Mount Vernon

One of America’s favorite historic site, Mount Vernon lies next to part of the Potomac River in Virginia. Mount Vernon was the home of George Washington, and it is perhaps the best memorial to George Washington, for it humanizes this man of great importance and stature.

In history, people tend to focus on Washington the General, or Washington the President, instead of Washington the everyday (if aristocratic) farmer. Yet Washington did spend most of his days farming, overseeing farm development, and managing the “delectable” business of farming. Over a million people visit Mount Vernon every year, making it one of the most visited homes in America every year.

Overlooking the Potomac River, Washington’s house has marble mantles, beautiful furnishings, and ornate wall paneling. The tours also include walking out on to his piazza overlooking the river. Even by today’s standards, the house is a gorgeous one. George Washington definitely lived in well deserved comfort. During his lifetime, George Washington expanded the original six rooms of Mount Vernon to twenty one, and expanded his property from 2,000 acres to 8,000 acres.

The tours begin with a twenty minute educational/adventure movie describing the life and times of George Washington. The movie titled, We Fight to Be Free is shown in two very comfortable theatres and provides the perfect foundation for the rest of the property tours. The gardens that spread throughout the entire estate are thriving, and most of the flowers still blooming were planted by George and his wife Martha themselves. Thirteen trees Washington personally planted are still thriving; they are the last witnesses to George Washington that still survive. The tours around the estate also include seeing the laundry room, slave quarters, the smokehouse, the greenhouse, and various stables. Four acres are set aside so that visitors can experience a real working farm just as it would have been in colonial times. Also included in the tours is a visit to the marble sarcophagi where George and Martha Washington are laid to rest.

Throughout the year, various festivals and fairs take place on Mount Vernon grounds, including the ever popular wine festival in early October. Guided tours are available everyday of the year, including all holidays. The shops at Mount Vernon not only sell Mount Vernon themed goods, but various other colonial-era decorations, house wares, and gifts. The shop is a unique shopping experience, much like the character of Mount Vernon. Each of the shops has a theme – be it food and wine, Christmas celebrations (a store dedicated to year round Christmas shopping), and other historical time pieces. In keeping with its family experience theme, Dogs on a leash are welcomed, and bowls of water are provided for them. Mount Vernon is indeed an outdoor family experience!

Mount Vernon is very close to D.C, and is situated in the heavily populated northern Virginia region, so there are many activities to partake in after your visit to Mount Vernon. Use our “Things to Do” option on our homepage to get an idea of all that is offered, and to find a place to stay and eat (and there are many options), use our “Places to Stay” and “Places to Eat” options also featured on the homepage.






Virginia Tourists Guide