CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA. -- Monticello once again will offer reduced admission rates to residents of 12 localities in Central Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley during the month of September.

The Good Neighbor Month rates -- $10 for adults, no charge for children under 12 -- will be available to residents of Albemarle, Augusta, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, Madison, Nelson, and Orange counties and the cities of Charlottesville, Staunton, and Waynesboro.

Additionally, any adult resident of these localities will be admitted free of charge when accompanying an out-of-area visitor or visitors paying the regular admission price ($15 for adults, $8 for children ages 6 to 11).

A valid driver's license or other proof of residence must be presented at the Monticello Ticket Office to obtain the special Good Neighbor Month rates, which will be in effect from Labor Day (Monday, Sept. 1) through Tuesday, Sept. 30.

Reserved tickets for Monticello can be purchased online at www.monticello.org. Residents of the 12 Virginia localities who use this option to obtain tickets for September dates will be charged the regular ticket price plus a service charge on their credit cards, but they will be reimbursed the difference in ticket price at the Monticello Ticket Office upon presentation of proof of residence.

Admission to Monticello, the mountaintop home of Thomas Jefferson, includes a guided tour of the house and access to the grounds. Two guided outdoor tours -- of the gardens and grounds (offered eight times daily beginning at 9:15 a.m.) and the plantation community (offered six times daily beginning at 10 a.m.) -- are offered free with admission.

Monticello is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Additional information can be obtained by calling (434) 984-9822 or by visiting the Web site monticello.org.