We toured the rest of Michie Tavern, which included a mill and general store. A stream ran over the mill wheel, turning it. There were also a well and a springhouse- this was like a colonial refrigerator. It was built over a stream, and as the cold water flowed through the spring house, it cooled the air inside. Milk and other perishable items were kept in the water to keep them from spoiling as fast. The waitresses and waiters all wore colonial-style outfits, the dishes were pewter, and the dining hall was "candle-lit" (with electric lights made to look like candles, complete with a flicker). We had pulled pork, cornbread, fried chicken, stewed tomatoes, green beans, and black-eyed peas.
Recently, I and my sister went back to Virginia and revisited the tavern. All the buildings are built on the same mountain that Monticello is located on, just on the other side. It's a bit hilly. The guide told us that the original innkeeper, William Michie, was stingy. If a traveler drank too much and found himself passed out on the floor of the tavern, when he woke up, he would be billed for lodging. One room we saw had two beds crammed into what would be a tiny bedroom for one by today's standards. The guide said that it would normally be crammed with four or five beds, with two or even three people crammed into each bed! These were smaller than twin beds. No idea how these people sandwiches went to sleep each night! Talk about strange bedfellows-- you never knew who you would end up with. Cozy.
If a traveler wanted a private room, he could rent one upstairs, but that was still no guarantee he could get some sleep-- the ballroom was right next door, where people would sometimes dance until the wee hours.
Michie Tavern was a good ending to a very good visit, but finally, it was time to say goodbye to Mohammed and go home.
Recently, I and my sister went back to Virginia and revisited the tavern. All the buildings are built on the same mountain that Monticello is located on, just on the other side. It's a bit hilly. The guide told us that the original innkeeper, William Michie, was stingy. If a traveler drank too much and found himself passed out on the floor of the tavern, when he woke up, he would be billed for lodging. One room we saw had two beds crammed into what would be a tiny bedroom for one by today's standards. The guide said that it would normally be crammed with four or five beds, with two or even three people crammed into each bed! These were smaller than twin beds. No idea how these people sandwiches went to sleep each night! Talk about strange bedfellows-- you never knew who you would end up with. Cozy.
If a traveler wanted a private room, he could rent one upstairs, but that was still no guarantee he could get some sleep-- the ballroom was right next door, where people would sometimes dance until the wee hours.
Michie Tavern was a good ending to a very good visit, but finally, it was time to say goodbye to Mohammed and go home.
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