George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Mount_VernonWhat better way to celebrate Fourth of July #238 than to plan a visit to the home of President #1?  Mount Vernon, George Washington’s estate on the shores of the Potomac River, is one of the most easily recognizable homes in the country.  The plantation has been maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association since 1853, with an emphasis not only on preserving the architecture but as an educational opportunity for visitors.

Of course, the centerpiece of the estate is the iconic red-roofed mansion that looks out over the river toward Maryland.  Don’t forget to spend a few minutes sitting on the porch, contemplating who has been there before.  Getting inside the mansion is often the most problematic part of a visit to Mount Vernon.  Unfortunately, a long line is often the price you’ll pay to take the tour.

On the other hand, once you’ve paid the entrance fee you’re free to wander unguided around the extensive grounds.  Numerous “out buildings” provide information about life in 18th century America, including the role of slaves on a Virginia plantation.  There are also several gardens, both ornamental and “working” – still producing fruits and vegetables after more than 200 years.

The grounds are large enough to hold several more modern buildings for the comfort and edification of visitors.  Near the entrance to Mount Vernon are an orientation center, museum, education center, shops and food court.

The newest addition is something called the Fred W. Smith National Library for the Study of George Washington.  (C’mon, Fred!  We appreciate your generous contribution, but do you really need top billing on a facility which should rightfully be called The George Washington National Library?)  Scheduled to open this September, the library will have a massive collection of scholarly works about the life and times of the first President.  Fellowships will be awarded for a select few to do short-term and long-term research at the library.

Mount Vernon is a little under 20 miles south of Washington, DC.  The most scenic option for the second half of the trip is to take the George Washington Memorial Parkway along the Potomac, which ends at the doorstep of Mount Vernon.

TheRealPlaces.com has a guide to hotels near Mount Vernon, as well as a large collection of nice places to stay in nearby Washington, DC.

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