USA Historic

What To See in Mount Vernon

Visit George Washington’s Original Plantation Home

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a historic plantation and museum located in Alexandria, Virginia, just 25 kilometres from Washington, D.C.

This is the former home of George Washington, who was the first President of the United States from 1789 – 1797. The Mount Vernon Mansion is now a popular tourist destination that attracts nearly one million visitors each year.

American history buffs will love this historical residence. Take a trip back in time and explore Washington’s restored Mansion and sprawling grounds on approximately 500 acres.

Here are some of the top things to see and do at George Washington Mount Vernon:

George Washington’s Mansion

The magnificent George Washington Mansion is the centerpiece of Mount Vernon and is a beautiful example of Georgian architecture. It was built in the mid-18th century and was the home of the first President of the United States.

The mansion has been meticulously preserved, with 21 rooms diligently recreated to reflect daily life on the plantation in the mid-to-late 1800s. Wander from room to room and marvel at many original well-preserved furnishings and artifacts.

Visitors can take a guided tour of the Mansion to learn more about George Washington and the history of the plantation.

The Gardens & Landscapes

The Gardens and Landscapes of George Washington’s Mount Vernon are a beautiful and tranquil place to explore. They feature a wide variety of plants and flowers, as well as several walking trails.

Some of the highlights of Mount Vernon’s Gardens and Landscapes include:

  • Boxwood Garden
  • The Flower Garden
  • And the Kitchen Garde

The grounds are so massive that there is a free shuttle to help you navigate between points of interest.

The Distillery & Gristmill

Take a ride on the shuttle and visit Washington’s very own Distillery and Gristmill. These unique attractions were built by George Washington in the late 18th century and were used to produce whiskey and flour.

Visitors can take a tour of the Distillery and Gristmill to learn more about the production process and see the original machinery.

The on-site staff will demonstrate how the rye whiskey was made from Washington’s original recipe, and you can even purchase a bottle!

The Museum & Education Center

The Museum and Education Center at George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a great place to learn more about the life and legacy of the man himself.

You’ll want to spend some time exploring a wide range of exhibits and interactive displays, including hundreds of original artifacts, art, and documents from Washington’s life.

From movies and a 4D theater to interactive exhibits, there are 23 galleries and theaters to explore and learn more about George Washington and his plantation life in Mount Vernon.

The Pioneer Farm

Visit Pioneer Farm at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This is a living history exhibit that allows visitors to experience what life was like on a colonial farm.

The pioneer farm features a number of original buildings, including:

  • Blacksmith shop
  • Carpentry shop
  • And smokehouse

Visitors can take a tour of the Pioneer Farm and even participate in hands-on activities like spinning and weaving.

If you are a visual learner, you’ll love interacting with the costumed actors throughout Mount Vernon. Explore the 18th-century plantation as it might have been and meet characters winnowing the wheat and plowing the fields.

Visit the stables, stop by the blacksmith shop, or watch heritage breed animals serenely grazing at Pioneer Farm. You’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time!

The Tombs of George & Martha Washington

The Tombs of George and Martha Washington are located on the grounds of Mount Vernon. They are the final resting places of George Washington and his wife, Martha, and are a popular tourist attraction.

Visitors can pay their respects to the founding father and his wife and learn more about the lives of these two iconic figures.

George Washington passed away in his room at Mount Vernon on December 14th, 1799. His will stated that he wanted to be buried in a new brick tomb at Mount Vernon. The new brick tomb would replace the family’s old burial vault.

Washington’s body, his wife’s remains, and the remains of his other family members were transferred to this new tomb in 1831. Visit the President’s final resting place and pay homage to his legacy during your visit.

Other Points of Interest at Mount Vernon

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association

The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of George Washington. It was founded in 1853 by a group of women who were determined to save Mount Vernon from being sold off and developed. Today, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association is responsible for maintaining and operating the plantation, and visitors can learn more about their important work on a tour of the property.

The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant

The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant is a popular dining spot located on the grounds of the plantation. It features a wide range of dishes inspired by the cuisine of George Washington’s time, including Virginia ham, roast beef, and chicken fricassee. Visitors can enjoy a meal at the Inn and learn more about the culinary history of the region.

The Mount Vernon Trail

The Mount Vernon Trail is a beautiful and popular walking and biking trail that follows the Potomac River. It is located just a short distance from Mount Vernon and offers stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape.

