Mount Vernon

In the presence of greatness

2026-10-04 kingsnake Tourism 0

Line for the guided Mount Vernon mansion tour. Taking about 25 min., in groups of ~15, the tour visits all the rooms on the first and second floors. Beside the mansion are the colonnades, kitchen, and store house.
Line for the guided Mount Vernon mansion tour. Taking about 25 min., in groups of ~15, the tour visits all the rooms on the first and second floors. Beside the mansion are the colonnades, kitchen, and store house.

I originally planned to hike the Appalachian Trail from Snickers Gap to the PATC’s Blackburn Trail Center on Monday. But on Friday, I blew out the seat of my hiking pants hiking the previous segment, from Mount Weather to Snickers Gap. But the most important thing we do on our trips out east is visit family. I thought my son had monday off. I was wrong. Columbus Day is next week. 🤦🏻‍♂️

Martha & George Washington's bedchamber on the second floor of the sunny south wing. After George died in that bed in 1799, Martha sealed the room, moving to a 3rd floor garret. Video & flash are not allowed inside the mansion.
Martha & George Washington’s bedchamber on the second floor of the sunny south wing. After George died in that bed in 1799, Martha sealed the room, moving to a 3rd floor garret. Video & flash are not allowed inside the mansion.

In the meantime, my wife was wanting to do some tourism. She was interested in Thomas Jefferson’s estate at Monticello, or George Washington’s plantation at Mount Vernon. Being a good husband, and grateful for her support for my hiking hobby — especially her shuttle driving — I agreed that was a wonderful idea. From Hagerstown, it is about 3 hours to Monticello; half that to Mount Vernon.

Inside the Mount Vernon kitchen. Visiting the outbuildings is unguided, so each outbuilding has an info sign with the building's history, who worked there, and a quote from George or Martha.
Inside the Mount Vernon kitchen. Visiting the outbuildings is unguided, so each outbuilding has an info sign with the building’s history, who worked there, and a quote from George or Martha.

I chose Mount Vernon. Because I would have to negotiate the notorious I-495 Capital Beltway, we decided to go on Sunday. (While still mistaken we could do family stuff on Monday.) Traffic was heavier than I expected on the way down, especially on the Capital Beltway, but holy hell was it atrocious on the way back! Took us 2½ hours. On Sunday. What the hell!?

"No wish in my retirement can exceed that of seeing our country happy; and I can entertain no doubt of its being so, if all of us act the part of good citizens." -- George Washington to the Citizens of Alexandria, Virginia, March 22. 1797
“No wish in my retirement can exceed that of seeing our country happy; and I can entertain no doubt of its being so, if all of us act the part of good citizens.” — George Washington to the Citizens of Alexandria, Virginia, March 22. 1797

In any case, we wish we had more time to explore Mount Vernon’s grounds, it’s museum, and visit Washington’s Tomb, and the offsite grist mill. (And buy a bottle of the great man’s whiskey.) Plan on spending all day at Mount Vernon, not the 2½ hours we did. Your full day will be time well spent. 🇺🇸🫡

Mount Vernon Directions: From I-95, take exit 116 south onto VA-286 / Fairfax County Pkwy. In 3.0 miles, turn left on US-1 / Richmond Hwy. In 1.9 miles, turn right on VA-235 / Jeff Todd Way. In 3.0 miles, arrive at Mount Vernon. Parking is past the museum, around the traffic circle, on the right. 

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Mount Vernon, Virginia (George Washington’s Home) from Preston McMurry on Vimeo.