Xeni
Regular Member
imported post
Wife and I decided to leave the homestead and travel to Monticello (we really enjoyed the John Adams miniseries) and wanted to see a national treasure located only a few hours away.
So, I did my research and navigated a route that would not take me on any NPS road and confirmed that Monticello is not a federal park. So, we packed the car up and headed on down. The trip was nice and we even saw some sights in PWC on the way that made us appreciate how lovely Virginia and our county is.
We arrived and had to stay in a line to get tickets for about 20~ minutes. Afterwhich we waited for about 10 minutes to watch a 15 minute movie on Mr. Jefferson. After that we decided to pick up some food in the Cafe and we dined outside. My wife noticed that a woman who was about to sit next to us on this very long bar-style bench but saw my sidearm and went to the OTHER side of the bench as far as possible from us. We bought thought it was odd but didn't think much of it. We ate our meal and I went inside to throw away our trash.
As soon as we left the cafe a security guard approached me and asked me if I wouldn't mind speaking with him outside. I nodded approval and walked with him towards the bench area but away from the other visitors.
He said, "Sir, you do understand that you are on private property?"
Yes.
Is there a reason that your armed? Are you afraid for your personal security?
I simply smirked and said, "I'm sure your good at security but I prefer to take care of myself."
Well sir. I understand you have a right to open carry - I have a concealed permit myself. Is there anyway you will consent to leaving your firearm in your car?
No. I don't feel comfortable with that.
Well, sir. Are you law enforcement?
No.
Do you have a concealed permit?
Yes. (I didn't however show him nor did he request to see it.)
We'll sir, would you mind concealing for the duration of your visit?
I wanted to say no and in my mind I had it to say no but I couldn't have dragged my wife out for a 2.5 hour trip with nothing to show for it. So, I concented to covering up by untucking my shirt. I thanked the guard (head of security) and we both went on our way.
What was funny about this was that I think that the lady thought that the guard would kick me out and was FURIOUS that I simply covered up and was allowed on my way. We ended up being on the VERY same tour group together and having to huddle up in the smallish rooms within Monticello. She would always try to move away from us or she clung to her bf/husband's arm. I hate to say it but it was almost amusing to see such irrational fear at an object.
Anyways, the guard was VERY professional and knew the laws and how they applied to private property.
I was simply impressed how many native Virginian's and tourists simply didn't care that I was open carrying at a historic monument. It was just (silly!) too bad that this woman didn't know Mr. Jefferson's stance on firearms.
Had a great time and loved my time on that beautiful mountain!
Wife and I decided to leave the homestead and travel to Monticello (we really enjoyed the John Adams miniseries) and wanted to see a national treasure located only a few hours away.
So, I did my research and navigated a route that would not take me on any NPS road and confirmed that Monticello is not a federal park. So, we packed the car up and headed on down. The trip was nice and we even saw some sights in PWC on the way that made us appreciate how lovely Virginia and our county is.
We arrived and had to stay in a line to get tickets for about 20~ minutes. Afterwhich we waited for about 10 minutes to watch a 15 minute movie on Mr. Jefferson. After that we decided to pick up some food in the Cafe and we dined outside. My wife noticed that a woman who was about to sit next to us on this very long bar-style bench but saw my sidearm and went to the OTHER side of the bench as far as possible from us. We bought thought it was odd but didn't think much of it. We ate our meal and I went inside to throw away our trash.
As soon as we left the cafe a security guard approached me and asked me if I wouldn't mind speaking with him outside. I nodded approval and walked with him towards the bench area but away from the other visitors.
He said, "Sir, you do understand that you are on private property?"
Yes.
Is there a reason that your armed? Are you afraid for your personal security?
I simply smirked and said, "I'm sure your good at security but I prefer to take care of myself."
Well sir. I understand you have a right to open carry - I have a concealed permit myself. Is there anyway you will consent to leaving your firearm in your car?
No. I don't feel comfortable with that.
Well, sir. Are you law enforcement?
No.
Do you have a concealed permit?
Yes. (I didn't however show him nor did he request to see it.)
We'll sir, would you mind concealing for the duration of your visit?
I wanted to say no and in my mind I had it to say no but I couldn't have dragged my wife out for a 2.5 hour trip with nothing to show for it. So, I concented to covering up by untucking my shirt. I thanked the guard (head of security) and we both went on our way.
What was funny about this was that I think that the lady thought that the guard would kick me out and was FURIOUS that I simply covered up and was allowed on my way. We ended up being on the VERY same tour group together and having to huddle up in the smallish rooms within Monticello. She would always try to move away from us or she clung to her bf/husband's arm. I hate to say it but it was almost amusing to see such irrational fear at an object.
Anyways, the guard was VERY professional and knew the laws and how they applied to private property.
I was simply impressed how many native Virginian's and tourists simply didn't care that I was open carrying at a historic monument. It was just (silly!) too bad that this woman didn't know Mr. Jefferson's stance on firearms.
Had a great time and loved my time on that beautiful mountain!
