Mount Vernon and Old Town Alexandria

Day Trip to Mount Vernon (George Washington's Estate) and Old Town Alexandria

• 8:00 AM: Head to the Wharf (exit Waterfront Metro) and have coffee.  Meet the boat cruise south to Mount Vernon.  Take a 90 minute narrated boat to Mount Vernon.
• 9:00 AM – Arrival and Orientation: Arrive at the Fred W. Smith National Library and Orientation Center before the crowds. Show tickets (Lynne's Apple Wallet or tickets link)
• 9:30 AM – Mansion Tour: Head to the West Front of the Mansion for our timed-entry tour. Expert guides walk us through the 21-room estate, including George Washington’s study and the famous original key to the Bastille. 
• 10:15 AM – Tomb and Enslaved Memorial: Follow the path down to the final resting place of George and Martha Washington. Nearby, visit the Slave Memorial and the cemetery of the enslaved community to learn more about the hundreds of people who lived and worked on the estate.
• 10:45 AM – Outbuildings and Gardens: Explore the dozen-plus historic outbuildings, including the spinning house, blacksmith shop, and the intricately designed Upper and Lower Gardens. Take time to enjoy sweeping views of the Potomac River from the piazza.
• 11:30 AM – Museum and Education Center: Spend the last hour exploring immersive exhibits in the Donald W. Reynolds Museum. Highlights include Revolutionary War artifacts, Washington's original dentures, and the "Be Washington" interactive theater.
• 12:30 PM – Lunch: Head to the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant to try colonial-era recipes, such as the famous peanut soup, or grab a quick bite at the Food Court Pavilion.
• 1:30 PM Distillery and Gristmill:  visit Washington’s operational Gristmill and Distillery, located a few miles away (shuttle service is included with general admission).  Take shuttle back to Mount Vernon Estate.
• Afternoon: Take Mount Vernon Estate Shuttle to King Street Station in Old Town Alexandria to stroll down historic King Street.
• You can also download official self-guided MP3 and walking guides from the City of Alexandria Self-Guided Tours page or pick up free physical maps at the Alexandria Visitor Center (Ramsay House)
• Better yet is the Voice Map Audio Tour of Old Town ($9.99) and take our time!
• TOUR Carlyle House - it's the 3rd Sunday of the month and this 18th century home opens to the public from 12-3pm.  For $5, we can have the docents answer all our questions about the Carlyles and their home. 
• Happy Hour:  Eat at a local pub or waterfront bistro in Alexandria.  I suggest Gadsby's to enjoy an 18th century tavern where George Washington came to dance!
• To go back to Airbnb:  Trains every 8 - 10 mins
• Boarding: King St-Old Town Station (1900 King Street, Alexandria, VA).
• Transfer: Take the Yellow or Blue Line toward D.C., get off at Gallery Place-Chinatown, and switch to the Red Line toward Silver Spring/Shady Grove to reach Union Station.