'Behind the Scenes' tour of Jefferson's Monticello

What: A new "Behind the Scenes" tour of Monticello, the estate owned by Thomas Jefferson, takes visitors to rarely seen rooms on the second and third floors, including the historic dome room. The tour also includes a visit to the cellar, where a new " Crossroads" exhibition focuses on the house's dependencies, showcasing the many individuals who lived and worked on the plantation. (The tour involves climbing very steep and narrow stairs and is not recommended for those with difficulty walking. Children must be able to walk up on their own.)

Where: Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, Charlottesville, Va.

When: Tours are 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. daily, through Sept. 6

How much: $37; includes admission to Monticello.

What's nearby: This summer will mark the opening of the South Pavilion, where Jefferson and his family lived while Monticello was being built. Visitors also can view Monticello's recently restored dining room, which has been refurnished and repainted to represent a more historically accurate interpretation. The room's Wedgwood blue has been replaced with a brilliant chrome yellow pigment that experts believe Jefferson chose.