The next day of my trip out east (read the first part for more info) we were off to Baltimore, which is about an hour away from Gettysburg. My friend and I first stopped at Fort McHenry Monument, made famous when it successfully defended itself from British naval invasion during the War of 1812. Francis Scott Key was inspired by the victory and wrote the “Star Spangled Banner.”
After that stop, it was off for a quick breakfast, and then I headed to the Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum. My visit to Poe’s home was the reason I wanted to stop in Baltimore since I’ve been a fan of his work since I was a child and was first introduced to the Cask of Amontillado. I bought the tickets in advance, which gives you the place to yourself for 45 min. The place is quite small and you don’t need the full time. There is information in each room you can read over, and then the guide will answer any questions you have. Poe lived in the house with his aunt and cousin Virginia (whom he later married). Poe was poor and did not live in a wealthy area, so his home is in an economically down trodden neighborhood. Poe’s room is at the top of the house and is very small due and has a sharp pitch. Poe is buried nearby at Westminster Hall and Burying Ground where you can pay your respects to him (which I definitely did).
Afterwards, we visited the Fell’s Point neighborhood in order to walk around the harbor and check out some of the fun stores like Sound Garden music store. After some window shopping, I had a vanilla cold brew with sake at a coffee shop close to the music store. The cold brew with sake was delicious (I know it sounds weird). When I walked along the harbor, I passed the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park, which showcases African American contributions in maritime history. I learned that Douglass lived in Baltimore for a time. After some time walking around, it was time to hit the road and head to Alexandria, which is about an hour away from Baltimore.
After checking into the hotel, we headed to the downtown of Alexandria, which was ten minutes away. I wanted to walk down King Street where all the shops and restaurants were, which then ends at the harbor area. Queens Street has such beautiful homes; it reminds me of Jones Street in Savannah. While on Queens Street, I had to check out the famous narrowest house in the country, Spite House which is only seven feet wide. The homes are various colors, which adds to the appeal of them (for me). In the same area is Christ Church where George Washington went to church (the church is closed, but you can peak inside through the windows). You can still walk the grounds. While in downtown, I had to get cupcakes at Lavender Moon, which were delicious. Dinner was at an Italian restaurant where I was able to get some pizza. My friend and I continued to walk off some of that rich dinner along the harbor.
The next day I bought tickets to Mount Vernon to see George Washington’s home, which was my reason for the visit to the area. Due to COVID, much of the re-enactments and characters dressed in period costume was much smaller. I advise that you need at least a half day to a full day once things resume back to “normal.” A lot of times there are festivals and events in the tents outside the grounds too. You probably want to go during the week to avoid crowds. There are different guided tours you add to your admission ticket. I took a tour of the interior of the house, which I recommend you see.
George Washington’s father built Mount Vernon around 1734, and George would expand the place in the 1750s and 1770s. Once Washington moved there with his wife, he lived there for the rest of his life. The estate is now 500 acres while it was 8000 acres in Washington’s day. In 1858, the estate was saved from ruin by the Mount Vernon Ladies Association, which is still running the place to this day.
Presently, guests are not allowed to go upstairs in the home, just the first floor, which was beautiful. I love the colors found in the rooms, either on the wall or on the furniture. It was great to see Washington’s office with his glasses, pen, and books. He had a chair that would fan the person sitting in it, which was quite modern for the time. I had read a biography on the president last year so it was a great experience to see his home and visualize him there.
The grounds are quite extensive, and you’ll need the map to see the various parts. I did my best to see it all. Washington is also buried there so you can pay your respects at his tomb. You can walk down to the harbor and see where some of the farming was done, and as well as where the slaves lived. There is also a memorial to the slaves that lived and died at Mount Vernon. Washington’s will asked that his slaves be freed upon his death, but many could not be since they were tied to the Custis estate.
Along the grounds, there are people dressed in period pieces from various professions, like the blacksmith or a seamstress, and they are happy to answer your questions. Normally, there are farm animals displayed in areas like the stables. After walking the grounds, you are led to the visitor’s center where there is an exhibit on Washington, chartering his whole life. You can see his dentures on display, his sword used in war, and various artifacts from his and Martha’s life.
You can’t miss the gift shop since there are some great souvenirs like Mount Vernon wine. You can purchase whiskey from Mount Vernon Distillery, which is made the old fashioned way like it was in the eighteenth century; no modern machines are used. You can visit the distillery as well to take a look. There are tastings on the weekends if you want to come back and sample the whisky. I ate at the Mount Vernon restaurant to end the experience there, and enjoyed the food I had: peanut soup and a lobster roll. There is quite a lot of see at George Washington’s home so I just had a relaxing evening that involved drinks. I had a great time at Mount Vernon and definitely recommend you visit when you are visiting Alexandria!
The next day it was time to head back since it was a long drive. I stopped at the World’s Largest Teapot in Chester, West Virginia, which I did not know existed. I decided to have lunch there since breakfast was a coffee and pastry. Then it was off on the road again. I enjoyed this road trip and don’t regret traveling. I saw some amazing historic sites that I had wanted to see for quite a while. Now that it is fall I will have to hit the road again!
If you like my Facebook page, there are videos from the trip posted that you can check out as well. I also update the Instagram WayfaringGal page (which has more photos from the trip) with new posts. Thank you for reading, and comments and feedback are always welcome since that is how we learn and grow.
