hamilton the musical tour mount vernon

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Tips for a Hamilton: An American Musical Inspired Trip

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With the release of the musical  Hamilton on Disney+, I wanted to take the time to relive my mini Hamilton inspired trip! While listening to the cast recording of the hit Broadway play, of course! I didn’t set out for this trip to be inspired by the musical Hamilton or the revolution. However, as it has been so prevalent in our society recently, it was hard to ignore Mr. Alexander Hamilton along the way.

The places I’ve listed below were part of a more extensive trip that took me through North Carolina to Virginia and then onto Washington, DC. However, even though that was the case, I’ll lay out an itinerary to the best of my ability. I went through this at a rather fast pace, doing Monticello and George Washington’s Mount Vernon in one day. Which, when I mentioned to locals, they found astonishing. So if you like to take your time, make sure to add more room than I did on my Alexander Hamilton musical itinerary here.

Not all of the places I’ll be listing have to do with the Hamilton musical directly. Some locations are in relation to other characters mentioned in the Broadway musical, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. I hope you enjoy my Alexander Hamilton musical inspired itinerary!

Day 1: George Washington at Tryon Palace

I’ve written about Tryon Palace before in reference to the Starz TV series Outlander . George Washington himself makes an appearance in the series, which is one of the truths of the popular historical drama. George Washington did indeed visit Tryon Palace in New Bern, North Carolina.

Originally built between 1767 and 1770, Tryon Palace was the first permanent capital of the Colony of North Carolina and home to the Royal Governor and his family. However, that didn’t last long as the American Revolution began with the Patriots making the Palace their capital. It also became home to the first sessions of the General Assembly, where they started designing a free and independent state.

The John Wright Stanly House

On the evening of April 21, 1791, Tryon Palace held a dinner and dance in honor of President George Washington who was exploring New Bern while on his Southern Tour. While in town, he stayed at the John Wright Stanly House, which is now located just across the street from Tryon Palace.

Named after former owner John Wright Stanly, who was a Revolutionary War veteran, the home had been moved twice before. The last move was in 1965 when it was restored as part of the Tryon Palace complex.

When George Washington was in New Bern, the John Wright Stanly House was empty. There’s a local legend that the people of New Bern realized what an elegant house it was, so they opened it up, cleaned, and put in their own furnishings inside for President Washington to use. George Washington later wrote in his diary that he had enjoyed “exceeding good lodgings.”

I would recommend a day in New Bern to do the Tryon Palace tours and the John Wright Stanly House. As New Bern is centrally located, it’s easy to walk around town and grab a bite to eat and such. It’s an excellent way to spend Day 1 of your Alexander Hamilton musical itinerary.

Day 2: American Revolution Museum at Yorktown

About a three and a half-hour drive north and you’ll find yourself at Yorktown, mentioned in the musical Hamilton! The American Revolution Museum provides an in-depth look at the story of the nation’s founding. While also hosting excellent exhibits, in-person presenters, and interactive environments and films.

You must go see “The Siege of Yorktown,” which is a 180-degree film experience. Featuring the likes of General Washington and Rochambeau, British General Cornwallis, and Alexander Hamilton in his first military role in the Continental Army with his famous words – “Rush On Boys!” Hamilton’s big moment in the revolution!

In their exhibits, you’ll see hundreds of artifacts such as military equipment, maps, paintings, engravings, furnishings, and personal effects. Primarily covering the colonial period to the Constitution, their galleries make the experience personal by showcasing objects made and used by people of the period.

Exhibit Themes:

“The British Empire and America” examines the relationship between America and Britain before the Revolution.

“The Changing Relationship – Britain and North America” showcases the growing rift between the American colonies and Britain. In 1774, the Patriots proclaimed that “our cause we leave to heaven and our rifles.”

“Revolution”  follows the war, starting with the Battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775 to victory at Yorktown in 1781. Including an exhibit on the Declaration of Independence, which includes a very early printing of this document. As well as featuring stories of Patriots, Loyalists, women, enslaved and free African Americans – as they question, defy, or contribute to the Revolutionary War effort.

“The New Nation”  shows the challenges faced by the United States in the 1780s. Including a weak government under the Articles of Confederation, an unstable postwar economy, and new social tensions which culminated in the creation of the Constitution.

“The American People”  compares and contrasts America after the Revolution with America before the Revolution.

