A short drive from Woodbridge and Lorton, George Washington's Mount Vernon estate is turning back the clock this weekend for its annual Colonial Market & Fair — a two-day event that transforms the estate's 12-acre field into an 18th-century marketplace, Sept. 19 and 20 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
More than 50 colonial-attired artisans from across the country will set up shop, demonstrating period trades and selling handmade goods including ceramics, glasswork, furniture, woodcraft, jams, soap, antique maps, and beeswax collectables. The event is included with regular estate admission — $30 for adults, $16 for youth ages 6-11, and free for children 5 and under and Mount Vernon members.
Mount Vernon's reconstructed Distillery. Photo courtesy of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association.
What's Happening
Beyond the marketplace itself, the fair features entertainment scattered across the estate grounds throughout both days:
• Meet General Washington — a costumed interpreter shares stories from Washington's life, with appearances at the Market Square Stage at noon and 2:30 p.m.
• A hot air balloon demonstration, running all day on the Bowling Green, showing how the earliest balloons took flight in the 18th century.
• A Punch & Judy puppet show and an 18th-century conjurer, Mr. Peter Gardiner, performing throughout the day.
• Colonial-era cricket on the Bowling Green, plus live music including a glass harp and hammered dulcimer at Music at the Crossroads.
• A special appearance Sept. 19 only: Massachusetts glassblower Luke Adams signing his hand-blown glass pumpkins and gourds, 10 a.m.-noon and 2-4 p.m.
Food, Drink, and a Nod to America 250
Freshly baked bread and other food will be available throughout the marketplace, and the 18th-century tavern will serve draft beer and live music for guests 21 and older. In a nod to the nation's 250th anniversary, visitors can pick up a commemorative mug marking the milestone.
Getting There
Mount Vernon is located at 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, about a 30-40 minute drive from Woodbridge depending on traffic. Parking is free and first-come, first-served, with overflow parking available at the estate's Conservation Complex and Volunteer Center lot if the main lots fill up.
While Mount Vernon sits just across the county line in Fairfax County, its proximity to Prince William County — and the crowds it draws from our area every fall — make it well worth the short trip for anyone looking for a weekend outing steeped in history.
Source: George Washington's Mount Vernon (mountvernon.org)