Washington D.C. - Part 3 (Final)

Mount Vernon

I have always wanted to go to Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington. We missed it 6 years ago but not this time. Off we went to Mount Vernon on a rainy Saturday morning. Great! The rain came down hard and didn't stop till 2 p.m. or 3 p.m.


In spite of the rain, there were plenty of visitors. We began our tour at the Visitor's Center and watched a 15 minute film about Mount Vernon and George Washington. We learned that he inherited Mount Vernon from his brother in 1761, and the house was not the large mansion that we see today. Additions to the house came slowly with the large dining room being added last around the end of the Revolutionary War.

Another attraction in Mount Vernon is the final resting place of George Washington and his wife, Martha. A tomb was built for him underneath the Rotunda in the Capitol Building, but his will stipulated that he was to be buried at his beloved Mount Vernon. The empty tomb in the Capitol now houses a bier used to support the casket/coffin of those who lain in state in the Rotunda.

First glimpse of Mount Vernon as we walked towards the mansion

Piazza - Mount Vernon

View of the Potomac River from Mount Vernon's piazza

The final resting place of George Washington (right) and Martha Washington (left)

Lunch at Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant


The rain hasn't stopped and we were getting hungry. We took a chance and waited in-line for a table at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant. Everyone had the same idea. Fortunately, it was not a long wait.

Virginian classic - peanut soup

Roasted chicken with steamed vegetables and mash

I don't remember the name of this dish that Adrian ate...argh!

After lunch, the rain turned to light drizzle and on our way to Alexandria, it cleared up. Perfect! We stopped in this little quaint town and walked along King Street, upon recommendation from my co-worker.

Old Town, Alexandria

Plenty of restaurants and antique shops

This area reminded me of Philadelphia - cobbled stone sidewalks & shops

On that note, we came to an end of our wonderful weekend in Washington & Virginia. Time to go home!