Autumn is a fantastic time to plan a family outing to George Washington’s Mount Vernon. The views of the colorful banks of the Potomac River are worth the trip alone and provide the perfect backdrop for festivals and celebrations.
On October 22 & 23, the estate hosts its annual Fall Harvest Festival, a family-friendly event where you can meet General Washington, watch demonstrations of 18th-century farming, cooking and candle making, and purchase freshly baked bread from a reproduction clay oven. During Fall Harvest Festival, Mount Vernon’s 12-acre field becomes the site of a Craft Beer Tasting. Tickets purchased in advance include six tastings from local breweries and a commemorative glass.
Now that autumn is here, the holidays are right around the corner and with them, Mount Vernon’s annual holiday events. Kick-off the season with the Christmas Illuminations fireworks display, December 16 & 17. During Mount Vernon by Candlelight, which takes place on select weekends in November and December, take a guided candlelit tour of the historic area and learn about holiday traditions in 18th-century Virginia.
Mount Vernon is a destination where past truly meets present. George Washington’s Mansion and many of the estate’s original structures appear just as they did over two hundred years ago. A four-acre working farm, complete with heritage-breed animals, offers demonstrations of Washington’s innovative farming practices.
Included with general admission, the museum features exhibits filled with hundreds of artifacts detailing the history of Mount Vernon. While there, don’t miss the two high-tech theaters that let you experience history in uniquely interactive ways.
A fun way for families to explore Mount Vernon is with the Adventure Map that takes them on a puzzle-solving scavenger hunt. The maps can be picked up in the Ford Orientation Center. Written clues and colorful pictures guide families on an exploration of nine locations across the estate. Kids who complete the hunt and solve the puzzle even receive a special prize.
Ready to plan your visit? Save 20% on admission with the promo code KIDFRIENDLY: Buy Tickets Here
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Where: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway | Mount Vernon, VA
When: Daily, 9 am – 5 pm (times vary on event days)
