CONNECT WITH HISTORY & HERITAGE Gunston Hall famous than Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington, father of our country. For those who have not been to Mount Vernon, or who have not been since childhood, the most astounding feature is its scope. While it is decidedly not a theme park, it has the scale of one, including museums, stables, art galleries, farm exhibits, gardens, boat rides and, of course, the mansion itself. The Ford Orientation Center gives a short introduction to the house, with a miniature version of Mount Vernon. Inside, the house is (thankfully) just as it has always been; iconic items like the Bastille key sent to Washington by Lafayette are still hanging, and not in a vault. It is far less roped-off than other house museums of lesser stature. For instance, “don’t touch” doesn’t apply to the original black walnut stair rail in the Main Hall. You’ll have to hold on, as the packed stairs creak. After you go upstairs to see the room where Washington died on Dec. 14, 1799, at age 67, you’ll exit through his own back stairs and into his personal library. As our understanding of Washington has expanded, the interpretation of his life FAST TRACK 20 View the rarely-seen third floor of Mount Vernon during “Christmas at Mount Vernon” from late November to early January. See if Claude Moore Colonial Farm is celebrating a Market Fair while you're here, with Colonial-style crafts and cooking. www.fxva.com
Fairfax County Official Visitors Guide 2017: Page 20
