“There is nothing which has yet been contrived by man, by which so much happiness is produced as by a good tavern.” Samuel Johnson, 1776
Activities
"I'll Have the.."
Saturday Only 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 12-acre field
What was on the menu at colonial taverns? Join our Historic Trades staff for foodways demonstrations on the 12-acre field exploring typical tavern fare.
Roll Out the Barrels
9 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m., 12-acre field
Join Master Cooper Marshall Scheetz, who will highlight the necessity of barrels in tavern culture and demonstrate the intricate process of making a barrel in the 18th century.
Mail Call
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., 1p.m. - 4:30 p.m., 12-acre field
Taverns served as a place to send and receive mail in colonial America. Join our Youth Programs team to write and mail a postcard about your visit to Mount Vernon.
18th-Century Yelp
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., 12-acre field
Discover what George Washington thought of the many taverns he visited and read his reviews.
Tavern Games
2 p.m. - 5 p.m., Greenhouse
Learn to play tavern games and colonial card games.
Visit the Distillery (Free Shuttle)
Washington’s distillery was one of the largest in the nation in its time. Hop on our shuttle to the recreated distillery to learn why Washington didn’t age his whiskey and more.
Shuttle to & From the distillery
A shuttle to the distillery and gristmill will be available on July 20 and 21. Guests can board the shuttle at the traffic circle outside of the estate's entrance gates.