For Immediate Release
September 17, 2008
Digital images available
Media Contact:
Melissa Wood (703) 799-5203
mwood@mountvernon.org
MOUNT VERNON, Va. – Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days, October 18 and 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The entire family will enjoy autumn activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, and early-American games and music. In addition to meeting “George Washington”, visitors can also learn 18th-century dance steps! Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price while supplies last. Fall Harvest Family Days is included with admission to the estate this weekend: $13 adults; $12 seniors; $6 children 6-11; free for children under 5. George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill are free this weekend with estate admission.
During Fall Harvest Family Days, visitors join the Mount Vernon staff in bidding farewell to farming season with a traditional harvest celebration that includes live performances by musicians and candle making and farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations. Children can create and take home their own cornhusk dolls. Costumed field workers demonstrate open-fire cooking and children participate in the cooking by roasting their own apple slices. The Mount Vernon Inn offers concessions on site.
When visitors purchase a ticket to the estate during Fall Harvest Family Days, they will receive complimentary admission to George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill, located 3 miles from the estate. Watch as water from Dogue Creek goes through the Gristmill, setting the massive gears into motion, and see the end result: cornmeal ready to use. A special commemorative whiskey set is now available for sale. The set includes a shot glass and a 50 mL bottle of whiskey consisting of 11 different whiskey brands blended and aged at Mount Vernon in 2005. The gift sets are $25 and are available for purchase in person with a valid ID at the Shops at Mount Vernon or George Washington’s Distillery.
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Events, programs, and activities are subject to change.
Public Information: 703-780-2000; 703-799-8697 (TDD); www.mountvernon.org