Alexander Hamilton in the Revolution

My favorite part of visiting the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown was a lecture on Alexander Hamilton. They had other notable figures I could have heard about as well, but of course, I chose the Hamilton one. They had a very knowledgable man there who gave an action-packed talk about the life and legacy of Alexander. With a short mention of the hit Broadway Alexander Hamilton musical of course.

If you’re visiting, I highly recommend checking out a lecture as it was a great way to get informed and entertained in a short amount of time. I learned a lot about Hamilton in the revolution from this lecture.

Day 3-4: Colonial Williamsburg

About a 20 minute drive away, you’ll find yourself at Colonial Williamsburg. I have to say, I only spent a day here and I wish I had spent more! However, living history museums are not for everyone, so if you’re unsure, try one day. Then leave time for another if you can as there is SO much to do!

I enjoyed my time at Colonial Williamsburg as I love re-enactments, and they have a ton going on! I sincerely mean that there was so much I could not pack it in on my one day! There were hands-on activities, guided tours, demonstrations, lectures, art collections, and more! Their original 18th-century buildings take you back in time to what it would have been like in Colonial Williamsburg. The people that work there are all in period costume and are incredibly knowledgable.

As the largest outdoor living museum in the US, it is an impressive place to go on your Hamilton tour. While I didn’t find anything about Alexander Hamilton while I was there, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson (seen above), and Marquis de Lafayette are featured in Nation Builders. In these presentations, real historical figures are portrayed who made significant contributions to American history and are associated with 18th-century Williamsburg.

Day 4: Yorktown Battlefield

A 25-minute drive away, you’ll find the  Yorktown Battlefield, which has a great driving tour. I did this in a couple of hours in the afternoon. It was an excellent way to stay mostly in the car and out of the heat! As you’ll likely know from the musical, the Battle of Yorktown was the site of the last major battle of the American Revolutionary War. It secured independence for the United States and was Alexander Hamilton’s shining military moment, as mentioned in the Broadway musical Hamilton.

Before going on the driving tour, you can visit the National Park Services’ Yorktown Battlefield Visitor Center to see a 16-minute introductory film on the Siege at Yorktown. Their exhibit also includes portions of the headquarter tents George Washington used throughout the war. As well as historic buildings such as the 1730 Nelson House, the Moore House (picture below) where the surrender terms were negotiated, and the National Cemetery Lodge.

If you’d prefer a guided tour, there are ranger-guided ones of the battlefield offered throughout the day. I did the two self-guided tour routes, for a total of 16 miles. Maps of the driving tours can be found at the Visitor Center as well as the $5 CD I bought at the gift shop that was great for giving background at stops along the way.

Now, if you’re looking for something to skip on this Hamilton the musical itinerary, this may be it. As this driving tour takes you to a bunch of fields were this battle once was. There isn’t that much to see on this self-guided driving tour. However, I appreciated that I could do it at my own pace, in my car, in AC.

Day 5: Monticello

Just over a two-hour drive away, you’ll get to Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello. Monticello is sat at the summit of an 850-foot (260 m)-high peak, deriving its name from the Italian meaning “little mountain.” His plantation included several buildings and quarters for enslaved Africans who worked in the home. As well as gardens for flowers, produce, tobacco, crops, and Jefferson’s experiments in plant breeding. Thomas Jefferson was also buried on the grounds, in an area now designated as the Monticello Cemetery.

It appears they have changed their tours since I went as I did a lot of the things on Private Behind the Scenes tour, but I did not pay the amount they have currently shown. I went last year before COVID-19, so it’s probably due to that. They also had a Hamilton Tour Takeover that I wasn’t able to attend as I did the first available tour in order to get to Mount Vernon afterward.

The guided tour I went on, I was able to see the main floor and the private quarters on the second and third floors, including the Dome Room. A note on going upstairs at Monticello, these stairs are tiny! On the tour, you learn about Thomas Jefferson (of course), Sally Hemings, and his daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph, as well as the free and enslaved people who lived and worked in the house.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon

Going just over another 2-hour drive and you’ll land at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. This estate is filled with things to do, such as touring his 18th century home, strolling in the gardens, visiting museum galleries, and more. I didn’t get to do too much here aside from visiting the house, a tour, and the museum, but if you have the time, you can probably fill up an entire day here.

They were refurbishing his home when I was there, but I was still able to go inside and view the first and second floors of George Washington’s beautiful Mount Vernon. The museum exhibit covers the life of George Washington, starting with his first job as a surveyor. Then onto his leadership during the French and Indian War and his growing businesses at Mount Vernon. It also, of course, covers his time in the Revolutionary War and the founding of our nation. A unique Revolutionary War 4D Theater highlights General Washington’s important military victories at Boston, Trenton, and Yorktown.

