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Census-designated place in Virginia, United States
Photo: J. Miers - User: (WT-shared) Jtesla16 at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Mount Vernon is a district in Fairfax County, Virginia, situated on the Potomac River. It takes its name from the country home and plantation of George Washington, the first president of the United States of America.
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Tour the original mansion that George Washington built, lived, and died in, then visit the outbuildings, gardens, and fields to learn more about history, farming, and the man. Periodic concerts, historical demonstrations, and other performances are held throughout the day. Tickets are $2 off online when purchased 3 days in advance.
The main attraction: see the rooms that George Washington designed himself and their majestic setting over the Potomac River. This is the only guided portion of the estate and require a timed ticket (included with admission); however the time is just a guideline since tours of the mansion operate continuously. Long lines are common on weekends so consider doing this first.
The final resting places of George Washington and his wife Martha. Tribute at the Tomb wreath-laying ceremonies take place at 10AM and 2PM, April – October, and at noon November – March.
Museum of multimedia exhibits which span the life of George Washington. Don't miss the most famous dentures in history!
A memorial honoring the slaves who lived and worked at Mount Vernon. Slave Life at Mount Vernon tours are offered at 10AM, noon, and 2PM, April - October, and start at the Mansion.
Watch the water-powered mill operate as it did at the time when George Washington developed it as a cutting edge technology.
A 4-acre, colonial farm exhibition highlighting the buildings, tools, and techniques Washington used on the site.
From Old Town Alexandria, take a self-guided ride 9 miles down the Mount Vernon Trail to the estate, then return via boat, including a narrated tour of the riverfront. Reservations required at least 24 hours in advance; space is limited.
Elegant dining with a colonial theme. Open for lunch and candlelit dinners (reservations recommended). Also has a small bar and serves Mount Vernon beers and George Washington whiskey.
Produced in collaboration with Dynasty Brewing Co, the Rules of Civility beer series pays homage to George Washington. Available to drink at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant and available for purchase in the gift shop.
Each bottle is produced using 18th-century distilling methods and techniques at George Washington’s reconstructed distillery. Available to drink at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant and for purchase at the gift shop or the distillery.
Suites with fridge and microwave, complimentary breakfast, indoor pool, whirlpool (for guests 16 years+) and fitness center; free wired and wireless Internet throughout the hotel, onsite business center, free shuttle to the Huntington Metro Center.
Colonial gift shop with a feminine theme featuring chinaware, needlework, and garden items.
Large gift shop which includes the largest George Washington bookstore in the world, a Christmas Corner with year-round holiday themed gifts, and colonial reproduction gifts. (No admission necessary to enter).
By car
The Mount Vernon estate lies at the southern terminus of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, which follows the Potomac River from I-495 in Langley to the northwest.
By public transportation
By tour bus
Several tour companies operate bus tours from Washington to Mount Vernon.
By bicycle
The fully paved, 18-mile-long Mount Vernon Trail follows the Potomac River from Theodore Roosevelt Island in Arlington all the way to the Mount Vernon estate.
By boat
While you cannot dock your own boat at Mount Vernon, several cruise companies offer Mount Vernon excursions.
The Mount Vernon estate is compact, but beyond the manor house, there are some steep hills.
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