Not sure if this is the right place for this, but I'm going to be in DC next week and would like to go to VA to see Mount Vernon. Unfortunately, it looks like the interior of the mansion is closed every day that I'm there. I can still buy tickets to enter the grounds and see everything on the outside (for full price).

My question is, is Mount Vernon worth it if you can't go inside the mansion? For those who have been there, what % of your time there would you say was inside vs outside? I'm not sure when I'll be back in DC, I only go every two years or so. If it's really not worth it without the mansion tour, I don't have an issue waiting a couple years and finding something else to do in DC next week.

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roadnotaken t1_j6b1gov wrote on January 29, 2023 at 1:24 AM

Way more time was spent on the grounds, but also in the very large and nice visitor's center. I'd say it's definitely still worth it even if you can't go in the house. The house tours are timed (at least, they used to be) so you probably only spent 20 mins in the house vs hours on other things.

kevin_from_illinois t1_j6bke81 wrote on January 29, 2023 at 3:55 AM

If you can see something different and want a historic mansion, you could also consider the following:

George Mason's home, Gunston Hall, is only a few miles south of Mount Vernon. While the grounds are not as expansive, the house tours are always good and it is never very busy there. Seeing the Mason home provides some really interesting historical context for the Bill of Rights, and as Washington's neighbor you can see his influence. It's not really a full-day trip in the way that Mount Vernon is but I enjoy visiting occasionally.

The Hillwood Estate isn't tied to US history, but it has an excellent collection of art inside the mansion belonging to Marjorie Meriwether Post, cereal magnate and namesake of the Post Pavilion in DC.

Dumbarton Oaks also isn't really US history but this estate has a fabulous collection of central and south American art as various Byzantine pieces.

There are always the Smithsonians as well but I'm assuming you're well aware of those, figured I'd give you some other ideas.

roadnotaken t1_j6blybc wrote on January 29, 2023 at 4:07 AM

I also can't recommend the Anderson House highly enough, as a breathtaking historical mansion.

Blu_Skies_In_My_Head t1_j6b1dw7 wrote on January 29, 2023 at 1:23 AM

It’s a better tour with the mansion, I think we spent at least 75% of our time inside, but it was summer.

kevin_from_illinois t1_j6cuy4k wrote on January 29, 2023 at 1:02 PM

Good call! This one slipped past me last night. An easy trip if OP is staying in DC.

Sunmingo t1_j6kby3c wrote on January 30, 2023 at 10:56 PM

Go to Arlington house it is recently renovated