2018 ASHS Annual Conference

$89 - Includes lunch.

We invite you to join an excursion to the home of George Washington to see, hear, taste and witness Mount Vernon like few have experienced. 

Our day will start at 9:30 at the restored/recreated grist mill and distillery to witness the grinding of corn and to learn the process of making Washington’s own rye Whiskey.  Before departing, we will sample both the original recipe and whiskey aged two years in a charred oak barrel. 

Arriving at the estate at 10:30 we will begin our tour of the historic gardens and landscape with long time horticulturist Dean Norton.  Dean, in his 49^th year at Mount Vernon, will introduce us to all areas of the country seat Washington created in 1785 to include the east lawn overlooking the Potomac River, the kitchen garden, pleasure garden and the landscape features to include the groves, shrubberies, wilderness areas, bowling green and ha-ha walls.  Dean will give us plenty of historical insight and share lots of stories of preservation and his own personal experiences from his years as a teenage paper picker.

After lunch at the Inn we will have the opportunity to tour the house as well as embark on a behind the scenes tour exploring the forest, seeing a number of historic trees and other special areas that at this time will remain a surprise.

Before leaving, the estate there will be time for you to explore on your own, tour the museum and also the education center.

It will be a day to remember and a trip that should not be missed.