You'll Love Virginia's Founding Fathers.

Athough "The Journey Through Hallowed Ground" covers 175 miles and 200 years of American history, this getaway focuses only on the beginning of the journey and the republic: Charlottesville in the 18th century.

The Journey begins on Route 53 in Charlottesville at Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, author of the Declaration of Independence, the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom, founder of the University of Virginia and third president of the United States.

Adjacent to Monticello, also on Route 53, is Ash Lawn-Highland, home of James Monroe, fifth president of the United States and "Father of the Monroe Doctrine." During July and August, Ash Lawn-Highland hosts an opera festival on its grounds.

From Ash Lawn-Highland, follow Route 20 north to Montpelier in Orange County, home of James Madison, our nation's fourth president and "Father of the Consitution." Montpelier is undergoing extensive renovation to return it in size, structure and furnishing to the home that James and Dolley Madison knew in the 1820s. Portions of the home will be open at all times during restoration, though.

From Orange County, the Journey Through Hallowed Ground continues on to Manassas, the 19th century and the battles of the Civil War — another getaway for another day.