Mount Vernon Estate
Next weekend, September 22nd and 23rd, from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Mount Vernon will be hosting its annual Colonial Market & Fair! Every Fall, they feature dozens of America’s finest colonial-attired artisans, who demonstrate 18th-century crafts and sell traditional wares such as baskets, woodcarvings, tin and ironwork, leatherworkings, weavings, furniture, and much more.
“General Washington” will be on hand overseeing the lively Revolutionary War military drills and 18th-century entertainment including music, fire-eating, sword-swallowing, puppet and magic shows. And, because no Colonial Market is complete without delicious food, they will have a hearty smorgasbord of specialty dishes for sale. Costumed interpreters will even demonstrate the 18th-century chocolate-making process using an authentic colonial recipe!
Also, during the weekend, Potomac River sightseeing cruises, courtesy of Spirit Cruises and Potomac Riverboat Company, will be free-of-charge. Whenever we see their boats leaving from the National Harbor, my four year old always begs to take a ride. Next weekend, she might finally get her chance!
The Colonial Market & Fair at Mount Vernon is included in regular Mount Vernon Estate admission. Adults are $15; children ages 6-11 are $7; and children 5 and under are free. For those of you who live close to Mount Vernon, you should consider getting an Annual Pass, which is less than the cost of two visits. Annual passes are $25 for adults (ages 12+); $10 for youth (ages 6-11); and free for children (ages 5 and under). Annual passes include daytime admittance to the Mount Vernon Estate for one year from date of purchase.
For those of you who might want to give your children a little history before you head to Mount Vernon, be sure to check their website which is full of wonderful educational resources. They even have a site designed to give children a taste of what life was like when George Washington was alive! They can play computer games with a bit of history woven in, assemble a jigsaw puzzle, or even enjoy a tune on a virtual harpsichord.
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