Pine Knot, Theodore Roosevelt's presidential retreat, is open — by invitation only

Everyone's heard of Monticello and lots of people know about Mount Vernon and Montpelier and Ash Lawn-Highland but very few know that Teddy Roosevelt also had a presidential retreat built in Virginia.

Above, Pine Knot in 1906.

It's at 711 Coles Rolling Road in Keene, Virginia, about 15 miles from my house, right here in Albemarle County.

Who knew?

Anne Causey wrote about the invitation-only reception that begins at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 13.

It's one of two annual events hosted by the Edith and Theodore Roosevelt Pine Knot Foundation to raise funds to support the upkeep of the cottage.

Visitors will be able to tour the simple cottage and the surrounding trails walked by TR himself will be open.

Here's the deal: you email pkfd@earthlink.com or call 434-286-6106 to get on the guest list.

But it's gonna cost you: $50 a person or $75 a couple.

Hey — maintenance costs.

Causey wrote that "there will be a special rate... for members of the Monticello Bird Club and the Virginia Native Plant Society."

Between 75 and 150 people are expected to attend the event.