Thomas Jefferson’s stunning hilltop home is one of the genuinely great historic sites in America — and visiting it is a very different experience than reading about it in school. The architecture, the gardens, the sweeping views of the countryside Jefferson gazed at while dreaming up democracy — it’s all there. The tours are excellent and have evolved significantly in recent years to tell a fuller, more honest story of everyone who lived on this mountain. The grounds include beautiful walking trails through the kitchen gardens and orchards. A UNESCO World Heritage Site worth every minute.