National Treasure Tour

When I got to Mount Vernon, it was later in the day, so the soonest tour was the National Treasure Tour. Not that I’m not a fan of the National Treasure films , I just didn’t expect there to be a tour solely dedicated to it! The second film, National Treasure: Book of Secrets,  was filmed on location at Mount Vernon. This tour takes you behind-the-scenes to film locations and explains how these locations were used during Washington’s time. I even got to visit the cellar of Mount Vernon since it was featured in the film! It’s where the Lawrence Washington cornerstone is!

Hamilton the Musical Tour

Now, I may have missed this tour when I went last year, or they might have simply not had it back then, but I’ll be remiss if I didn’t add it here. The Hamilton the Musical Tour at Mount Vernon explores Washington’s role in the hit Broadway show. Taking a look at his views on many of the themes that the Alexander Hamilton musical addresses.

While there is no record of Alexander Hamilton visiting Mount Vernon, you can find many things mentioned in Hamilton at George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

“What ideas was Lafayette fighting for with the Guns & Ships the French brought? Where are the vines? Where are the fig trees? Get the answers to these questions and more on this hour-long tour.”

Day 6: Library of Congress

A 30 minute drive into Washington DC, and you’ll be at the gorgeous Library of Congress! I’m ashamed to say that I had NO idea this building was so beautiful before my trip. I was bowled over when I visited! The Library of Congress is a research library that officially serves the United States Congress and is the national library of the US. It is also the oldest federal cultural institution in the United States and one of the largest libraries in the world .

The Library of Congress origin starts shortly after the beginnings of the United States. James Madison is credited with the idea of creating a congressional library in 1783. Followed by its formal establishment in April of 1800, by President John Adams. Then, President Thomas Jefferson created the structure of the library, signing a bill that allowed the president to appoint the Librarian of Congress and establishing a Joint Committee on the Library to regulate and oversee it.

Thomas Jefferson’s Library

However, in 1814, the British army burned Washington and destroyed the Library of Congress and its collection of 3,000 volumes. Thomas Jefferson, the avid reader he was, offered to sell his personal library to replace the collection. I heard he also needed the money!

Congress accepted and spent $23,950 to purchase 6,487 books he had accumulated over 50 years. They included works in several languages and subjects such as philosophy, history, law, religion, architecture, travel, natural sciences, mathematics, studies of classical Greece and Rome, modern inventions, hot air balloons, music, submarines, fossils, agriculture, and meteorology.

His collection was then organized into a scheme based on Francis Bacon’s organization of knowledge . Grouping the books into categories such as Memory, Reason, and Imagination, then further into 44 more subdivisions. Unfortunately, again the Library of Congress was burned in 1851. Destroying two-thirds of the Jefferson collection, with only 2,000 books remaining.

As of 2008, the librarians of Congress had found replacements for all but 300 of Jefferson’s original collection. When visiting the Library of Congress, you can see which of the books are originals, replacements, and which are still missing.

Hamilton at the Library of Congress

There is also a collection at the library of Alexander Hamilton papers and artifacts, totaling 12,000 items altogether. They previously had on display a selection of significant letters penned by Hamilton throughout different stages of his life.

Among those items were writings from a 12-year-old Hamilton, a Marquis de Lafayette communication about the final battle in the Revolutionary War, a work about the formation of the U.S. Constitution, and a July 4, 1804 goodbye letter to his wife shortly before the Burr duel. Hopefully, they’ll bring this back so we can see as mentioned in the Broadway Alexander Hamilton musical, how he wrote like he was running out of time!

Revolutionary Statues and Memorials

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the memorials and statues you can also visit while in Washington, DC. There is, of course, the Washington Monument, which Elizabeth Schuyler Hamilton helped establish. The Jefferson Monument looks over the Potomac River and is beautiful when lit up at night. Then there is a statue of the man himself, Alexander Hamilton, which is located at the U.S. Treasury Building. There’s another statue of him in the Captial building as well.

You can find even more Alexander Hamilton musical mentions around Washington, DC. You can see parts of his life and legacy in the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, the National Museum of American History, the National Archives Museum, the Society of the Cincinnati, the National Gallery of Art, the Treasury Building, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and much more. I highly recommend a visit to Washington, DC, if you haven’t had the pleasure yet!

