Where Washington Lived

I went to my very first wine-tasting event this past weekend. And, no, I didn't get drunk.

It was a surprise, really. The boyfriend and I had planned to go to Mt. Vernon a while back. And Sunday seemed the perfect day to do it. Right after another surprise --- the boyfriend agreed to go to Church with me. But the latter is another story altogether.

So we checked the website, and found that there was a wine-teasting event going on there on the same day too! Coolness. And so off we went, after mass, to see where George Washington lived.

To say the estate was big is an understatement. It was huge. And very, very 1800's. The main house was separated from the workers' houses. Yes, houses. Apparently, GW had a farm and had lucrative businesses going. He was an entrepreneur. And so they sold paint, linen, and vegetables, among other things. And for these, he had an overseer, clerk, servants, and slaves too. Plus, guess what part of the house was separated from the main house? The kitchen. Yep, the kitchen. Very intriguing. But as we walked in the darkness, I could still imagine the house being a setting for an 1800's movie. Maids walking around in their uniform, GW in his pressed attire, the missus entertaining guests in their backyard (which coincidentally faces the river, oh what a lovely sight!), and the other people dong their own jobs.

I know, I know. Boring. It's really a lot more interesting if you see it for yourself. To go on a virtual tour, click here.

The wine-tasting went on in the gardens, to the left of the main house's backyard. It was fantastic. The boyfriend had fun too, and so did a friend of mine who we brought along. We ended up having dinner while listening to acoustic performers play old folk songs, and bought 3 bottles of wine, all white. Country Blush and Apple. I forget the winery name, but you must try it if you see it around.

Ah, what a lovely day that was. But I sure would hate to live in that era, seeing as how the toilets were separated from the main house.

Na-uh. Not on GW's life.