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)