Want to remember this? Post this Tips for a Hamilton: An American Musical Inspired Trip  article to your favorite Pinterest board!

Michelle Jensen

Michelle is a nerdy wanderluster with a love of history. A thirty-something traveler and occasional female solo traveler who you’ll find road-tripping across the United States or hostel-hopping in Europe. Currently residing in Southern California with a day job in marketing.

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Today at Mount Vernon

Thursday july 4, 2024, an american celebration, hamilton the musical tour.

Look around, look around at Mount Vernon and discover Washington’s role in Hamilton The Musical , and his views on many of the themes that the musical addresses.

Tribute at the Tomb

Pay your respect to George Washington by participating in a brief wreath-laying ceremony at the Washingtons' Tomb.

Music of the Revolution

Join our resident fifer for a musical demonstration and discussion of fife & drum music, and its importance during the American Revolution!

Tribute at the Slave Memorial

Commemorate the community of the enslaved people who lived and worked at Mount Vernon during a special wreath-laying presentation.

Photo Cruise on the Potomac

Experience George Washington's Mount Vernon from a different perspective during a narrated excursion on the Potomac River.

Tickets are available upon arrival at the Ticket Window.

Please allow 30 minutes to walk to the Wharf to meet your boat. Tours depart promptly, and late arrivals cannot be accommodated. General admission is required.

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There are many tours to opt for in addition to the self guided tour. Does anyone have a favorite and why? Do you pick one or mix and match depending on timing? Are they worth it? Is the self guided enough? Suggestions welcome.

National Treasure Tour (have to say I never saw the movie) Extra $

Through My Eyes tour (guided by someone impersonating an aide or slave) Extra $

Tribute at the Tomb

Enslaved People at Mount Vernon tour (I was considering doing this at Monticello - which is better?)

Hamilton The Musical tour (and I LOVE this show) Extra $

In Depth Tour (with guide and takes you into places not generally available to tourists) Extra $

5 replies to this topic

I have done the Enslaved People tour at both Mt. Vernon and Monticello and I recommend doing both if possible. If you only have time for one, then I would recommend the one at Monticello.

Thanks! I read more and found out that many of these tours are only offered on Saturdays and Sundays anyway. Enslaved People is daily so I will do that one happily.

I think that you can get plenty out of touring the mansion, grounds, and museum, but I have to agree with Longhorn that the enslaved persons tours is a very good tour (Monticello's is also very good, as is the one at James Madison's Montpelier).

Home of James Madison here! Thank you to those who mentioned the Enslaved Community Tour offered at Montpelier. You can learn more about all of our tour offerings here, https://www.montpelier.org/event-calendar

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Adventures with our little explorer

How to spend the day at Mount Vernon with kids

Planning a trip to Washington DC? If so, add a day trip to George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate and learn about our first President up close and personal.

Situated on the banks of the Potomac River, George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon is a top tourist attraction in the area, and is an easy day trip from Washington D.C.

On the blog, I will share how to spend the day in Mount Vernon with kids, so you can plan your visit to George Washington’s estate in Virginia.

A visit to Williamsburg Virginia with kids

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How to get to Mount Vernon

You can easily get to Mount Vernon by car, it’s a short drive from Washington DC, and parking is free.

But there are a few scenic ways to get to George Washington’s estate as well. One of the most scenic ways to get to Mount Vernon is by boat on the Potomac River.

You can easily get here from Washington DC, Alexandria , and the National Harbor on a boat cruise aboard the Potomac Riverboat Company .

You can also take a round trip cruise from Washington DC aboard the Spirit of Mount Vernon , departing from the SW Waterfront. This tour includes general admission to Mount Vernon.

Where to purchase tickets to Mount Vernon

Make sure to purchase your Mount Vernon tickets online to avoid lines. Tickets costs $28 for Adults, $15 kids ages 6-11, and FREE for kids ages 0-5.

Your timed entry ticket takes you on a tour of George Washington’s Mansion and entrance to his estate.

