the plantation after emancipation, served as a tour guide, and was buried at his request near "The General."

Unfortunately, tornados in 1998 destroyed many of the trees that had lined the property and drive since Jackson's time, but it is still a tranquil setting, with the descendents of Jackson's horses out in the pasture. Admission is $12 for adults, with family packages available.

The Hermitage is not a static property, even though history stopped being made here 150 years ago. There is ongoing site development. Every summer, an archeological site is developed; they are trying to piece together the lives of the slaves, who have been for the most part neglected in the historical records. Visitors are allowed to sift through the dirt looking for artifacts and to question the archeologists. One of the newer additions is a wagon tour highlighting slave life at the Hermitage.

There is a construction project as well. The original Hermitage, which was a log cabin, is being restored to the way it was during the slave era, 1820 to 1865, when it was used as housing. HGTV will be doing a program about it.

The house is not large, but it has been beautifully maintained. All the rooms are behind glass and you have to view them from the halls. There is a man who greatly resembles the General (what President Jackson preferred to be called) and who entertains visitors with anecdotes and will pose for pictures. We spent quite a long time talking to him.

You will want to allow at least an hour to tour the grounds. Alfred’s cabin still stands on the property, and I walked out to the original Hermitage site. Lastly, you will want to walk in the garden and visit the graves of Andrew and Rachel. There is a small family cemetery on one side. You will also notice Alfred’s grave alongside the Jacksons’ tomb. He gave back all the household artifacts that he had accumulated in his many years there in exchange for this privilege—a testimony to his love for the General.

Finish your visit with a stop at their store and a snack at Monell’s. The store is a very nice one, and Monell’s will teach you what meat and three means.

He purchased it in 1804 and had 1000 acres at the time of his death. Inside the mansion, scenes of Greece are on the wallpaper. Almost all the furnishings are original. Tour guides are dressed in period costumes.

Jackson and his wife are buried here in the gardens. There are many outbuildings to see. There is a church he built for his wife and attended regularly. Tulip Grove is also on the property belonging to Jackson's wife's nephew and Jackson's secretary.

The Hermitage was built around 1820 in simple brick Federal sytle but was remodeled in 1831. Fire damaged it in 1834 and the new Hermitage was built in 1836 in the Greek Revival style.

The museum offers a wonderful art display and you can vote on your favorite portrait of a president or first lady.

There is a reasonably priced cafe on-site and a nice gift shop featuring many of the president's White House China.