Visiting Monticello and area
 

I have only about a half day to visit Charlottesville and of course want to tour Monticello. How necessary is it to buy the tickets in advance? Would like to do the tour in early morning so I can see other places after. Will try to see the University on the eve before. Anyother must see historical places from your perspective? Any comments on the Sleep Inn in Charlottesville?

I think that if you go when they first open in the morning, you should be okay with not having a ticket in advance.

As for other things to do in Charlottesville, if you stop in at the visitor center, they have a pretty good walking tour map which will point out the historical highlights in the center of town.

If you're going on a weekday, I'd be very surprised if you have any problem getting tickets the day of your visit. Weekends are likely to be busier, but as long as you get to Monticello first thing in the morning, you should be able to get a reasonably early admission time.

In addition to Monticello, I'd recommend Ash Lawn-Highlands, James Monroe's home, which is about 5 minutes from Monticello. Ash Lawn-Highlands is smaller, but is definitely more representative of typical upper class homes during the period. I'd pass on Michie Tavern; a might too touristy for me.

If you've got extra time, you might consider Montpelier, James Madison's home, which is about 45 minutes away from Charlottesville. Montpelier is a fascinating example of historic preservation - it was a duPont mansion until the duPont additions were removed over the past decade, and the house was returned to its state at the time of Madison's residence.

I definitely agree with the comments from gvdIAD. Ash Lawn is so different from Monticello. And Montpelier is splendid too.

If you have the opportunity to tour UVA the day before, definitely try to take one of the free tours. The University is beautifully designed, and the serpentine gardens for some of the residences quite lovely.

The Bayly Art Museum has some excellent exhibits. I'm not sure if it's closed for renovation, though.

Have a good time.

For lodging, I'd recommend the Fairfield Inn. Nice small pool and near
lots of restaurants and grocery stores (Whole Foods to Food Lion)
Good internet rates.

For good inexpensive eats, try Continental Divide in Charlottesville. Great southwestern/Tex mex and awesome margaritas if that's your style