Washington's River Farm

Sometimes the hustle and bustle (and traffic and masses of people) in DC can be a little too much to handle for a full day out with my two boys.  So I was very pleased to find a quiet little oasis where we can spend some time out in the fresh air just a few minutes from my husband's work.  It made for a good place to end the day before we pick him back up.  

River Farm is apparently a property that belonged to George Washington at some point, and can be found off the beautiful George Washington Memorial Parkway between Mt. Vernon and Alexandria.  Home of the American Horticultural Society, it has several gardens and a beautiful estate house that can be toured free of cost (or by donation). 

While we were chatting about the gardens, I told Theodore to try to remember the flowers I liked in case he wanted to pick out some for me for a gift for Mother's Day.  He told me that he had a special gift for me already, that "Love is the best gift!"  He is such a loving little guy (but his dad had him pick out flowers anyway, plus he made a beautiful bracelet and jewelry box at school).

The best part of the farm for us was the children's garden, with plenty of things for the boys to climb in, on, or around.  And they even had enough "houses" for us to re-enact the three little pigs (yes, he is still doing this!). 

We'll definitely be back and pull out the picnic blanket to have lunch or a snack there overlooking the beautiful Potomac River.  Perhaps we'll even make a stop when we finally hike the Mt. Vernon trail which passes nearby as well.

Visiting Tips:

There is an indoor, public bathroom.

Like nearby Alexandria, the farm is pet-friendly.

There is a book-store you can shop, but with limited hours (T & TH 11-2).