Washington, DC Attractions – Mount Vernon

With so much to see and do around our Nation’s Capital, it’s a wonder that anyone finds time to visit the sixteen-miles-out Mount Vernon. Yet all throughout the year tourists, history buffs, students, families and just about everyone else takes the short drive down George Washington Parkway to visit this awesome historic estate.

Mount Vernon is famous for being the home of George Washington and wife Martha Washington beginning with their marriage in 1759. The home and grounds, which George worked tirelessly to expand and develop, remained in the Washington family until 1858 when the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association purchased it. In a quick two-year turnaround, the Association opened the grounds to the public in 1860, making Mount Vernon one of America’s oldest and longest-running historic attractions.

Today the grounds are open year-round and with nearly 150 years to get it right, you can bet that this is a well worthwhile destination with loads to offer. So much I couldn’t possibly recount it all, so instead, here are some favorites: 

• Tour the Mansion – When you think Mount Vernon, you naturally think of the immensely-beautiful home of our first President, so the Mansion Tour is pretty much a requirement for first-timers. The tour is come and go as you please, with docents stationed around the mansion eager to inform or entertain you.
• Washington’s Tomb – Not the happiest attraction, but an edifying one nonetheless. Near the tomb, you’ll find the equally powerful slave burial ground.
• Gardens – Lush gardens of beauty and utility, managed today in much the same manner as George and his servants managed them 250 years ago.
• Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant – Considering the limited seating and stately museum atmosphere of Mount Vernon, the on-site restaurant is surprisingly affordable (and comes well recommended). The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner, and recommendations for either are suggested. (Sample Dinner Menu)

Believe me, I haven’t scratched the surface. There’s plenty more to do, and that’s not even counting the seasonal and temporary attractions. Mount Vernon is currently re-running its hugely popular “National Treasure Tour“, a groovy combination history/Hollywood magic tour that walks guests through the scenes of recent adventure movie “National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets”, which filmed a segment at Mount Vernon. You’ll learn the truth behind the secret passageways that Nicolas Cage “discovered” in the film.

Regular adult admission to Mount Vernon (including the mansion, grounds and most tours) is $15. Some tours may require additional admission. Learn all about it here.

I know we started in DC, but for hotels we’re making the trip to Mount Vernon that much easier by staying in Alexandria, which is just eight miles away. Consider the Crowne Plaza Old Town Alexandria Hotel for a cozy stay in Alexandria that’s in easy walking distance to most city attractions, including King Street.

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