Summary

Enjoy a day trip and soak up the history at George Washington’s Mount Vernon home. Take some time to reflect on the past and learn about this founding father.

Overall, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is a must-see destination for anyone interested in American history. It is a beautiful and well-preserved plantation that offers a glimpse into the life and times of one of the most iconic figures in American history.

Visit Washington’s Mount Vernon with Caravan!

At Caravan Tours, we celebrated our 70th anniversary in 2022 as a family owned and operated American Tour company.

We specialize in fully guided tours in the United States, Canada, and Central America including in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, and Panama.

In the United States, our fully guided tours include:

Most of our fully guided Caravan tours tend to sell out early so please book well in advance to secure your preferred tour dates.

Dates for our George Washington Mount Vernon Tour and our new Washington DC Tour will be announced soon.

If you still have questions about our new 2023 US Historical tour, please contact Caravan Tours.

Call toll-free at 1-800-Caravan (227-2826)

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Top 10 Attractions & Things to Do in Washington DC

With so much to see and so many things to do in Washington DC, planning a trip to this iconic American city can feel a little intimidating!

There are few American cities more famous than the nation’s capital. This east coast metropolis is deeply rooted in history but still offers enough cultural landmarks to attract all sorts of travellers.

Founded on July 16th, 1790, Washington DC is sprawled along the banks of the Potomac River.

This is a destination in its own right thanks to its historical significance. Washington is awash with many museums, monuments, and government buildings that attract crowds of tourists year-round.

Our Top 10 Washington DC Attractions

For the History Buff, here are the top places to see and things to do in Washington DC, the nation’s capital:

  1. The US Capitol
  2. The Washington Monument
  3. The White House
  4. The Lincoln Memorial
  5. The Library of Congress

For the Cultural Explorer, check out these top 5 attractions in the nation’s capital:

  1. National Gallery of Art
  2. National Portrait Gallery
  3. Washington National Cathedral
  4. Smithsonian Museums
  5. Ford’s Theatre

Below, we’ve rounded up the highlights for both the history buff and cultural explorer. As you will see, there’s never a dull moment and many great things to do in Washington DC. There’s literally something for everyone.

For The History Buff

There is no shortage of attractions for the hobby historian when visiting the capital.

While you could make an entire trip out of monuments and historical sites alone, here are the top 5 history-related things to do in Washington DC.

1.       The US Capitol Building

A tour of the US Capitol Building is an absolute must for anyone visiting the capital.

Tours are completely free, although reservations are highly recommended as tours fill up fast, especially in the peak seasons of spring and summer.

The Capitol Building is one of the more iconic symbols of representative democracy in the world, with impressive architecture and history to boot!

Make sure to add this stop to your list when you visit Washington.

2.       The Washington Monument & National Mall

The Washington Monument, and the adjacent National Mall national park, are iconic landmarks of the DC landscape.

The 168-meter (551-foot) tall obelisk was built to honor George Washington, the first President of the United States and the city’s namesake.

Tickets are free, but again, it’s recommended to make reservations in advance.

The National Mall is one of America’s most visited national parks and sprawls before the Washington monument. These two sites are, for obvious reasons, often visited at the same time and get very crowded in the peak season.

The monuments and memorials throughout the park honor the forefathers and heroes of American history.

This is a beautiful spot to picnic in nice weather and one of the best spots to get a panoramic vacation shot with the Washington Monument from afar.

3.       The White House

Of course, one of those absolute “must” things to do in Washington DC has to be a visit to The White House.

This is a symbol of national pride and the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States.

The White House was built in the late 18th century and is free to tour… with the caveat that you’ll need to book your ticket well in advance.

If you can’t make time for an inside tour, the White House is an impressive sight from the street and provides the perfect photo op for your Washington vacation.

4.       The Lincoln Memorial & Reflecting Pool

The Lincoln Memorial and Reflecting Pool is another must-see monument in Washington.

Abraham Lincoln was the 16th President of the United States and probably one of the most famous.

The memorial and reflecting pool are a tribute to this American leader and will surely impress with a 6-meter marble statue of Lincoln. It also has a sprawling vista of the Reflecting Pool and the nearby National Mall.

5.       The Library of Congress

The Library of Congress is a Thomas Jefferson Building that is known for its stunning 19th-century architecture and countless books.

