Photo by: KJ Mushung

Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days, Oct. 27 and 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entire family will enjoy autumn activities including horse-drawn wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, a straw bale maze, early-American games and demonstrations. In addition to meeting “George Washington,” visitors can also learn 18th-century dance steps! Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price while supplies last. Fall Harvest Family Days is included with admission to the estate this weekend: $15 adults; $14 seniors; $7 children 6-11; free for children under 5. Visit MountVernon.org for more information.

During Fall Harvest Family Days, visitors join the Mount Vernon staff in bidding farewell to farming season with a traditional harvest celebration that includes live performances by musicians and farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations. Children can create and take home their own cornhusk dolls. Costumed field workers demonstrate open-fire cooking and children participate in the cooking by roasting their own apple slices. The Mount Vernon Inn offers concessions on site.

New this year: On Saturday, Oct. 27, visit the Shops at Mount Vernon and meet the author of the new children’s book, Mount Vernon’s Magnificent Menagerie and the Very Mysterious Guest, by Linda Burgess. Readings from Burgess will take place in the Robert H. and Clarice Smith Auditorium at 12 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., followed by book signings in the Shops. Admission is not required to attend the readings and book signings.

For more information, call 703-780-2000, 703-799-8697 (TDD), or visit MountVernon.org.

Since 1860, over 80 million visitors have made George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, Museum & Gardens the most popular historic home in America. Through thought-provoking tours, entertaining events, and stimulating educational programs on the Estate and in classrooms across the nation, Mount Vernon strives to preserve George Washington’s place in history as “First in War, First in Peace, and First in the Hearts of His Countrymen.” Mount Vernon is owned and operated by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association, America’s oldest national preservation organization, founded in 1853. A picturesque drive to the southern end of the scenic George Washington Memorial Parkway, Mount Vernon is located just 16 miles from the nation’s capital.

Hours of operation: April-August, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; March, September, October, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; November – February, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Regular admission rates: adults, $15; senior citizens, $14; children age 6-11, when accompanied by an adult, $7; and children under age 5 are admitted free. Admission fees, restaurant and retail proceeds, along with private donations, support the operation and restoration of Mount Vernon.

By: Contributing Author

Stay updated by liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter.