From a new beer garden to newborn lambs, George Washington’s Mount Vernon is rolling out events for spring and the country’s 250th anniversary celebration.
The 500-acre estate, which served as Washington’s home before and after his presidency, is gearing up for warmer weather for the first time since reopening the centerpiece mansion in December after a two-year renovation project.
“Spring was a defining season for George Washington and the Continental Army, marking the start of campaigns that would shape the course of the Revolution,” Mount Vernon President and CEO Douglas Bradburn said. “From welcoming new lambs on our farm … to large-scale events like Revolutionary War Weekend, we are creating meaningful opportunities for visitors to experience both the daily life and the pivotal moments that defined America’s founding.”
The estate has expanded its on-site dining and seasonal experiences at the Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant (3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway). The restaurant has a new outdoor beer garden with local craft beer, wine, prepared sandwiches, snacks and other shareable plates.
Open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 4-7 p.m., the beer garden doesn’t require admission to the estate for entry.
At Mount Vernon’s working farm, visitors can meet 28 newborn lambs named after Revolutionary War battles, such as Yorktown, Lexington and Concord.
The estate is also planning its annual Mount Vernon Wine Festival from May 15 to May 17, a Revolutionary War weekend on May 2 and May 3, and a series of author lectures and book talks.
Other events this spring include:
- Mount Vernon After Hours (April 25) — Mount Vernon members can experience the estate after hours with special access to the grounds and historic areas
- George Washington Whiskey Tastings (starting May 2) — Guests can sample spirits produced using 18th-century distilling techniques. To mark the nation’s 250th anniversary, Mount Vernon will release limited-edition whiskeys throughout this year.
- Mother’s Day Tea and Brunch (May 10, 15-17) — The Mount Vernon Inn Restaurant will host an afternoon tea with a curated menu of teas, pastries and light fare as well as a brunch buffet.
- Mixed Container Workshop (May 15-16) — Participants will learn techniques for selecting and arranging summer annuals with moss and birch twig accents.
- Author Lecture: American Patriarch (June 2) — Historian H. W. Brands will discuss his new book, American Patriarch: The Life of George Washington, which provides insight on George Washington’s leadership in the birth of America. A book signing and reception with beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres will follow the lecture.
For more information about Mount Vernon and planned events, visit mountvernon.org.
