A Visit to Mount Vernon

In April I had the opportunity to visit Washington, D.C. with my mom, my mother-in-law, and my two daughters. We saw amazing sights, listened to countless tour guides, and overloaded our senses with museums. But by far, the two most poignant place we visited were Ford's Theater, where Lincoln was assassinated, and Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.

My daughter, me, my other daughter, my mom, and my
mother-in-law in Union Station.

As a history lover and a writer, I get giddy when I stand in the place where history happened. To see, smell, hear, touch, and sometimes taste my surroundings allows the stories I read and write to come alive. I didn't simply read about Lincoln's assassination, I stood where he stood. I sat where he sat. I looked at what he saw in his final moments. There's really nothing quite like it.

We went to Mount Vernon in a similar fashion as Washington traveled there many times: by river. Though, I'm sure our boat was much more comfortable than his. :) We took the boat down the beautiful Potomac to the Washington's home. It was a lovely trip with various points of interest brought to our attention along the way by the captain.

Upon seeing Mount Vernon, I must confess I was impressed. It wasn't quite as palatial as I had imagined (I had pictured Twelve Oaks from Gone With the Wind), but it was enormous by their standards out in the wilds of Virginia. There were so many people visiting, they literally herded us through in a single line and we only heard snippets of what the tour guides were telling us as they were stationed in each room. There was also no photography allowed inside.

Having read Washington's Lady, by Nancy Moser, I had certain images in mind, but my whole perspective changed upon walking through the house. I can't wait to reread the story and put all the characters in their proper setting. I know it will be a richer experience for me.

It was wonderful to walk the grounds and see the small community that made up Mount Vernon. The slave quarters, the blacksmith, the stables, the smoke houses, etc. The gardens were lovely and one of my favorite pictures from the trip was taken there.

My favorite. :)

The most important thing I walked away with after visiting Mount Vernon was a sense of really knowing George Washington. Not as the war hero or immortalized father of our nation...but as a man who loved his home, his family, and his country. He became real to me.

Your Turn: Have you been to Mount Vernon or Ford's Theater? What historic location has had the most impact on you?

Gabrielle Meyer:
Find me on Facebook
Find me on Pinterest
Find me on Twitter
Find me on Amazon
Find me on Goodreads
Find me on My Website

Itinerary for Washington, D.C.

In a few short weeks I'll be visiting Washington, D.C. with my mom, my mother-in-law, and my two daughters (ages 8 & 10). This will be my second trip to D.C., but it will be my daughters' first time visiting our nation's capital. It will also be their first airplane ride, their first underground train rides, and their first bus tours--however, it won't be the first time they've seen me go crazy over history.

It's been an interesting and exciting experience to plan the itinerary. My mom and mother-in-law have some mobility issues due to Rheumatoid Arthritis and my girls are still a little young. I want the trip to be enjoyable--yet educational. I want to see all the sights--yet take our time. I want everyone to be comfortable--yet I want to take us out of our comfort zone.

Here are a few of the things I have planned:

The Spirit of St. Louis in the National
Air & Space Museum

1. A day at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and the American History Museum. The main reason I want to go to Washington, D.C. at this time is to see The Spirit of St. Louis on ground level. I've seen it in the air--but I want to see it up close, from an eye-level perspective. I worked at the Charles A. Lindbergh Historic Site (his boyhood home) for ten years, and I recently wrote a story focusing on the impact his 1927 flight had on our hometown. I'm a big fan of Lindbergh's flight--and I can't wait to show the airplane to my daughters.


The First Ladies Exhibit at the American History Museum

We will also go to the American History Museum--and I have to admit, I'm looking forward to this almost more than anything else! I was there once, for a very brief moment, and I didn't get to see nearly enough. I've scheduled plenty of time to explore!

2. A boat cruise up the Potomac to Mount Vernon. Ahh!! I've never been to Mount Vernon. I can't wait to see George & Martha Washington's home--and to arrive by river! I haven't done a whole lot of research, yet, but I know they explore plantation life, including slavery. I am eager to talk about this part of our nation's history with my girls, and help them (and myself) understand what it was like for slaves before emancipation. I'm also looking forward to exploring the grounds and the house. I know I'll walk away with story ideas!

3. A city and monuments tour. My husband used to pick on me when we were first married, but I almost always find a city tour when we travel--and Washington, D.C. is no exception! (My husband now loves city tours and is the first one to sign up!) I think this will be a good way for my mom and mother-in-law to get an overview of the city, with minimal walking. It will also be fun to sit with my daughters and answer their questions--instead of being distracted trying to get everyone from place to place on my own. It will be a full day, with lots of information and picture opportunities!

4. Tickets to Ford's Theater & a half day in Georgetown. Last time we were in D.C. (in 2002), Ford's Theater was under renovation and we couldn't get inside. Ever since then, it's been on my bucket list. The Petersen House, where Lincoln passed away, was open in 2002, and it was a powerful experience to be in the room where he died. I am looking forward to seeing these buildings, and showing them to my daughters. We're also planning a half day in Georgetown--just because I remember how much I enjoyed it last time! It will be fun to do a little shopping.

My mother-in-law (in pink) and my mom taking
pictures of my four kiddos just before trick-or-treating

5. A fun time with my mom, mother-in-law, and daughters. This is what I'm most looking forward to. I love making memories, especially with multi-generations. Everyone has a different perspective and adds to the layers of experience. We might face a few challenges along the way, but I know this will be a wonderful experience all of us will hold in our hearts for many years to come.

Next month I'll share pictures from our trip.

Your Turn: Have you been to Washington, D.C.? If so, what was your favorite site to see? Any recommendations for us? If you've not been to D.C., I'd love to know your favorite vacation memory and who you were with.