Mt. Vernon Inn

Tucked away on the grounds of George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, you’ll find the Mt. Vernon Inn. It’s a place where history and hospitality intertwine. The story of the Mt. Vernon Inn begins long before the current building existed. Back in the 18th century, George and Martha Washington frequently entertained guests at Mount Vernon. In 1798 alone, they hosted 670 overnight visitors. These guests were treated to lavish meals and drinks. One guest even described their experience as being treated in “the genteelest manner.” After Washington’s death in 1799, Mount Vernon became a popular tourist attraction. The Washington family struggled to maintain the estate financially, as visitor numbers soared to 10,000 annually. The Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association stepped in and purchased the estate in 1858. They began the long process of restoring the dilapidated mansion. Even during the Civil War, the association, led by Sarah Tracy and Upton Herbert, provided light refreshments to visitors. This small income stream proved vital to their solvency. As travel to Mount Vernon evolved, so did the need for dining options. A simple restaurant operated just outside the estate gates, specializing in “Virginia chicken.” A nearby “beer hut” catered to visitors arriving by trolley. These establishments, while popular, drew criticism for not aligning with the dignity of the historic site. The landscape changed drastically with the opening of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in the early 1930s. This new roadway brought a surge of visitors by car and bus, though boat travel from Washington and Old Town Alexandria remained an option. The federal government, recognizing the need, purchased land outside Mount Vernon’s gates specifically to build a restaurant for travelers. This restaurant stood on the exact spot where the Mt. Vernon Inn is located today. By 1964, Mount Vernon’s annual visitors peaked at a record-breaking 1.3 million. The restaurant and gift shop complex underwent multiple expansions. In the early 1980s, the Mount Vernon Association decided to run the restaurant themselves, ensuring a quality dining experience. The early years were challenging, even after hiring an experienced chef and introducing dinner service in 1985. Yet, through word of mouth, the Mt. Vernon Inn gained a reputation for good food, a cozy ambiance, and reasonable prices. It became a favored destination for special occasions. Weddings, holiday parties, and corporate events filled its calendar. Today, the Mt. Vernon Inn stands as a testament to centuries of hospitality at Mount Vernon. From simple refreshments offered during the Civil War to the present-day restaurant, it has evolved to meet the needs of countless visitors. The Mt. Vernon Inn carries on the legacy of George and Martha Washington, welcoming guests to experience the history and beauty of this iconic estate.