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Alexandria's Mount Vernon Estate - It you have a Couple of Hours to Spare - plan a visit to George Washington's Mt Vernon Estate
Mt Vernon Estate was the home of George and Martha Washington from the time of their marriage in 1759 until Washington's death in 1799. General Washington worked without rest to expand his plantation on The Potomac River from 2000 to 8000 acres. And he expanded the mansion house from 6 rooms to 21. The Mt Vernon Estate opened to the public in 1860 and since then, nearly 80 million visitors have toured Washington's home (and its current 500 acres).
Mt Vernon Estate - Getting ThereIt couldn't be easier. From Old Town, take South Washington Street SOUTH.At approximately the 900 block of South Washington Street you'll be crossing the Beltway (I495) --- and you probably won't EVEN notice this, but at that point, South Washington Street becomes the George Washington Memorial Parkway. It's a lovely 2 lane River Road, with national parkland on your left. A 45 MPH speed limit (State Police are often visible)...but you'll want to travel nice and slow anyway, because the Potomac River Views are spectacular, and probably you'll see all kinds of bird and wildlife. (Herons, Hawks and even Bald Eagles are part of the show). After 8 miles, the road will end, and the estate will be immediately in FRONT of you. Look for signs for parking lots. (There are several). If you have elderly or disabled people in your party, there is a drop off area immediately out front.
Getting to Mt Vernon by public transportationTake the Washington, D.C., Metro rail's Yellow Line train to Huntington Station in Virginia. Exit at the lower level (Huntington Avenue) of the station to catch a Fairfax Connector bus to Mount Vernon. Board the Fairfax Connector Bus #101 (Fort Hunt Line) at Huntington Station for a 20-minute trip to Mount Call Metro at (202) 637-7000 for more information on the trains. Call Fairfax Connector at (703) 339-7200 for more information on buses.Gray Line Bus Tours from Washington, D.C depart daily from Gray Line Terminal at Union Station in Washington, D.C., at 8:00 a.m. Visit Gray Line or call (202) 289-1995 for more information. Tourmobile Sightseeing Tours from Washington, D.C., and Arlington, Virginia depart daily from the Tourmobile Station at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia, at 11:00 a.m., June 15 - Labor Day. Visit Tourmobile or call (202) 554-5100 for more information. Mt. Vernon Estate Website...Click here for The Mt Vernon Estate website... Tickets are pricey, around $20 for adults but well WORTH it.Tips: Try to go during the week. The mansion at Mt Vernon limits the number of people in rooms, so it can be slow-going weekends during the peak season (anytime the weather is pleasant).The grounds at Mt Vernon Estate are interesting, as are the buildings where you can watch re-creations of colonial activities.
Mt Vernon Museum is a MUST SEE...You'll be amazed at the quantity and quality of the artifacts and the history you'll learn.The movies are excellent, and you'll learn history the way history SHOULD be taught. It's an experience you'll never forget...learning first-hand about the hardships and realities of life during George Washington's time. The Restaurant (Mt Vernon Inn) is popular...so make reservations if you're planning dinner (or even lunch, especially for weekends)...703-780-0011...I've eaten at The Mt Vernon Inn, and the food is completely adequate. Not fancy, not gourmet, but that's OK - because the service is very pleasant and the costumed servers make you feel "colonial" if only for an hour or so.The restaurant is a nice respite - and lighter food is offered on the premises at "The Food Court". Please note: Mt Vernon is OFF the beaten path. There are NO convenient eateries or places where you can get, even a cold soda, on the way or in the nearby area. Plan accordingly...if you're a coffee or water addict...before you get on The Parkway, stop at one of the stores, coffee shops or eateries on the 400 - 700 block of South Washington Street to stock up...it'll be your last chance, except for Mt Vernon's "Food Court".
Mt Vernon's Gift Shop is an Important Revenue Source For Maintaining The Estate...Rest assured, if you shop there, you'll doing a good thing to help support Mt Vernon Estate.There is a food court at Mt Vernon, where you can buy burgers, soft drinks, ice cream, etc.The Food Court at Mt Vernon is especially set up to cater-to groups that arrive by tour bus. (And there are a LOT of them).The facility can seat 250 - and offers pizza, grilled burgers and french fries...typical fast food fare. |
