“I impress it upon the gardener to have everything in his garden that will be necessary in the House keeping way – as vegetable is the best part of our living in the country.” Martha Washington, 1792
Activities
Gardens and Landscape Tour
11 a.m.
Come take a walk through the General’s garden and see the founding flowers and plants that recreate Washington’s 18th-century landscape and gardens.
Dining with the Washingtons Tour
1 p.m.
Explore how the people who lived at Mount Vernon in the 18th century dined on a tour that takes you to the gardens, salt house, smokehouse, slave quarters, greenhouse, and the Mansion’s kitchen. Discover how food was grown, preserved, prepared, and served at Mount Vernon. You'll leave this specialty tour knowing the Washingtons’ favorite recipes, what hired and enslaved servants at Mount Vernon ate, and why Martha Washington wasn’t a fan of Vulcan, Washington’s French hound.
From Hoecakes to Great Cakes
9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Mansion Kitchen
Visitors touring the Mansion will learn about the demanding work of Doll, Hercules, and Lucy, each of whom served as cook to the Washington family, in the Kitchen. Discover what it took to prepare a meal for the Washingtons and their guests at Mount Vernon.
What's for Dinner?
9 a.m. - 1 p.m., 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.
The Farm
Watch foodways demonstrations on the Farm exploring 18th-century recipes. You’ll learn about dishes that were common on the Washingtons’ table, as well as those favored by the enslaved population of Mount Vernon. You’ll also learn about the seasonality of foods at Mount Vernon.
Food at Mount Vernon
9:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m., 1 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Farm
Learn about the foods consumed at Mount Vernon and where they came from. Don't forget to graba special food-themed scavenger hunt to help explore the estate.
You Butter Believe It
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Ice House
Head to Mount Vernon’s ice house to learn about dairying at Mount Vernon. Interpreters will explain how the Washingtons were able to enjoy ice cream in the summer and demonstrate how to make this sweet treat. They’ll also share details on other dairying activities, like churning butter, and provide guests with hands-on experience.
What Grows Here?
Saturday 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3 p.m.
Greenhouse
Join our Character Interpreters in the Greenhouse and engage them in conversation about Mount Vernon's gardens.