There are other Mount Vernon tour add-ons that you can add to your visit to Mount Vernon as well. Here are a few that require an additional admission:

• Hamilton The Musical Tour – This tour is an additional $10 on top of the admission fee. This one hour tour starts from April-October 2022 Daily at 10am, and explores the ties between the Hamilton musical and Mount Vernon.
• National Treasure Book of Secrets Tour – This tour is also an additional $10, and you can go behind the scenes of the movie “National Treasure: Book of Secrets”. This one hour tour starts at 9:30am and 1pm on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This tour is offered March – December, daily
• Through my Eyes Tour – Also an additional $10, from March-November Sat-Sun at 10am & 1pm. This one hour tour takes you across the estate as an actor portraying people who lived on Mount Vernon show you what a day in their life at Mount Vernon was like.
• Private Mount Vernon Tours – Enjoy an exclusive private tour with your own guide at Mount Vernon. Prices start at $175, and must be booked two weeks in advance.

Top things to do at Mount Vernon with kids

Go on a scavenger hunt.

•  One way to let the kids enjoy their time at Mount Vernon is to go on a scavenger hunt.
• Pick up your adventure map at the Ford Orientation Center  and explore nine locations at the Estate.
• There are written clues and colorful pictures to help guide you to find the answers to clues, and solve the word puzzle, which ends with a prize.
• Once you finished, have your answers checked at the Guest Services desk in the lobby of the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center and Museum.
• You can also  download an I Spy Scavenger Hunt here  for kids ages 3-7, or pick one up at the Orientation Center. 

Download the Revolutionary Spy Adventure App

• Let the kids explore Mount Vernon and see what it takes to be a spy!
• First pick up your Code book at the Ford Orientation Center, which contains clues, then  download the Agent 711 Spy App  where you will solve ciphers, decode messages, and take on eight challenges, and earn the title of Spy Master.
• Once you complete your mission show a Mount Vernon staff member to receive your Spy Master bracelet. This activity is for kids 11 and up. 

Take the Photo Quest

•   Pick up a free Photo Quest here  and follow the clues to discover great places to take photos. For kids 11 and up.

Visit the Discovery Stations

• Visit the Discovery Station and learn more about George Washington and Mount Vernon, and grab a craft activity to take home. Thurs-Sun 1:30-3:30 p.m. Visit the calendar here for daily offerings.

Be Washington Interactive Theater

• See if you have what it takes to be like George Washington in this fun interactive experience for kids 10 and up!
• There are four challenging scenarios, and each one takes about 18 minutes to complete. This experience runs continuously from 9AM-4PM, and is located at the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center and Museum.

Top things to do at Mount Vernon

Visit the gardens at mount vernon.

On your visit to Mount Vernon with kids, make sure to visit the Gardens. George Washington loved farming and his gardens.

There are four perfectly landscaped gardens on Mount Vernon and are absolutely beautiful!

The Lower gardens are where George Washington planted fruits and vegetables for his estate and for sale at the local market. 

The Upper gardens were intended as a formal garden, showcasing George Washington’s skill as a gardener.

In the center of the garden you will find the greenhouse, which housed exotic plants, as well as the slaves quarters. 

This was one of the most picturesque gardens in the estate, and a great place to unwind while you wait for your tour to start.

Visit George Washingtons tomb at Mount Vernon

When planning a visit to Mount Vernon, don’t miss a visit to George Washington’s tomb. In his last Will and testament, George Washington desired to be buried at his estate.

During your visit to Mount Vernon with kids, you can pay homage to the Father of Our Country and the first First Lady. It was such an honor to pay our respects to our first President!

Visit the Slave Memorial and Burial Grounds

Just a short walk from George Washington’s tomb is the Slave Memorial and burial grounds. The memorial marks the site where both free and enslaved people were buried.

The graves were either unmarked or the markings did not survive, and the identities and numbers of those buried remain largely unknown. 

Explore the outbuildings at Mount Vernon

One of the most fun things to do in Mount Vernon with kids is exploring the grounds, especially the outbuildings.

The essential operations of the plantation were performed in numerous buildings scattered throughout the estate, and it was quite interesting learning about them.

Here you will also find his stables, composting hut and George Washington’s horse drawn carriage, which our little one thought was cool.

The kiddos will have an amazing time exploring the many different buildings in Mount Vernon, and learning more about farm life back in the days!

Visit the Farm

Another place the kids will love is the Farm at Mount Vernon.

The Farm is located along the banks of the Potomac and you can watch live demonstrations as costumed interpreters demonstrate what farm life was like back in the day.

Live demonstration vary day to day and includes farming and fishing practices, how to shear sheep and harvest crops and more.

The kids will love all the farm animals especially the sheeps! You can also explore the replica slave cabin and Washington’s 16-sided treading barn.

