George Washington was a traveler. Between his various capacities as surveyor, general and president, the first president managed to cover a lot of ground on the East Coast, and especially in Fairfax County. In honor of President’s Day — Monday, Feb. 18 this year — pay a visit to some of the places George Washington visited, lived in or stayed at.
* Mount Vernon. George Washington’s estate and home from 1859 to his death in 1899. He expanded the property from 2,000 acres to 8,000 acres during his lifetime there. Tour the impressive estate, visit the new slave cabin and check out the state-of-the-art Ford Orientation Center. Located at 3200 Mount Vernon Parkway, 8 miles south of Alexandria. Tickets $6-$13. Open seven days a week, all year long. For information see <a href=http://www.mountvernon.org> www.mountvernon.org</a>.
* Pohick Episcopal Church. George Washington worshipped here, along with several other famous Virginians such as George Mason. It is a working church today, and on President’s Day offers a birthday breakfast in honor of George Washington. 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton. See <a href=http://www.pohick.org>/a> or call 703-339-6572.
* Woodlawn Plantation. The ultimate wedding gift, Woodlawn was given to Maj. Lawrence Lewis and his wife, Eleanor "Nelly" Custis, by George Washington, Lawrence’s uncle and Martha Washington, Nelly’s grandmother. George donated 2,000 acres of his estate to the Lewises, and most of the materials to build the house were locally-made. Woodlawn does not open until March 1, but on President’s Day it is open, and admission and a guided tour are 99 cents. On Feb. 18, tours are every 30 minutes from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Located at 9000 Richmond Highway, Alexandria. Call 703-780-4000 or see <a href=http://www.woodlawn1805.org.> www.woodlawn1805.org</a>
* Ferry Farm. The story about George Washington chopping down a cherry tree may be a myth, but if it was true this is where it would have happened. Located about an hour away in Fredericksburg, Ferry Farm is George’s boyhood home. During January and February, the farm is only open Saturdays and Sundays, but on Feb. 18 Ferry Farm is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at no charge. Located on 268 Kings Highway, Fredericksburg. For directions and other information call 540-370-0732.
* Moland House. During the American Revolution, George Washington and the Continental Army camped at the Widow Molans’ house in Bucks County, Pa. for nearly two weeks. The stone house has since become a historic site, open every second Sunday of the month 12-4 p.m. for guided tours. To arrange tours on another date, call 215-345-6439 or e-mail events@moland.org. Located at 1641 Old York Road, Hartsville, Pa., about three hours away from Washington, D.C. For directions or other information see <a href=http://moland.org> moland.org</a>.