VIP Experience in the Upper Garden
Taste a modern menu inspired by first-hand accounts of guests who dined at Mount Vernon in the beautiful Upper Garden.
Each VIP ticket purchase comes with two drink tickets, applicable toward Mount Vernon beer and wine. Cash bar available.
Please note that the VIP experience cannot accommodate dietary restrictions.
VIP Experience
In the Upper Garden, enjoy a modern tasting menu inspired by first-hand accounts of guests who dined at Mount Vernon as you listen to 18th-century music by Donna Nomick and the hammered dulcimer.
Finish the tasting with a toast featuring George Washington’s whiskey.
Each VIP ticket purchase comes with two drink tickets, applicable toward Mount Vernon beer and wine. Cash bar available.
Menu
- Potted guinea fowl (2 oz) with bread (1/2 slice), garden pickles (3), and Durham-style mustard (1oz)
- Pea soup (4 oz) with dressed vegetables (2 oz) and smoked trout (1 oz)
- Barbecue beef (5-6 oz)
- Biscuit (1-3 in) with jams and two cheeses (2 oz)
- Candied fruit and nuts
- "The most extraordinary plum cake" (4 in)
- Toast with George Washington’s 5-Year Premium Rye Whiskey®
This 18th-century spread will be prepared by Mount Vernon's Resident Baker Justin Cherry of Half Crown Bakehouse. Justin will talk with guests and share the historical significance of the menu.
Please note that the VIP experience cannot accommodate dietary restrictions.
George Washington Whiskey
In 1799, George Washington's distillery produced nearly 11,000 gallons, making it one of the largest whiskey distilleries in America.
Today, a faithfully reconstructed working distillery produces small batch spirits on-site and is open to visitors on weekends in April - October.
Public Event
Enjoy 18th-century entertainment, including:
- Tavern games, like shut the box, tic tac toe, and tops
- Lawn games, including the game of Graces
- 18th-century fortune telling with Dr. Nobles (6:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.)
- 18th-century music with Colonial Faire (6 p.m. & 7 p.m.)
Tour the Mansion
The Mansion will be open for tours.
Don't miss the opportunity to tour the Mansion after hours before many of its rooms go off-view for preservation work.
Learn about our preservation work
Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides
Enjoy a scenic ride across the 12-acre field in a horse-drawn wagon.
Ice Cream Making
See how ice cream was made in George Washington's day, featuring some 18th-century flavors not often seen today, like oyster, pickle, and garlic.
Whiskey and Beer-making
Watch live whiskey distilling and beer-making demonstrations from members of Mount Vernon's Historic Trades Team.
Ponies & Livestock
See ponies and learn about the role of livestock in the 18th-century from members of the Livestock Team.
Concessions
Concessions from the Mount Vernon Inn will be available for purchase.
The Washington Tattoo
The event concludes with a one-hour performance by The Washington Tattoo, followed by a meet-and-greet of the performers (a $32 value).
Schedule of Activities
| 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. | 18th-century entertainment & Mansion tours |
| 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. | MVI Concessions for purchase |
| 8 p.m. - 9 p.m. | The Washington Tattoo Performance |
| 9 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Meet and greet with Washington Tattoo Members |
Lawn Seating
Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket or small lawn chair to sit on the lawn. Seating is not provided at the general public event.
Tents, tables, pop-ups, grills, beach or free-standing umbrellas, coolers, and glass containers are not permitted. All items and bags will be subject to search upon entrance.