Tour George Washington’s Mansion

Mount Vernon’s top attraction is of course George Washington’s mansion. Your timed entry ticket takes you on a self-guided walking tour of George Washington’s mansion.

As you enter his home, you will notice most of his decor was farm themed. George Washington loved farming and it’s evident throughout his home.

We also learned about how the Mansion was built to look like it was made with stone, but is actually wood, which was impressive! 

On your self guided tour of George Washington’s Mansion, you will learn more about the mansions history with the very knowledgeable attendants located in every room.

They were very helpful and answered whatever question you may have had about the property.

The Mount Vernon Mansion tour follows a path that takes you to the many different rooms, and was the perfect amount of time, especially with kiddos.

The best part was the back patio, where you can sit on one of the rocking chairs and get the most amazing views of the Potomac river. 

Visit the Museum and Education Center at Mount Vernon

At the end of your Mansion tour, make sure to visit the Museum and Education Center to learn more about George Washington- the man, his life-and becoming president.

This is one of the top things to do when visiting Mount Vernon with kids. They will have an awesome time learning about our first president with the many fun exhibits.

You can trace George Washington’s life story through state-of-the-art gallery displays, videos and exhibits.

Visit Mount Vernon on George Washington’s Birthday

One of the best times to visit Mount Vernon with kids is on Presidents Day, or George Washington’s birthday celebration.

During this FREE event at Mount Vernon, the kids will have an amazing time watching the Continental soldiers conduct a marching drill, fire their guns, and charge at the enemy in this fun military demonstration.

You can also listen as the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps play patriotic music on the lawn on Mount Vernon. You can’t miss the wreath laying ceremony at George Washington’s tomb.

It was such an amazing experience, and definitely worth the visit if you happen to be visiting on President’s Day.

• When: February 21 (8am-5pm) & February 22 (9am-4pm)
• Tickets: Admission is FREE for Presidents Day and George Washington’s birthday.
• Tickets must be reserved online in advance, and will be released to Mount Vernon members on February 11, and to the general public on February 15. A limited number of tickets are available.
• Parking is free but they fill up pretty fast. I recommend that you arrive early for the best parking, and to avoid the traffic getting here!

Visit George Washington’s Grist Mill and Distillery

At the end of your Mount Vernon tour, take a shuttle or drive nearby to George Washington’s Grist Mill and distillery, which comes with your admission ticket.

The Mill was used to produce flour and cornmeal for the plantation, as well as high-quality flour for export to the West Indies, England and Europe.

Since entrance is free with your Mount Vernon tickets, make sure to add a tour of the fully-functioning reconstructions of Washington’s gristmill and whiskey distillery.

Visit Mount Vernon in the Fall

Make sure to visit George Washington’s Estate during the fall.

There are so many wonderful fall festivals, including a fun Mount Vernon Halloween event for the kids, complete with trick or treating and chocolate making demonstrations.

Seeing the fall foliage around the estate makes it look so much more beautiful, and makes the perfect backdrop for your Mount Vernon photos!

* Read our blog on some Fun Fall activities in the Washington DC area here . I share more fall events at Mount Vernon, including a few in Alexandria.

Where to eat at Mount Vernon 

On your visit to Mount Vernon with kids, there are a few places to grab a bite.

There is a food court that offers many options for breakfast, lunch, and snacks on the go, including salads, deli sandwiches, hamburgers, hotdogs and pizza.

You can even dine at the Mount Vernon Inn, located right next door from the estate.

Enjoy the flavors of early America in this sit down restaurant on Mount Vernon. I suggest making a reservation to avoid the long waits here. 

I hope this guide to Mount Vernon with kids inspires you to visit George Washington’s estate.

It was such an amazing experience to learn more about our First President and his life at home.

The museum alone was worth the visit and very informative!

Mount Vernon also hosts various events throughout the year, and is a good idea to check the website before visiting to see if there may be anything of interest on your visit.

If your ever in the region, make sure to visit George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon, it was one memorable experience!

*Read our blog on visiting Old Town Alexandria Virginia , and explore George Washington’s old stomping grounds. We also have a blog post on visiting Old Town Alexandria during the holidays as well!

Book your hotel in Washington DC here:

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Hamilton the Musical at Mount Vernon

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George Washington’s Mount Vernon

While there is no record of Alexander Hamilton visiting, evidence of Hamilton the Musical abound at George Washington’s Mount Vernon. What ideas was Lafayette fighting for with all those Guns and Ships? Where are those Fig Trees? Opportunities to “that we can sing along in harmony” will be optional. Spots are limited.

