Enjoy the quiet and solace of winter at Poplar Forest as Jefferson once did for our winter weekends. Experience the beauty of the natural landscape and explore—at your own pace—the architectural design that makes the retreat so unique. Self-guided tours include complimentary coffee or tea and guides will be available to answer questions.

This year’s Winter Reflections offers a unique experience with new displays and a series of gallery talks and special programs. Details and tickets below!

Investigate Natural History

See how the natural environment at Poplar Forest has transitioned since Jefferson’s time, with artifact cases detailing:

—Jefferson’s designed landscape
—Cultivation of wheat and tobacco
—Hunting and wildlife during Jefferson’s time
—Forest succession through dendrochronology and macro and micro-botanical evidence

Explore Jefferson’s Architectural Journey

Get an exclusive look at rarely seen artifacts pulled from the archives just for this occasion. Interpretive posters help tell the story of Jefferson’s iconic design and how it came together.

Play Period Games

Guests are invited to try their hand at the polygraph, or sit down and enjoy a game of cards, checkers or mancala.

Read and Relax

Borrow one of the special books on display—or bring your own—and read from the comfort of the Campeche chair overlooking the South lawn. All editions on display are similar to ones owned by Jefferson.

Period books available to handle with white gloves:
—The Poetical Works of James Thompson, 1777 (Petit format book)
—Universal Geography by M. Malte-Brun, 1822
—Oeuvres de Moliere, vol. 5 by Moliere, 1753

Period books on display only, no handling:
—Notes on the State of Virginia, 2^nd edition, 1794
—Sacra Biblia, Vulgate Editionis, 1664 [Old Testament in Latin]
—Dramatic Dialogues for the Use of Young Persons by Mrs. Pinchard, 1798 [book bought by Jefferson for his granddaughters to read]
—First Book of Architecture by Andrea Palladio [First Italian Edition], 1728

NEW: Gallery Talks and Special Programs

February 27 at 1:00 p.m.
Join Poplar Forest’s Senior Research Archaeologist Eric Proebsting for a discussion on dendrochronology (tree-ring dating) and the discoveries made at Poplar Forest while making way for the new parkway entrance. Included with general admission.

March 5 (rain date March 12) at 1:00 p.m.
Join wildlife photographer, writer and naturalist Mike Roberts for a gallery talk about the natural habitat of Poplar Forest today versus Jefferson’s time. The session will wrap up with a short hike through the plantation. Included with general admission.

Winter Weekend Reflections are offered Saturdays and Sundays, January 16 through Sunday, March 13, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased below or upon arrival at the Museum Shop.

We offer discounted admission of $10 for adult and senior guests staying at the Peaks of Otter. Visit their website for more details.