A Revolutionary Experience
Day One
Start your tour at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm. Located on the northernmost part of the George Washington Parkway, this reconstructed Colonial Farm is worked with the same tools and methods employed by farmers in the 18th century. What a great way to set the tone for this tour and to get a true feel for life in the Revolutionary War era.
Now head south on the George Washington Parkway to Old Town Alexandria. This once bustling seaport celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1999. Start out with an independent or guided walking tour of Old Town, with stops at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop, The Carlyle House and Christ Church, which was attended by George Washington. During your tour, you're sure to pass by unique restaurants and enticing shops. Pick a spot for lunch and take time to hunt for that perfect gift or souvenir.
After lunch, work your way to the water for a leisurely cruise aboard the Miss Christin to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. Spend the rest of your afternoon touring this home of our first President, which was built between 1735 and 1787. It is considered to have the most magnificent view of any along the Potomac. After your tour, take the ride back to Old Town Alexandria. In keeping with the revolutionary theme, plan on dinner at Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town. This historic 18th century tavern offers Colonial entertainment nightly.
If you're up for an evening drive before calling it a night, head north again on the George Washington Parkway. Running along the Potomac, this scenic route affords you beautiful views of some of Washington, DC's finest monuments. The monuments are best viewed in the evening, illuminated against the night sky. Take the Memorial Bridge across the Potomac for a perfect view of the Lincoln Memorial. Be sure to include the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial in your evening tour.
Day Two
Get an early start this morning and head south to Dumfries. Chartered in 1749, Dumfries was once a major tobacco port, rivaling New York and Boston. Step back in time to the late 1700's at The Weems-Botts Museum. Learn about the first biographer of George Washington and find out if there really was a cherry tree!
After your visit, take some time to explore the Route 1 Antique Corridor. This highway parallels Interstate 95 from Dumfries to Woodbridge. Along with antiques and collectibles, you are sure to find interesting tidbits of American history along the way.
If you've worked up an appetite, head west once you reach Woodbridge to the Potomac Mills area. In addition to a gigantic outlet mall, the area also boasts a wide variety of restaurants, sure to suit any taste. Depending on your interest and energy level, you have several options: End your tour here; spend time bargain hunting at Potomac Mills Value/Outlet Mall; or enjoy more Revolutionary history at stops such as Woodlawn Plantation or Gunston Hall, just a few miles north on Route 1 or I-95.
Start your tour at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm. Located on the northernmost part of the George Washington Parkway, this reconstructed Colonial Farm is worked with the same tools and methods employed by farmers in the 18th century. What a great way to set the tone for this tour and to get a true feel for life in the Revolutionary War era.
Now head south on the George Washington Parkway to Old Town Alexandria. This once bustling seaport celebrated its 250th anniversary in 1999. Start out with an independent or guided walking tour of Old Town, with stops at the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Shop, The Carlyle House and Christ Church, which was attended by George Washington. During your tour, you're sure to pass by unique restaurants and enticing shops. Pick a spot for lunch and take time to hunt for that perfect gift or souvenir.
After lunch, work your way to the water for a leisurely cruise aboard the Miss Christin to George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. Spend the rest of your afternoon touring this home of our first President, which was built between 1735 and 1787. It is considered to have the most magnificent view of any along the Potomac. After your tour, take the ride back to Old Town Alexandria. In keeping with the revolutionary theme, plan on dinner at Gadsby's Tavern in Old Town. This historic 18th century tavern offers Colonial entertainment nightly.
If you're up for an evening drive before calling it a night, head north again on the George Washington Parkway. Running along the Potomac, this scenic route affords you beautiful views of some of Washington, DC's finest monuments. The monuments are best viewed in the evening, illuminated against the night sky. Take the Memorial Bridge across the Potomac for a perfect view of the Lincoln Memorial. Be sure to include the Washington Monument and Jefferson Memorial in your evening tour.
Day Two
Get an early start this morning and head south to Dumfries. Chartered in 1749, Dumfries was once a major tobacco port, rivaling New York and Boston. Step back in time to the late 1700's at The Weems-Botts Museum. Learn about the first biographer of George Washington and find out if there really was a cherry tree!
After your visit, take some time to explore the Route 1 Antique Corridor. This highway parallels Interstate 95 from Dumfries to Woodbridge. Along with antiques and collectibles, you are sure to find interesting tidbits of American history along the way.
If you've worked up an appetite, head west once you reach Woodbridge to the Potomac Mills area. In addition to a gigantic outlet mall, the area also boasts a wide variety of restaurants, sure to suit any taste. Depending on your interest and energy level, you have several options: End your tour here; spend time bargain hunting at Potomac Mills Value/Outlet Mall; or enjoy more Revolutionary history at stops such as Woodlawn Plantation or Gunston Hall, just a few miles north on Route 1 or I-95.