This program is offered Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout Civic Season (at 10:00 a.m.)

• Independence + Freedom
• Rights, Duties + Voting

beginner-friendly

Dive Deeper

The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire

By new american history.

• Anytime/On Your Own

Benjamin Hance Lynching Memorial Exhibit at the Old Jail Museum

By st. mary’s county museum division.

How We Became America: The Untold History (Videos)

By american battlefield trust.

The History of the Nutcracker and Yellowface

By final bow to yellowface.

Press Play: Activate Your Curiosity + Support for U.S. Music Landmarks

By american music landmarks project.

• Social Activity
• Solo Activity

All about Juneteenth and its meaning today

By atlanta history center.

Grounds Pass & Hamilton the Musical Tour

Historic outbuildings

Museum exhibits, working farm, george washington's final resting place, slave memorial, hamilton the musical tour, why take this tour.

Take a self-guided tour of the first American president’s historic estate. Stroll through the 18th-century gardens and grounds, visit the Washington family tombs, meet heritage-breed animals, and interact with people from Washington's world. See original objects in the museum galleries, including George Washington's sword. During your visit to Mount Vernon, you'll walk in the footsteps of famous visitors, including Washington's fellow founding fathers. Although there is no record of Alexander Hamilton visiting Mount Vernon, evidence of Hamilton the Musical abound. On the Hamilton The Musical tour, discover what ideas Lafayette fought for with the guns and ships that the French brought, and learn where the vines and fig trees are. 

What’s included?

Access to the historic area, gardens, tomb, farm, trails and museum, food and drinks, hotel pickup and drop-off, access to the mansion, things to know, before you go.

Bring comfortable shoes, as there are dirt paths and some uneven walkways.

The entrance is a five to eight-minute walk from the parking lot, depending on which parking lot you park in. Visitors with mobility issues may be dropped off in the traffic circle.

Standard, non-motorized wheelchairs and wheeled walkers are available free of charge inside the Ford Orientation Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

Outside food and drink other than bottled water are prohibited.

Leashed dogs are allowed on the property, but they cannot enter the Mansion.

Covid Policy

• Face masks required for travelers in public areas
• Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
• Social distancing enforced throughout experience
• Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas

Cancellation Policy

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Mount Vernon is the historic home of America's first president, George Washington, just a short drive from Washington, D.C. and Alexandria, VA.

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Thrilling ‘Hamilton’ tour makes Sarasota debut at Van Wezel

If you have only seen the hit musical “Hamilton” on television on Disney+ or listened to the original cast recording, nothing can compare to experiencing it live in the relative intimacy of the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall.

Even those, like me, who have seen it multiple times on stage, can still thrill at the way Lin-Manuel Miranda tells the story of the life of Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers who Miranda clearly believes never received the attention he deserved for setting the new Republic on its path to democracy. It is done with heart and smarts and a diverse cast who look nothing like the statues and portraits, but more like a cross section of the American public.

Like the driven Hamilton, the show never stops. It is operatic in the way it is sung-through with a mix of rap, Hip-Hop, gospel and Broadway styles in its own unique blend, and cinematic in its staging by director Thomas Kail and choreographer by Andy Blanenbuehler. One scene moves so smoothly into the next you barely notice it happened.

Based on Ron Chernow’s biography, the musical is a warts-and-all look at Hamilton’s rise after being orphaned. He was an aide to General George Washington, helped to lead a victorious campaign in the all-important battle of Yorktown and eventually became the nation’s first Secretary of the Treasury. He is a lot more than a face on the $10 bill.

He was admired and loathed, particularly by Aaron Burr, a political rival who advanced himself by avoiding taking a stand on issues. He advises Hamilton to “talk less, smile more” while Hamilton responds, “If you stand for nothing Burr, what’ll you fall for?”

It is giving nothing away to remind you that Burr may be best remembered for killing Hamilton in a duel.

Love and politics

The show also is a love story between Alexander and his wife, Eliza Schuyler, as well his flirtations (or more) with her sister Angelica, and an affair that destroys their lives and his public service. Their love may dim, but it keeps flickering back, and the simple gesture of her hand taking his is an emotional highlight.

It is seemingly impossible to take it all in during one performance, so each new visit allows for more discoveries, like the dramatic impact of Howell Binkley’s lighting design or the way the ensemble rarely stops moving. They dance on and off with chairs and tables and props to reset the scenes on David Korins’ two-story set.

