I haven’t blogged about sightseeing in a long time, but I have a wonderful day to share.
Last Saturday was about the most beautiful day possible in Virginia. Temperatures in the 70s, blue skies with fluffy white clouds. My husband and I went to Mount Vernon.
Mount Vernon is, of course, was the plantation home of George Washington, the first President of the United States of America. It was built in the neoclassical Georgian style and is situated on the banks of the Potomac River, in as lovely a setting as you could imagine. I can remember visiting there as a child and looking out upon the river and imagining myself living in the 1700s.
I was dreaming about living in the past even then.
The dh and I didn’t tour the mansion at Mount Vernon this time, but the last time I was there my Australian friend, Melissa James, had been visiting and we did tour the house. I remember thinking that the lords and ladies of the Georgian and Regency aristocracy would have considered Mount Vernon as a quaint cottage. Mount Vernon could hardly compare to the great country houses I visited in England.
But the grounds surely are as beautiful as any in the UK as you can see!
The house looks out onto this view:
We wandered the grounds and came upon the kitchen gardens, which, I supposed, must be very like those of the country houses in England.
We walked along this path and I had to think that Washington walked the same path.
Of course, Washington (and two friends) might have passed here as well (pardon the pun)
Yep. That’s a replica of George Washington’s privy.
The dh, who loves photography, took this last photo:
It was a perfect day!
Have you had a day like that???
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The three seater privy made me smile. I fear that is far more togetherness than I care for with family or friends! What gorgeous photos. And I agree the grounds are lovely.
I had several days like that in Amsterdam a number of years ago. The weather was perfect, it was during the Easter holidays and the city was just gorgeous. I visited Rembrandt’s house, the Anne Frank house, the Holocaust Museum, the Royal Palace, the Van Gogh Museum and the Rijksmuseum. And walking in Rembrandt Square amidst a riot of tulips I smelled good old-fashioned southern barbecue. I followed my nose to a restaurant run by a couple from New Orleans and had a delicious meal.
That does indeed sound like a lovely time, Louisa! I could almost see the tulips…and smell the barbeque!
We, too, have been lucky with our days spent out touring. We went to Mt. Vernon several times while living in Northern VA. Most times the weather was much like yours. The most memorable time was with my Cub Scout den. On Washington’s Birthday, they allow groups to lay a wreath on the grave and have a little ceremony. The wreaths must be of all natural materials and you are allowed only about 10 or 15 minutes. The tomb gate is open, so the troop can go inside an lay the wreath on the tomb itself. There are groups scheduled every 10 to 15 minutes all day long, so your wreath doesn’t stay in place long and you must rush out with the next group waiting. It was still a special experience. I don’t remember the privy being part of the exhibit back then. It has been over 20 years. We had a three hole out house in the old farmhouse where we grew up. It wasn’t in use, but it was special, two “adult” sized holes and one smaller one for a child. It looks like the middle one in your picture might be of the smaller size.
Thanks for the reminder of what a special place it is. I could sit on that porch or lawn all day appreciating the view.
librarypat, I was there once with my son’s elementary school class.
The privy was a replica. How interesting that you actually had one where you lived. I am so glad that we don’t have to use an out house now!!