Top Things to do in Mount Vernon
6 Things to do in Mount Vernon That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Mount Vernon, United States including Kenneth Roberts, Ford Orientation Center, George Washington's Mount Vernon, Birthplace National Monument, George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill, Pohick Church.
1. Kenneth Roberts
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
I am a retired State Department officer who worked several years as a history interpreter at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. I have lived on land that was part of Washington's Estate for over 25 years, and love introducing people from all over the world through full day customized tours to the many fascinating historic sites in my neighborhood and in Alexandria, Virginia.
2. Ford Orientation Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By SCJJR
I took it as a self-paced tour. I am one of those that likes to try to absorb all the information. There is a lot of information and visuals to absorb. The tour starts by trying to place the area in context of the period and then moves through G. Washington's life. There are a couple of short movies and other active displays.
3. George Washington's Mount Vernon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,640 reviews
Come share the fascinating moments of America’s first family with yours at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. Explore the beautiful mansion and grounds and get to know the man, the ideas and the values that founded a nation. Dive into history through action-packed theaters, fascinating exhibits and meet characters from Washington’s world. Admire the view of the peaceful Potomac, or hop on board a sightseeing cruise. It’s a place where history truly comes to life.
Reviewed By breinhaugen - Fargo, United States
This was the second time we have visited Mount Vernon. While both visits were during the same time of year, both tours were completely different. A few years ago we did the Candle Light tour, but this year we decided to do a day tour which included the extra Dinner with the Washingtons tour. I would highly recommend either tour. Day or night, Mount Vernon is very worth visiting. During the Candle Light tour we were led by a tour guide, obviously by candle light around the property. Actors dressed as the Washington and servants played their parts well at each stop. During the Dinner with the Washingtons tour we were led around by a very knowledgeable tour guide who gave us an in-depth look at how the property sustained itself. Of course no matter which time you choose to go, you need to tour the house itself as well. There is a really nice, new visitor center on the property. There is a food court, shops, and various movie theaters showing short films on various topics around the Washingtons and that time period. We were able to easily get an Uber to and from Mount Vernon from Old Town Alexandria. It was quite inexpensive.
4. Birthplace National Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 43 reviews
Tours that show visitors what life was like on a working plantation in the 1700s.
Reviewed By bsandrs - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
A fairly short downhill walk from the entrance to Mount Vernon is the building which is the final resting place for George Washington, his wife Martha and about 25 family members. Not unexpectedly, it is very well maintained as a National Monument. Also check out nearby the building where he was initially laid to rest before being moved.
5. George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 289 reviews
After nearly a 200-year hiatus and a multi-million dollar reconstruction, George Washington's Distillery & Gristmill is back in business - producing grain products powered by a 16-foot waterwheel and the same rye whiskey that made the Founding Father the nation's most successful whiskey producer in the years after his presidency. Located at the original site, George Washington's Gristmill highlights his vision for America's future as "granary of the world;" while his Distillery is the only site in North America that demonstrates 18th-century distilling from seed to barrel.
Reviewed By jfm14
This is just up the road from Mt. Vernon. It is worth the stop to see the distillery and gristmill. They are both in working order and it's interesting to learn how they worked then and now.
6. Pohick Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 25 reviews
Reviewed By ITRT
I had passed this church numerous times but never visited the church until a few days ago when I attended a memorial service. The present church building, using George Washington’s plan, was completed in 1774. The original interior of the church was destroyed by Union troops during the Civil War who wanted souvenirs of “Washington’s Church”. Pew boxes common during colonial times are in use to this day. Upon entering the church, you will see a baptismal font. It is believed it was originally used as a mortar for a monastery kitchen in England that was closed during the Reformation. Artifacts such as this were shipped to the colonies for liturgical use. Behind the baptismal font you will find the pulpit, canopy and seats in an enclosed box. Under the pulpit is the burial site of the last rector Rev. Lee Massey. The church has the colonial design of pew boxes. Those who could afford it bought pews for their families while some were set aside for people who couldn't afford to pay for them. The altar area has three large pieces containing the Apostles’ Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, and the Ten Commandments. In the courtyard is a monument dedicated to all the unknown dead who were buried prior to the Civil War. A cemetery on the grounds is open from sunrise to sunset daily and is open to the public. Trivia: Parson Weems, who was known for the story of George Washington and the cherry tree, was once a preacher at Pohick Church.