The cast at the Van Wezel is led by Blaine Alden Krauss – he grew up in the Tampa area – who captures the many aspects of Hamilton’s personality. He has a strong clear voice and a charming personality that keeps you on his side, even at his most outrageous moments. This is a man who shoots from the hip with insults during a debate, but is also the thoughtful, visionary author of the bulk of the Federalist Papers.

He is nicely paired with Kendyl Syuri Yokoyama, who is tender and supportive even when angry, as Eliza. Deon’te Goodman makes for a potent rival as Burr, narrating the story, frequently commenting on Hamilton’s actions and worming his way into positions of power.

A strong cast

In the dual role of the Marquis de Lafayette and Thomas Jefferson, Jared Howelton is a live wire. He struts, kicks and pouts as Jefferson (a different view than we’ve seen of the nation’s third president) and is gregarious as the determined French military officer who helped win France’s support for the revolutionists. 

There are also moving moments from Lencia Kebede as Angelica Schulyer and Tyler Fauntleroy as soldier John Laurens and Alexander’s young son Philip. And then there’s Paul Louis Lessard as the preening and angry King George, who appears periodically in full regal regalia to try to lure back the colonists with tough love.

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Sarasota debuts: Van Wezel will turn red for ‘Moulin Rouge’ musical in 2024-25 Broadway series

Some of the lyrics, especially those performed by Howelton, come too quickly to be easily understood, and the lively orchestra led by Emmanuel Schvartzman tends to overpower the singers during some of those rapid-fire numbers.

But even if you miss a line, you know what’s happening. The show draws you along, making you both think and feel while appreciating the ways that Miranda breaks new ground by playing on musical theater traditions and revisiting our nation’s history.

Book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda. Directed by Thomas Kail. Reviewed March 27. Through April 7, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. $69-$289. A lottery for 40 $10 seats will be held for all performances. 941-263-6799; vanwezel.org

Follow Jay Handelman on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter . Contact him at [email protected]. And please support local journalism by subscribing to the Herald-Tribune .

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

• Preplanned tours
• Daytrips out of Moscow
• Themed tours
• Customized tours
• St. Petersburg

Moscow Metro 2019

Will it be easy to find my way in the Moscow Metro? It is a question many visitors ask themselves before hitting the streets of the Russian capital. As metro is the main means of transport in Moscow – fast, reliable and safe – having some skills in using it will help make your visit more successful and smooth. On top of this, it is the most beautiful metro in the world !

. There are over 220 stations and 15 lines in the Moscow Metro. It is open from 6 am to 1 am. Trains come very frequently: during the rush hour you won't wait for more than 90 seconds! Distances between stations are quite long – 1,5 to 2 or even 3 kilometers. Metro runs inside the city borders only. To get to the airport you will need to take an onground train - Aeroexpress.

RATES AND TICKETS

Paper ticket A fee is fixed and does not depend on how far you go. There are tickets for a number of trips: 1, 2 or 60 trips; or for a number of days: 1, 3 days or a month. Your trips are recorded on a paper ticket. Ifyou buy a ticket for several trips you can share it with your traveling partner passing it from one to the other at the turnstile.

On every station there is cashier and machines (you can switch it to English). Cards and cash are accepted. 1 trip - 55 RUB 2 trips - 110 RUB

Tickets for 60 trips and day passes are available only at the cashier's.

60 rides - 1900 RUB

1 day - 230 RUB 3 days - 438 RUB 30 days - 2170 RUB.

The cheapest way to travel is buying Troyka card . It is a plastic card you can top up for any amount at the machine or at the ticket office. With it every trip costs 38 RUB in the metro and 21 RUB in a bus. You can get the card in any ticket office. Be prepared to leave a deposit of 50 RUB. You can get it back returning the card to the cashier.

SamsungPay, ApplePay and PayPass cards.

One turnstile at every station accept PayPass and payments with phones. It has a sticker with the logos and located next to the security's cabin.

GETTING ORIENTED

At the platfrom you will see one of these signs.

It indicates the line you are at now (line 6), shows the direction train run and the final stations. Numbers below there are of those lines you can change from this line.

In trains, stations are announced in Russian and English. In newer trains there are also visual indication of there you are on the line.

To change lines look for these signs. This one shows the way to line 2.

There are also signs on the platfrom. They will help you to havigate yourself. (To the lines 3 and 5 in this case).