This jam-packed day starts with the option of a delicious breakfast at The Lafayette Inn in Stanardsville, Va. While enjoying your breakfast a local historian will relate the history of the Inn. After breakfast, we will head east to James Madison’s home, Montpelier, for the day. 

* Witness the arrival of General Lafayette escorted by Gov James Barbour in his horse-drawn carriage. James and Dolly Madison are eager to greet the “Guest of the Nation” to their home!

* Enjoy a tour of James and Dolly Madison’s mansion

* James Madison and Lafayette will entertain you with lively discussions of their time.

* There will be time to wander and explore your interests, whether it be the gardens, the cemetery, the enslaved community’s quarters, the new archaeological projects in progress or the gift shop. A box lunch will be provided today as part of admission. 

* Tour the Dupont Museum, a family so crucial to the preservation of Montpelier. 

Late Saturday afternoon we will leave Montpelier and travel over to Governor Barbour’s home. It is in ruins but you can still tell who designed it. Gov Barbour will be home to welcome Lafayette. We will tour the ruins and grounds before departing. 

* For those who enjoy wine, and we are in wine country, you can reserve a spot at an exclusive wine tasting in the Octagon Barrel room at Barboursville Winery. You guessed it – where the ruins of Gov Barbour’s home are. The winery has a nice display of Gov Barbour that once seen, you understand why he became good friends with Lafayette.