2012 Mount Vernon Estate Spring and Summer Highlights:
Several delightful spring and summer events are planned at George and Martha Washington's beautiful and fascinating estate, Mount Vernon. Enjoy the popular annual Spring Wine Festival and Sunset Tour or celebrate Independence Day with the Father of Our Country, while you visit the beautiful and fascinating estate of the first president of the United States.
Summer Early Opening Hours are extended daily from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. from March 31 through August 31.
Spring Garden Gift and Plant Sale:
April 21 - May 20, 2012
The beautiful gardens are in bloom for the annual outdoor garden and gift sale including plants and herbs grown at Mount Vernon, as well as a collection of gardening tools and gadgets, seeds and plants, books, pots, hats, gloves and more.
The beautiful gardens are in bloom for the annual outdoor garden and gift sale including plants and herbs grown at Mount Vernon, as well as a collection of gardening tools and gadgets, seeds and plants, books, pots, hats, gloves and more.
Mother's Day Weekend:
May 12 - May 13, 2012
Historical reenactors, Martha Washington and her youngest granddaughter, Nelly, will entertain visitors as Lady Washington reminisces about motherhood and offers advice to her granddaughter. While supplies last, mothers will receive lavender sachets made from Martha Washington's own recipe.
Historical reenactors, Martha Washington and her youngest granddaughter, Nelly, will entertain visitors as Lady Washington reminisces about motherhood and offers advice to her granddaughter. While supplies last, mothers will receive lavender sachets made from Martha Washington's own recipe.
Spring Wine Festival and Sunset Tour:
May 18 - May 20, 2012 from 6 - 9 p.m.
Bring a blanket to this popular Mount Vernon event to enjoy a memorable evening of fine wine, live jazz and breathtaking Potomac River views. Candlelight Mansion tours include the rarely-seen Mansion cellar and appearances by George Washington. Tickets usually sell out quickly for this popular event. More information about Mount Vernon Wine Festival and Sunset Tour, including ticket prices and how to order tickets.
Bring a blanket to this popular Mount Vernon event to enjoy a memorable evening of fine wine, live jazz and breathtaking Potomac River views. Candlelight Mansion tours include the rarely-seen Mansion cellar and appearances by George Washington. Tickets usually sell out quickly for this popular event. More information about Mount Vernon Wine Festival and Sunset Tour, including ticket prices and how to order tickets.
Sunset Celebration at Mount Vernon:
May 25 - 27, 2012
George Washington's estate opens its doors, Friday through Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, for a special evening event. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and become immersed in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation. Enjoy evening tours of the Mansion, wine and desserts available for purchase, 18th-century music, dancing, colonial games, and meeting characters from Washington’s world.
George Washington's estate opens its doors, Friday through Sunday of Memorial Day weekend, for a special evening event. Stroll the lantern-lit grounds and become immersed in the 18th century as the sun sets on the plantation. Enjoy evening tours of the Mansion, wine and desserts available for purchase, 18th-century music, dancing, colonial games, and meeting characters from Washington’s world.
Martha Washington's 281st Birthday:
June 2, 2012
If your name is Martha or your birthday is June 2, you are invited to enjoy this day at Mount Vernon for free, upon presenting your identification.
If your name is Martha or your birthday is June 2, you are invited to enjoy this day at Mount Vernon for free, upon presenting your identification.
Father's Day:
June 16 - 17, 2012
Visitors will enjoy a special chance to meet the Father of our Country as George Washington hosts guests for questions and photographs. Admission to George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill is free with purchased estate admission for all fathers.
Visitors will enjoy a special chance to meet the Father of our Country as George Washington hosts guests for questions and photographs. Admission to George Washington's Distillery and Gristmill is free with purchased estate admission for all fathers.
An American Celebration at Mount Vernon:
July 4, 2011
Mount Vernon celebrates George Washington's contribution to America's independence and freedom on the Fourth of July with annual Independence Day events from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. All events are included in regular Estate admission.
Fourth of July highlights include:
Mount Vernon celebrates George Washington's contribution to America's independence and freedom on the Fourth of July with annual Independence Day events from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. All events are included in regular Estate admission.
Fourth of July highlights include:
- A wreathlaying ceremony at George Washington's Tomb
- The popular annual Red, White and Blue Concert featuring patriotic favorites
- Revolutionary War military demonstrations
- Free birthday cake while supplies last
- An inspirational naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens
- Unique daytime smoke fireworks in patriotic colors
Special Walking Tours:
In addition to the seasonal events, these special tours are offered throughout the spring and summer during schedule times during the day. Most tours require an additional fee. Schedules are subject to change:
- National Treasure Tour - Daily March 1 - October 31, 2012
An hour-long walking tour that explores behind-the-scenes information about areas where National Treasure 2: Book of Secrets filming took place and how these locations were used in George Washington's time.
- Garden and Landscape Tours - Daily March 31 through October 28, 2012
Visit the gardens George Washington designed including some of the original trees and learn about his master plan for the grounds at Mount Vernon.
- Slave Life at Mount Vernon Tour - Daily March 31 - October 28, 2012
Explores the lives and contributions of the slaves who lived at Mount Vernon during a 45-minute guided walking tour, included with admission.
- Mount Vernon in the Civil War Walking Tour - Saturdays and Sundays March 31 - October 28, 2012
This walking tour explores the unique side of Civil War history through historic locations and dramatic Civil War stories.
- Dinner for the Washingtons Walking Tour - Saturdays and Sundays March 31 - October 28
This one-hour walking tour goes behind-the-scenes and showcases food, hospitality, and dining at Mount Vernon. The tour ends in the Estate greenhouse with a special tasting.
Additional Information:
To learn more about these and other special and ongoing programs at Mount Vernon, visit the Calendar of Events at the Mount Vernon website.
Related Mount Vernon Articles and Information:
Related Mount Vernon Articles and Information:
