If you’re looking for an interesting, family-friendly day trip from Washington, D.C., it’s hard to beat the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens. Mount Vernon was the home of George and Martha Washington from their marriage in 1759 until President Washington’s death in 1799. Today, the estate and gardens provide a fascinating look at life on an 18th-century plantation.
Visitors can tour the 21-room mansion and more than a dozen outbuildings, including the slave quarters, kitchen, stables, and greenhouse. Stroll four gardens, hike a forest trail, or explore a four-acre working farm on the estate grounds. Wreath-laying ceremonies are held daily at the Washingtons’ tomb, and visitors can explore a slave memorial and burial ground nearby.
The estate offers a kid-friendly, interactive “Hands-on History” exhibit from May through September (check web site for dates), and a distillery and gristmill, open April through October, features millers in colonial attire who explain how the mill works and the role it played in Washington’s farming operation.
Travel Tips
Mount Vernon offers more than enough activities to make for a full day’s visit, so you’ll want to allot ample time.
For more, visit: www.mountvernon.org, or to buy general admission tickets in advance click here.
Travel InformationMount Vernon Estate & Gardens Hours: Mount Vernon is open every day of the year, on the following schedule: April through August, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; March, September and October, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and November through February, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission: There are different fees for different tour options (check web site) but general admission rates are as follows (gate prices shown, discounts available online): Adults: $20 Parking: Mount Vernon is located 16 miles south of Washington, D.C. at the southern terminus of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. There is ample, free visitor parking on site. Check web site for driving directions. Metrorail: Mount Vernon is not accessible by Metro. |
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