Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens, Alexandria

I have been here twice so far and I plan on going a few more times. I am lucky enough to live about 5 miles away. To enjoy the entire plantation expect to spend half a day here. The tour inside the house was amazing. George Washington's original Presidental chair is in his study.

Mount Vernon is beautiful!! The view overlooking the Potomac is gorgeous. It's hard to imagine living without modern conveniences 200+ years ago!! The museum is a nice, added touch. Very informative and the displays are great!! Very good value for the money.

When I visited in the winter there were costumed interpreters in the house, and you really got a feeling that this was George & Martha's HOME.. their dining room, their bedroom, the views out the windows are pretty much unchanged. I'm pleased that they were able to keep so much of the property intact, so the present day does not intrude. Yes there are long walks around the grounds and down to the tomb and it really feels like you are transported back in time. The admission was $8 when I was there and there was a nice lunch room with premade boxed salads and sandwiches that were fresh and good.

George Washington's Mount Vernon estate is about 8 miles south of Alexandria, VA. It was a pretty drive south on the George Washington Parkway along the Potomac River. The grounds were well kept and the buildings were maintained as they were back in the days of George Washington. It was a very hot and humid day. Most of the buildings do not have air conditioning. So plan accordingly. There is some hiking involved to see everything. The mansion has a narrated tour which is very interesting. The brochure showed people walking around in clothing from the day, but we did not see any. Maybe it was too hot. There is a visitor center with food and they were just building a museum when we visited. It may not be ready for several years (2007?) I wish we would have stayed longer but the heat got to us.