After you’ve toured all the historical monuments and museums in Washington, D.C. (and there are a lot!), why not take a day trip to George and Martha Washington’s mansion, Mount Vernon?
The mansion is only about a 30 minute drive from downtown D.C. The Washington's home is laid out exactly as it was in 1799 with original furniture pieces and some reproductions. It’s really worth the drive! If you need help planning a trip to D.C. or surrounding areas, Just Ask!
When you get to Mount Vernon, purchase tickets (it supports the preservation and education of the mansion), and depending on what time your tour is, take a walk around the beautiful plantation and meander through the vegetable garden.
After your tour, you’ll be able to get a sense of what life was like back in the 18th-century by visiting the slave quarters, blacksmith shop and other buildings. George Washington became a slave owner at eleven years old but freed all of his slaves when he died, according to his will. I do hope George treated the enslaved with some humanity and without much harsh punishment.
After Mount Vernon, I suggest driving through Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. You can view its’ beautiful architecture and eat lunch at Blackwall Hitch. The restaurant overlooks the waterfront and the menu has a variety of seafood and non-seafood items. Order the fish and chips, crab cakes and soft-shelled crab and you won’t be sorry! Unless of course, you have a seafood allergy :)
Happy exploring!
