river farm

A 1750's house, bought by George Washington. Guests at Mt. Vernon would show up and stay for weeks at the time, the General had a few out of bounds rooms but that didn't mean he could escape from the press of visitors. So he would get away to River Farm, where he could think about farming.

The main house had some nice decorations and a display of european cut paper ornaments. Special hours for the gift shop for Christmas shopping. Great discounts on gardening books, tools, and miscellaneous for "green thumbs"--very nice staff too.

River Farm is an exceptional area/national American Horticultural Society resource located on the banks of the Potomac River just south of Alexandria, VA on the Mount Vernon Parkway, I visit River Farm frequently during all seasons and always find River Farm an exceptional place to visit, photograph and soak in the seasonal beauty. Thanks to the staff and volunteers for their dedicated care.

I attended a wedding here and was very impressed. It is a working farm with catering facilities and a colonial mansion on the grounds. The scenery was charming and the floral arrangements were attractive without being overbearing. The food was good and service was attentive.

River Farm is a lovely 1750s-built house and surrounding land purchased by George Washington when he lived in nearby Mount Vernon. The home is small but elegant and has been beautifully maintained by the American Horticultural Society, who now uses it as their headquarters.The building and grounds are in use nearly every weekend for special events such as weddings, but you can tour it for free (donations suggested) weekdays 9-5 and during April - Sept. on Saturdays 9-1.Don't miss the walk down to the river's edge. There are a few signs along the way explaining the plants and wildlife and just before you get to the water, the bench under the tall old trees absolutely begs you to sit and listen to the water lap against the shore. Back up at the house, there's also a very lovely garden to the left as you walk out the back door onto the patio. There's such a lovely quiet calm about this place that you can feel what it might have been like to live there in the days of George Washington.

River Farm, the headquarters of the American Horticultural Society, is free to visitors, and if I had young children, I'd take them there often. The AHS offices are in the large old house on the property, with the gardens spread out around the house. Several of the gardens are made for children; one teaches how to minimize the use of power tools in the garden. The wildflower meadow is spread out on the slope leading down to the river and is full of interest at any time of year to humans and provides lots of foraging to bird, small mammals, and insects. Just up the George Washington Parkway from Mount Vernon, River Farm is a nice way to spend quiet, relaxed time after being among the hordes of people at Mount Vernon. My husband and I went inside the house, sat on a loveseat in the large living room and looked out the picture window at the meadow spread out below and beyond that, the Potomac River, pretending we lived in such a beautiful scenic spot.

This is now the Headquarters of the American Horticultural Society. The Estate has good history to include ownership by George Washington and a pair of old, repaired White House gates. The grounds are a bit unkept, but the bones are great. There is a huge wildflower garden leading down to the Potomac River with a lovely spot to sit and view the Potomac on a bench set in the perfect spot. If you are lucky, you might also grab a chair on the side of the mansion, on the porch, to get a view too. Although the outside of the mansion desperately needs some work, painting and wood repair, the inside of the home is well kept. Again, wonderful views of the River from the living room and dining room. The mansion is closed early on Saturdays and Sundays as they host many weddings. There is a large slate patio that seems to be used for receptions and a good-sided ball room inside for events too. The whole estate is a real find on the Potomac in Alexandria, VA. Leased pets allowed!

We attended a wedding at this location in June. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, we could not have thought of a more beautiful setting. The property is simply beautiful. Lots of grounds to explore - take the path to the river and explore the history of the property. The gardens are stunning. Take a lunch and enjoy a picnic!

It is the National Headquarters for the Horticutural Society. It is a non-profit organization. Since it is an election year the donations seem to be down. Parts of the old farm house are tourable. The gardens are well maintained. Beautiful view of the Potomac River. There were not many visitors the day I went, maybe because it was a Wednesday.There is a 200 year old Osage Orange tree that holds the title of being the oldest one in the nation.We did the entire tour in just over an hour.The only negative comment I had were a lot of plants did not have identification markers. Being the NHHS I thought that was odd.

Bike down the trail towards Mt Vernon and veer off the path south of the Stone bridge. Beautiful rural roads, and this is <10mi from the nation's capital. Springtime obviously the best season for this. An extra bonus, in April they have a great plant sale with lots of local flora, native plants, herbs, etc.

River Farm is a hidden gem in the DC area!! It's located just miles from Mount Vernon, and is a wonderful place for a scenic picinic, relaxing walk, day out with the kids, or in my case...my wedding!! River Farm is open to the public from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, excluding national holidays. In addition, from early April through September 25 River Farm is open on Saturdays from 9 am to 1pm. So plan accordingly! They have a strong rental business on Saturday evenings and Sundays, which is why those times are limited. If you stick within their visiting times, you're in for a treat! The grounds are so beautiful and well maintained by their dedicated team of volunteers. There is a main house, which is primarily used as the American Horticulture Society offices, and party rental, but visitors can walk through the main level and get a taste for what the house used to be like when it was a private residence. There is also artwork displayed from local artists and photographers, which is for sale, and worth checking out! There are so many nooks and crannies and hidden gardens, that you can spend hours exploring the property. It's right on the Potomac River too, so walk down the hill through the meadows and check it out! Keep our eyes open for the "sod sofa"...a sofa made of grass! The admission is free, but they do keep up the property with the help of donations, so please be generous! If you're thinking of planning a wedding, this is the best place to get married! Janet, the manager, is extremely helpful! The website has a ton of information as well, and everything you need to get started. Their list of recommended vendors is a huge help when planning a wedding...for just a few guests, or up to 200! Enjoy your visit!!

I used to come here all the time when I was younger. The gardens are gorgeous and really set up for children to run around in- they have a castle structure, a row boat, a mini hedge maze, a fairy garden, etc. Amazing views of the river, and you can walk down and explore if you want, too! No wonder so many people get married here.

Was one of George Washington's farms held by an overseer for him. Situated on the Potomac with large grounds but the house is not really available. Not high on a list of priorities.

Such a nice place to visit. Its a nice place to sit and read or have a romantic picnic. Beautiful gardens and there is a children's garden for kids to play in. House and building sits atop a hill that overlooks the Potomac.It's free to explore, but usually only open to general public during the week. Weekends are booked for wedding etc.