Located just off the George Washington Parkway, the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens has much to offer. Mount Vernon was the home of our nation's first President, George Washington, who dedicated nearly 50 years of his life to expanding the property and tending to the sprawling gardens. Nowadays, visitors can tour the mansion and take sightseeing cruises along the Potomac that offer a glimpse into life at Mount Vernon during the Colonial period. The Donald W. Reynolds Museum and Education Center and the Ford Orientation Center include 25 galleries and over 500 artifacts which tell the story of George Washington's life and presidency. Be sure to visit the estate's website and check out the calendar for upcoming events.