Celebrate Fall at Mount Vernon
Watch a Variety of 18th-Century Demonstrations
See wheat-treading in Washington’s innovative 16-sided barn at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. This demonstration requires a free ticket. Tickets will be distributed in the Barnyard on a first come, first served basis, starting 15 minutes before each demonstration.
View demonstrations of cooking, textiles, blacksmithing, harvesting tobacco and wheat, 18th-century laundry and soapmaking, and lacemaking with the Chesapeake Regional Lace Guild.
Visit with our Livestock team to learn about horses, horseshoeing, and the work they performed during harvest time in the colonial era.
Join our fifer for a musical demonstration and a discussion of fife and drum music, and its importance during the American Revolution. (Oct. 18)
Observe techniques like hemp dressing and flax processing to learn how fiber crops were used to make fish nets, rope, twine, and linen fabric. (Oct. 19)
Dig Into Mount Vernon Archaeology
Learn about archaeological digs and artifacts found on the estate from our expert Archaeology team. (Oct. 18)
Play 18th-Century Games
Play lawn games that were enjoyed in the colonial era, such as Wood Cup & Ball, Game of Graces, and hoops. (Oct. 19)
Bring Home Farm-Fresh Bread
Purchase freshly-baked bread from Half Crown Bakehouse, with a reproduction 18th-century clay oven at the Farm.
Meet General Washington & People From His World
Meet George Washington as he speaks about his experiences as a founding farmer. (Oct. 18)
See the General through the eyes of his family, friends, and hired and enslaved staff as they talk about life at Mount Vernon.
Unearthing Stories of Mount Vernon’s Gardens and Outdoor Landscapes
Take a tour of Mount Vernon’s gardens and landscapes with Landscape Historian Dr. Holly Gruntner at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. (Oct. 18)
During the tour, we'll explore:
- How animal dung was used to support farming efforts
- How much work it took to keep the plants alive at Mount Vernon, and who performed that work
- How George Washington’s landscape “style” changed over time
- What happened to Mount Vernon’s gardens and landscapes while Washington was away leading the Continental Army
Tour time is approximately one hour. Best for visitors aged 12 and older.
Visit the Revolutionary War Encampment
Immerse yourself in the daily life of soldiers, military officers, and the women and children who traveled with the army as you explore our Revolutionary War encampment.
Explore the soldiers’ tents to see clothing and personal hygiene items from the period, and discover how soldiers spent their time off the battlefield.
Try your hand at washing clothes and laying them out to dry in the laundry yard, and touch the various tools needed for cooking for a large number of people.
Discover Washington’s Farm with Children's Activities
Listen to Story Time
Hear Farmer George Plants a Nation read aloud at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Learn about the innovative farming methods used during Washington’s time.
Best-suited for ages 7-12.
Participate in a Scavenger Hunt
After story time, pick up a scavenger hunt to explore more about farming at Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon is located in northern Virginia, just a short drive from Washington, D.C.
For more information about things to do in Virginia, visit Virginia.org, the official tourism website for the state of Virginia. You’ll find an overview of each region in Virginia, as well as information about cultural attractions, museums, upcoming events, and where to stay. You can also purchase merchandise featuring the official Virginia slogan, “Virginia is for Lovers.”