Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon has been on our list of 'places to see' since we've lived in DC. Mark and I went there together in 8th grade but vaguely remember. Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous so we packed a picnic and took the short drive to visit the home of our first president, George Washington. 

I don't want to give too much away because I hope that we can take visitors when they are here. But, I'll touch on some of the neat things we thought as we toured the estate.



Coming around the corner as we walked up to see the main house.



 Lily walked around and explored the grounds

(She took a great nap in the afternoon - thumbs up)



Mark and I appreciated all of the gardens and landscape throughout the property.

We dreamt of having gardens and mature trees like the property has. Even in the beginning of November, the gardens around the property were beautiful.

GW was a man of many talents; he designed the gardens and landscaping himself!

Near his gravesite. I loved this.

I didn't know that he died at home until yesterday. He died on

December 14, 1799, just before the turn of the century.

The view of the Potomac and Maryland from the porch

Aren't those chairs fabulous? Something I learned: George and Martha were very hospitable people. They often hosted many guests at a time and for long durations at a time.

How fun would it be to sit here on a crisp fall morning drinking coffee with friends? 

The Gristmill is right down the road and is open March through October (which meant it was closed) so we picnicked near the stream.



We spent about 2.5 hours at Mount Vernon and could have spent more time (sans children) so we're definitely planning to go back.