"In point of soil, climate... and good neighborhood I think it the finest part of Virginia." So spoke Thomas Jefferson of his Lynchburg Area home. We'll be taking a look at how true this remains even today. Poplar Forest is the home which Thomas Jefferson designed and used as his personal retreat. Because of constant visitors at Monticello, Jefferson escaped several times a year to find at Poplar Forest what he called the solitude of a hermit. In 1806, while he was president, Jefferson himself directed the masons in laying the foundation for the dwelling which today is considered one of his most creative and original architectural designs. There he created an extraordinary octagonal house with accompanying dependencies and landscaping. Restoration work is continuing and you must see what detective work is revealing about Poplar Forest and how craftsmen restore the original features of a national landmark. Open daily from April through November from 10am - 4pm Admission. 434-525-1806. www.poplarforest.org