Mount Vernon: Inside George Washington’s Beloved Estate in Virginia

At Mount Vernon, it’s not only about where you are but when you are. As you explore the grounds of this 18th century plantation, you’ll be met with costumed figures straight out of Washington’s era, demonstrating everything from winnowing wheat to plowing a field. Watch horses tread in the 16-sided barn, visit the blacksmith shop, or observe heritage breed animals grazing at Pioneer Farm, a scenic site set along the Potomac River. Pay homage to George and Martha Washington at The Tombs.

What’s inside Mount Vernon is as compelling as what you’ll find outside. Begin with the mansion itself, where 21 rooms have been faithfully recreated to reflect both daily life on the plantation and the president’s legacy. Tour the first two floors along with interpreters, marveling at the period architecture and furnishings. Head to the Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center to see authentic artifacts and seven galleries’ worth of interactive exhibits. Experience falling snow and booming cannons in the 4-D theater, or follow Washington’s story in an immersive film. The Hands-on-History Center offers your budding historians the chance to explore it all, too.

Less than five kilometers from the main entrance, the once-largest whiskey distillery in the USA is still in operation. Take Mount Vernon’s free shuttle to the distillery to see how period distilling techniques are used to produce rye whiskey from Washington’s original recipe, and purchase a bottle while you’re there. Just next door is a fully functioning gristmill, where a grain master demonstrates exactly how the mill process works. Head back to the mansion for a 60-minute Gardens and Groves Tour, during which you’ll get a true lay of the land, learning about Washington’s vision for his grounds and the native plants and trees on the property. Before you leave, have dinner at the nearby Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant and browse The Shops at Mount Vernon for period souvenirs, such as stone-ground grits from the gristmill or handcrafted items made from trees on the estate.

Mount Vernon is less than an hour from Washington Dulles Airport (IAD). By car, take the George Washington Memorial Parkway from the Washington, D.C. area for a scenic ride that ends at the estate. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) also provides service to Mount Vernon via Metrorail’s Yellow Line and bus. Boat tours travel to and from Mount Vernon, departing from Washington, D.C.; Alexandria, Virginia; and National Harbor, Maryland.