Explore Mount Vernon With Fido

If you’re a millennial than there’s a greater likelihood you have a pet than a (human) child, and you’re also more likely than those of other generations to travel with your pet. That’s why major players in the travel industry, like airlines, hotels, restaurants and even spas, are clamoring to provide pet-friendly options. Museums and historic homes have been far slower to jump on the pet-travel bandwagon, though, and for great reason: Priceless art and historically invaluable artifacts don’t make great chew toys and scratching posts. But one historic property’s welcoming attitude toward dogs may take you by surprise, especially considering its deep importance to American history, and that’s George Washington’s Mount Vernon.

If you’ve forgotten your elementary history lessons, that’s the home and estate where the nation’s first president lived, worked and eventually retired from politics after winning the Revolutionary War and leading the newborn United States before voluntary stepping down after two terms. At Mount Vernon, he lived out the rest of his days as a leader of agriculture before ultimately dying in the bed still on display in his modest bedroom (the sheets have been changed).

Leashed dogs are always welcome to explore the estate’s lawns, gardens and farms, but on Saturday mornings in May and October they are invited to join you for the All the President’s Pups walking tour. It’s a one-hour puppypalooza featuring five historic stops on the property where you’ll learn about Washington’s commitment to his pooches, the crazy names he bestowed upon some of them and his breeding efforts among his hunting dogs. You don’t need to be accompanied by a dog to take this educational and entertaining tour, but it’s just about your only chance to bring one to such a historic property!