In February, celebrate the birthday of our first president, George Washington.
And while you're at it, visit the homes of other presidents who lived in Virginia.
Williamsburg - Feb 16 - Breakast with the Presidents - Sit down to a sumptuous breakfast buffet and ask George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison questions about their time as president. Learn what life and public office were like for some of our nation's
first leaders. After breakfast, guests with Colonial Williamsburg admission tickets will be invited to march to the Capitol with the Fifes and Drums for a special interactive program. Reservations required.
Williamsburg - Feb 16 - The Great Men of Williamsburg - George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison were shaped by their experiences in Williamsburg and the roles that each played in momentous events that occurred at the Capitol. Hear each of them speak of how they were influenced during their time.
Mount Vernon - Feb 16-17 - Mount Vernon's 281st Birthday Celebration Weekend for George Washington - George Washington's favorite breakfast was "hoecakes swimming in butter and honey." Join "General Washington" for a sample of this meal (while supplies last) from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., guests are invited to interact with costumed characters from George Washington's world. Don't miss the wreathlayinig and 3 p.m. and more.
Alexandria - Feb 16-18 - George Washington Birthday Parade and Weekend Festivities - Largest parade in the country celebrating the 281st anniversary of the birth of the nation's first president takes place on Washington's Birthday holiday, Monday, February 18, 1 to 3 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria. Part of a weekend of events that includes the Birthnight Banquet & Ball and a Madeira Wine Tasting at Gadsby's Tavern, a 10-K race, a 1-mile race just before the parade, plus free open houses at historic attractions on parade day.
Alexandria - Feb 17 - Madeira Tasting with President Washington - Enjoy the General's favorite drink as you toast birthday wishes to him! Taste a variety of madeira wines from Rare Wine, Inc. that were created specifically to showcase regional preferences along the nation's coastline - from Boston to Savannah! Plus enjoy food paired with each madeira that is inspired by the respective regions. $45 per person inclusive.
Alexandria - Feb 16 - George Washington Birthnight Banquet and Ball - Set in year 1799, you are invited to the recreation of this famous celebration of Washington's Birthday. The evening includes an 18th-century banquet, English country dancing, dessert collation, character re-enactors, and General and Mrs. George Washington. Period costume optional, "after-five" attire encouraged.
Alexandria - Feb 18 - Parade Day Open House: Free Tours in Honor of President's Day - Celebrate George Washington's 281st birthday in Old Town Alexandria. Enjoy the annual George Washington parade and tour the Carlyle House for free!
Fredericksburg - Feb 18 - President's Day at Hugh Mercer Apothecary Shop - Half-price admission in honor of George Washington who was a friend of Dr. Mercer's. Mercer's patients included Mary Washington, mother of George. Dr. Mercer practiced medicine for 15 years in Fredericksburg serving the citizens with medicines and treatments of the time. Take a walk in the herb garden. Leeches, lancets, snakeroot, and crab claws make up just some of the remedies.
Fredericksburg - Feb 18 - President's Day at the Mary Washington House - Visit the home of George Washington's mother, Mary, and tour the gardens she enjoyed so much. George Washington bought this home for his mother in 1772. She lived here during the last 17 years of her life. The period furnishings include her “best dressing glass” willed at her death to George. The English-style flower garden contains some original boxwood believed to be planted by Mary.
Fredericksburg - Feb 18 - President's Day at The Rising Sun Tavern - Half-price admission in honor of George Washington. His youngest brother, Charles, built this landmark in 1760 as his private residence. The building became a tavern in 1792. No longer serving food & drink, the “tavern wenches” and male “indentured servants” entertain visitors with a lively interpretation of 18th-century tavern life.
Fredericksburg - Feb 22 - George Washington's Birthday at Mary Washington House - Visit the Mary Washington House, which George bought for his mother in 1772. We will celebrate Washington's birthday with costumed tours and refreshments.
Visit other places where George Washington lived and visited.
Presidents Passport
Capitalize on the proximity of three presidential estates – Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, James Madison’s Montpelier, and James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland – and save money while doing it.
More than 50 exclusive offers are yours for the taking when you activate your Presidents Passport. Each offer was specifically chosen to ensure an authentic experience highlighting the best of the area. Expect to find savings from 10 to 30% off, as well as “buy one, get one” deals, and freebies with purchases. Activate your Presidents Passport to begin saving and you’ll put LOVE and history at the heart of your Virginia vacation.
LINCOLN - The Movie Trail
Walk in the footsteps of the cast and crew of Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, Lincoln, filmed over 53 days in Virginia.