While tourists flock to both Monticello and Mount Vernon, the homes of Presidents Jefferson and Washington, they would do well to include a visit to Montpelier, the stunning home of President James Madison.

Set in the Virginia countryside, a few minutes from the historic town of Orange, Montpelier is the perfect spot to brush up on your American history. The staff at this living museum offers a full slate of unique activities throughout the year. Recently, they have teamed with several local inns and restaurants to create Montpelier Excursions. These all-inclusive packages combine gourmet dining, the romance of a country inn and the excitement of exploring the home of one of the nation’s founding fathers.

There are several different excursions to enjoy. The Heart of Montpelier is ideal for those who wish to spend a long weekend soaking up some history. This three-day, two-night package includes a comprehensive tour of the mansion, as well as a visit to an archaeological dig in an area known as the “North Kitchen.” The second day includes a tour of the extensive grounds and Landmark Forest of Montpelier. Each night includes a gourmet dinner at a local restaurant as well as lodging at a nearby country inn.

Other three-day, two-night excursions include the Montpelier Wine Weekend and the History Weekday or History Weekend adventures. Each of these packages includes lodging at a local inn and dining. The History Weekday and History Weekend packages also include a two-day admission pass to Montpelier, a gift bag and museum shop discount. The Montpelier Wine Weekend is a showcase of Virginia wine country and offers tastings at a half-dozen local wineries, as well as a tour of Montpelier.

For those with a bit more time, the unique Dig in Style package might be just the ticket. This six-day, five-night package includes lodging and meals, as well as a special dinner with Montpelier’s Director of Archaeology. During the day, guests actually get to participate in archaeological digs currently in action at Montpelier. There is no end to the treasures you might uncover.

There are several excellent local inns participating in the Montpelier Excursions program. The Holladay House, however, is an ideal lodging choice for those who wish to soak up even more history. Dating back to Madison’s time, this historic inn shares some similar architectural features as Montpelier, including its front doors. It is located just five minutes from Montpelier right in the center of Orange’s historic commercial district.

The innkeepers have decorated their inn with both history and romance in mind. Luxurious linens and fluffy robes are among the amenities, and several rooms boast a fireplace or whirlpool tub. One special room recently has been refurbished and named in honor of James Madison’s great-nephew, John Madison Chapman, owner of the house and himself a prominent citizen. The room includes a fireplace with a beautiful mantel original to the home, as well as a luxurious cherry, four-poster bed. During his time as owner of the house, he also planted the rare English Oak tree that is still in the backyard. It came from a seedling from the Montpelier plantation.

New York city is one of the most amazing cities to visit in the whole wide world. Anyone who has been there will tell you that it is full of life both day and night. In New York city you will encounter people from all over the world, and if ever there, one must not forget to visit the array of museums and cultural events always at your disposal, which can be visited just about any time of the day. The variety of shows will surely please anyone from the young to the not so young. New York city will certainly bring an experience that one will never forget.

Once there some of the places to visit of course would be Times Square, Wall Street, Central Park, theaters, and if you want to take a great picture of the Empire State Building, the best ones are taken from Madison Square Park. Also don’t forget to visit the Sears Tower! New York City also offers an array of stores and boutiques, with some of the best shops in the world carrying top brand names and the latest fashions, like those seen in magazines from all over the world. If you want to start looking sharper, fashionable and give your closet a face lift, then this is the perfect opportunity to do so.

Hey, and don’t forget to have one of New York City’s famous hot dogs, while walking up and down Times Square, to really get a taste of what New York is all about. You can have that for lunch and then one of New York City’s famous and delicious pizzas for dinner. Don’t worry about gaining extra pounds as you’ll be doing lots of walking. Just make sure you bring very comfortable walking shoes with you and a healthy appetite!

Perhaps hopping in to a cab to really savour the New York experience may not be a bad idea at all. It will give you a chance to experience New York City while sitting comfortably in a cab, and stopping in front of a theater somewhere and getting tickets, if available, for that night’s show, may not be a bad idea while doing so. New York City also offers water taxi rides at South Street Seaport, which allows you to experience Brooklyn and the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, museums, St. James Cathedral, and much more. While on the taxi water ride you will also be able to see both the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

While in New York City you will be able to taste cuisine from all over the world, which you can do at a corner mom and pop restaurant, eating some of the best home-made food you have ever had, or you can chose to have an exquisite meal at one of the world’s top restaurants which the city has to offer. Perhaps while visiting, one you may even encounter a famous Hollywood star! So don’t forget to have your camera handy at all times. Be comfortable, but look your best and enjoy the New York City experience, its food, its people, its flavors, its cab rides and most of all don’t forget to shop!