What a piece of luck that George Washington´s home is just around the corner for people in the greater Washington D.C. area. There are so many things to see and do, this is just another one of the spectacular highlights. I talked to some people recently that are here on a four year assignment, and lerned that they had never been to Mount Vernon. Neither had they visited the major memorials, nor the Capitol or the Library of Congress. How can you not have visited these places, especially when you´re within 20 - 45 minutes of most attractions and your time is almost running out? Very mysterious. Even though I prefer the low-key sights, the major places for visitors are well worth going to. At least one visit should be obligatory, in order for someone to decide wether it is interesting or a waste of time. Mount Vernon is not a waste of time. George Washington was not only the first President, but also a successful farmer who introduced revolutionary new methods, a political and social visionary, a slave owner, and, in earlier days, an officer loyal to the british crown. There is a lot to learn about Washington and his times, the reasons that led to Revolution, and how the new Capital City came into planning. Mount Vernon is also ideal for hikes and strolls over the expansive and very beautiful grounds. Plan for at least a half-day trip. What comprises the property nowadays is only part of what used to be a very large estate. If you follow Mount Vernon Memorial Highway further west until Highway 1 (Richmond Highway), you will have driven through former lands of George Washington. On the way to Highway 1 you will pass by George Washington´s gristmill and Whiskey distillery. His estate reached even further out in all directions.

Woodlawn Estate, which sprawls beyond Highway 1, was also a part of Mount Vernon until 1799, when George Washington gave it to his nephew, Lawrence Lewis, and his wife, Eleanor Parke Custis, a granddaughter of Martha Washington. On the grounds of Woodlawn you will also find Frank Lloyd Wright´s Usonian Pope-Leighey house (read a blog-post about it here), a must for architecture buffs and 20th century Americana fans. It´s just a ten minute drive from Mount Vernon.

The back view of the mansion. From afar one perceives the building material as being of stone,

whereas actually the whole building consists of wood.

View from the mansion toward the Potomac.

The Pioneer Farmer Site, which shows George Washington´s innovative farming techniques.

See more pics of Mount Vernon.