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Exploring President Washington’s Home

The house was made out of wood instead of concrete. You may notice that the middle of the house does not line up evenly and a few of the windows are fake to give the appearance of a symmetrical house.

There are many amazing places to explore in Virginia! So make sure to add Mount Vernon to your list. This beautiful estate was an heirloom given to President George Washington after the passing of his family members. He lived in the home for over 40 years including the time he spent with his wife, Martha Washington. The property includes the Blacksmith Shop, the Slave Quarters, the many gardens, the Shoemaker’s Shop, the Stove Room, the Overseer’s House, the Spinning House, the Salt House, the Gardener’s House, the Clerk’s Quarters, the Smokehouse, the Wash House, the Coach House, the farm, the Washington tomb, the Slave Memorial, the Wharf near the Potomac River, livestock, the museum, shops, and several food places.

Let’s go!

Beautiful Christmas trees welcome guests in the Ford Orientation Center and the Donald W Reynolds Museum & Education Center.

Most guests wear casual clothes including jeans and a winter coat during the month of December. There is a bag limit size. No bag larger than 16x16x8 will be allowed on the property. Also, I recommend wearing shoes that you don’t mind getting dirty. The paths are a little rocky and slightly muddy in places. I was very glad I wore my comfortable walking boots instead of my tennis shoes to make sure by feet stayed dry.

Comfy is the Way to Go

Depending on the type of navigation system you use, there may be issues finding the location so make sure to input the exact street address: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway in Mount Vernon, VA 22121. For some reason, my GPS rerouted me to the middle of the town.

  • Cost: Admission for adults 12 years of age and older is $28. This will give you access to the grounds, all of the buildings, the shops, the museum, the food, and an inside tour of the house. In addition, the ticket will also give you access to an audio tour device, which can be retrieved in the Ford Orientation Center.
  • Parking: The parking is free whether or not you purchase an admission ticket. I recommend arriving to the facility around 9 AM to make sure you’re guaranteed a good parking spot.
  • Sites: Most of the sites are outside so you will want to prepare for the weather accordingly. If you purchase an Admission ticket, you will also be able to venture inside the house on a guided tour.
  • Food: The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant is located on the facility but you will need a reservation. You can also eat at the food court located near the shops.
  • Disclaimer: Although the house itself and the grounds were absolutely beautiful, I do not support the horrendous acts of slavery that took place on these grounds. May we learn of history so that we do not repeat it.

Meet the Animals:

There are many sheep in several locations on the property. There are also two bulls and one camel featured at Christmastime named Aladdin.

The sheep were so adorable!

Show Your Respects at Washington’s Tomb

It’s important to only speak softly (or not speak at all) when approaching the tomb out of respect.

Show Your Respects at the Slave Memorial:

Just like the Washington burial site, it’s important to only speak softly (or not speak at all) when approaching the memorial out of respect for the many lives that were buried on the site.

Visit the Wharf Near the Potomac River

There is no railing on the shoreline so make sure to keep children a safe distance away.

Stroll the Many Gardens:

Although there are many gardens, to me this one is the prettiest.
This garden is probably the smallest of all, but it is my favorite since the president tested plants with his own hands in this small garden and then wrote down his findings. He had a passion for horticulture. (You will find this small garden to the left of the house behind the Overseer’s House and the Spinning House).

Visit the Slave Quarters:

The slave quarters are located on the backside of the Greenhouse.

Peak into the Many Other Outbuildings:

The Wash House
The Overseer’s House
The Overseer’s House

Take a Guided Tour through the House:

This is the New Room and was the newest addition to the house. (Please note: Starting January 2024, this room will not be available to tour for a great length of time)
Another view of the New Room
The Front Parlor
The Little Parlor
The Dining Room
President George Washington and Martha’s Bedroom. (He actually passed away on this bed)
The Butler’s Pantry
Another view of the Butler’s Pantry (The glassware reminds me of Anthropologie)
The Study: This was President Washington’s writing desk. (Needless to say, this room was one of my favorites)
The kitchen was on the right wing of the house. (It was kept separate from the house in case of a fire)
Another view of the Kitchen

Venture into the On-Site Shops and the Museum:

Jean-Antoine Houdon created this masterpiece of President Washington using a mask to make sure the sculpture was as accurate as possible. It is known for being the best likeness of Washington that was ever created. (This is located in the museum and is a must see).

Treat Yourself to the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant:

Make sure to reserve you a spot at this charming restaurant with delectable food. For afternoon attire, I wore black jeans with a soft sweater and my boots. (Shoutout to the waiter, Harry, for being so kind and helpful).

Note: The restaurant also offers breakfast foods on Saturday and Sunday

The top left is the Southwest Chicken Salad with Grilled Chicken ($16) and the bottom right is the Fried Brie appetizer ($12) that is freshly breaded with almonds and served with strawberry chutney and crackers. It was so good!

Time to Eat!

  • I recommend arriving to the facility around 9 AM so that you’ll be able to park fairly close to the restaurant.
  • Instead of exploring the house first (which is where most visitors flock to), I recommend starting on the outskirts to visit the animals, Washington’s Tomb, the Wharf by the Potomac River, and the Slave Memorial & Cemetery. This will allow you time to explore these areas in peace and without so many people nearby.
  • After the grounds have been explored, I recommend heading up towards the house to explore the outbuildings, multiple gardens, and the slave quarters.
  • Schedule your house tour around 12 PM while other guests are eating lunch.
  • The tour should last around 40 minutes so then you’ll be free to take outside pictures.
  • Note: Make sure to go around to the backside of the house overlooking the river. The view is absolutely gorgeous and a great place for family pictures.
  • Around 2 PM head back towards the museum and gift shops to shop.
  • At 3 PM, grab lunch on the grounds at either the Mount Vernon Inn (I highly recommend) or the food court.
  • Additional Note: At Christmastime, you can also take a candlelight tour.

There are many other experiences you may want to add to your list including:

  • Gunston Hall
  • George Washington’s Distillery and Gristmill

Here are a few of my local favorite foods driving distance from Mount Vernon:

  • Coastal Flats
  • Ozzies Good Eats
  • California Kitchen Pizza (BBQ Chicken Pizza is my favorite)
  • BGR Burgers Grilled Right
  • Sweet Rolled Tacos (Dessert)
  • Magnolia Dessert Bar & Coffee
  • Santini’s NY Style Deli (Italian)

Thank you for venturing along with me on this journey to Mount Vernon. Make sure to sign up for my emails or follow me on Instagram to keep up with my latest adventures.