With 532 miles of shelves, over 115 million items, and another 7,000 added every working day, you could spend a lifetime perusing the library’s collections and never see them all!

Admission is free but should be booked ahead of time. The Library of Congress also features changing historical exhibitions and a magnificent interior for all to appreciate.

For The Cultural Explorer

If you’ve had your fill of history, or simply prefer a more balanced itinerary, then you’re in luck! On top of its many historical attractions, the nation’s capital boasts an impressive repertoire of cultural sites and activities.

Here are the top 5 cultural-related things to do in Washington DC.

6.       National Gallery of Art

For a healthy dose of art and culture, you could do a lot worse than to visit the National Gallery of Art. Boasted as one of the world’s premier museums, the National Gallery houses a collection of 141,000 paintings, photographs, and sculptures.

It also includes media that traces the development of Western art all the way back to the Middle Ages.

The National Gallery is an easy place to lose the day admiring the feats of human creativity. Admission to this attraction is free but should be booked in advance of your visit.

7.       National Portrait Gallery

Talk a walk and get to know famous Americans from the last 225 years of history. You can experience the stories of poets, presidents, villains, and activists through the portraits and performances hosted at the National Portrait Gallery.

An immersive blend of both culture and history, this is a must-see experience for both the historical and cultural traveller to Washington DC.

8.       Washington National Cathedral

You would be hard-pressed to find a more impressive work of architecture in the United States than this massive Gothic cathedral.

The Washington National Cathedral stands at one of the city’s highest points and cuts a distinctive shape in the Washington skyline.

While originally a Christian church, the Cathedral welcomes people of all faiths and cultures and often hosts interfaith services.

No matter your personal beliefs, you’re certain to be moved by the stunning sight of this 18th-century cathedral.

9.       Smithsonian Museums

While it’s unlikely you’ll have the time to visit all 17 Smithsonian Museums in Washington DC, these world-renowned institutions are certainly worth a slot on your bucket list. Learn about everything from the development of mankind to the history of world art with more than 150 million objects, artworks, and specimens to view.

Admission is always free at every Smithsonian Museum.

If you only have time for a few stops then the National Museum of Natural History, the National Museum of American History, and the Air and Space Museum are definitely worth visiting.

10.   Ford’s Theatre

Known as perhaps one of the most famous theatres in the United States, Ford’s Theatre is the scene of US President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination in 1865.

Despite its grim history, the theatre is wonderfully preserved, with the President’s Box still decorated the same as it was that fateful night.

Visit the theatre for its exhibits, performances, and tours.

If you visit the museum, you will find artifacts of Lincoln’s assassination, including the very gun used to commit the crime.

Summary

With so much to see and so many things to do in Washington DC, you’ll never be bored on your trip!

We’ve only just scratched the surface as this historical city is awash with many more monuments, historical sites, and cultural draws.

Make sure to book your tours in advance to see the city with an expert guide. Soak up the history as you walk the same streets frequented by the American founding fathers so very long ago.

Come Explore Washington DC with Caravan Tours!

Caravan Tours is a family-run American Tour company that started in 1952 and celebrated its 70th anniversary in 2022.

Along with fully guided tours in Central America and Canada, Caravan also offers the following USA tours:

Be sure to book your preferred tour dates early as most Caravan tours tend to sell out early.

Dates for our Washington DC Tour and our new George Washington Mount Vernon Tour will be announced soon.

To learn more about Caravan Tours or to book one of our fully guided tours, please contact us.

Washington DC FAQs

How Big Is Washington DC?

Washington DC is just over 100 square miles in size and has a population of just over 712,000.

Is Washington DC a State?

Washington DC is not a state but a district in the District of Columbia.

What Time Is It in Washington DC?

Washington DC is in Eastern Standard time which is the same Time Zone as New York, Montreal, and Toronto.

Where Is Washington DC?

Washington DC is a district located between Southern Virginia and Maryland.

How far is Washington DC from Montreal?

Washington DC is 584 miles (940km) from Montreal Quebec.

How far is Washington DC from Toronto?

Washington DC is 477 miles (769km) from Toronto Ontario.

How far is Washington DC from Boston?

Washington DC is 439 miles (706km) from Boston Massachusetts.

How far is Washington DC from New York?

Washington DC is 204 miles (328km) from New York City.

How far is Washington DC from Baltimore?

Washington DC is 40 miles (64km) from Baltimore Maryland.

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