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Step 1
Start at the new Orientation Center. Begin your tour of Mount Vernon at the Ford Orientation Center. Here you can watch an 18-minute film, see a miniature version of the Mount Vernon estate and view changing exhibits about George Washington, his family and life in Virginia during the 18th century.
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Step 2
Tour the mansion. Visitors can tour Washington's home and see the furnishings, most of which belonged to the Washington family. Items from the former president's personal collection, such as the key to the Bastille prison given to him by the Marquis de Lafayette, are also on display.
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Step 3
Stroll the grounds. The formal gardens, orchard and kitchen gardens have been replanted to resemble the landscaping of Washington's era. Visitors can stroll among the fruit trees, vegetable gardens, and meticulously-groomed formal gardens.
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Step 4
Visit the distillery and gristmill. The 18th century working gristmill is open to visitors and is run by colonial costumed docents. The mill and adjacent distillery illustrate Washington's vision of America as the world's granary.
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Step 5
View Washington's grave. George Washington died in his bedroom at Mount Vernon in 1799 and he is buried on the estate. Interred nearby are his wife, Martha, and several other family members. A wreath-laying tribute ceremony is held each morning at 10:00 a.m. from April through October.
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Step 6
Dine at the Mount Vernon Inn. Located adjacent to the estate, the Mount Vernon Inn serves lunch and dinner in six, intimate, colonial-style dining rooms. The menu features items popular during Washington's time, such as roast game hens, venison and Colonial hoe cakes.
