Ongoing Tours

Dinner for the Washingtons walking tour

March 31-October 28th, Sat & Sun, 11am-12pm

Ever wonder what George Washington ate for dinner? The Dinner for the Washingtons walking tour goes behinds the scenes to find out how food was prepared and served before the era of microwaves and TV dinners.  The one-hour walking tour showcases food, hospitality, and dining at Mount Vernon by taking an in-depth look at locations around the Estate, including the basement cellar. The tour will end in Mount Vernon’s greenhouse with a special 18th-century cooking demonstration and tasting.

In honor of the centennial anniversary of the National Cherry Blossom Festival, visitors who participate in the Dinner for the Washingtons walking tour will receive a taste of cherry punch, adapted from Martha Washington’s recipe, through April 22.  This special tour costs $5 per tour in addition to Estate admission.

Garden and Landscape tour

The Garden and Landscape Tour is a 45-minute guided walking tour that examines Washington's brilliant design for the grounds at Mount Vernon.  Visit the gardens he created, see some of the original trees that are still standing, and learn how he merged areas for work and leisure to create a master plan for his beloved home.  Learn more about what was grown in Washington’s gardens and how the bounty was used to feed the General, his family, staff, slaves, and visitors. Offered daily, April – October, included in Estate admission.

Slave Life Tour

Many of the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon played an active role in food cultivation, preparation, and service. The Slave Life Tour is a 45-minute guided walking tours that highlights the lives and contributions of the enslaved community who built and operated the plantation home of George and Martha Washington. Offered daily, April – October, included in Estate admission.