Selling Collingwood: Historic Alexandria Property and Museum Are Up for Sale

On land once owned by George Washington, property is for sale for $5.9 million.

Collingwood, a lush, 8.7-acre riverfront property that is home to the Collingwood Library and Museum on Americanism, is up for sale through TTR Sotheby’s International Realty for $5.9 million. The 8301 East Boulevard Drive property comes with a deep slice of American history. The lush, park-like grounds were once part of George Washington’s Mt. Vernon estate. Collingwood’s white-columned hilltop mansion, with striking views of the Potomac River, now serves both as a museum and library, and as headquarters of the National Sojourners, an organization of Masons who are also retired military officers devoted to preserving American history. Paul A. Frank, executive director of the charitable Foundation For the Collingwood Library and Museum on …

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The Aperitif

Drink Like George Washington

A distiller of rye whiskey, here are four recipes to imbibe like George!

I recently attended a whiskey seminar presented by The Museum of the American Cocktail at DC's Warehouse Theatre. The discussion was led by Dr. Dennis J. Pogue, Vice President for Preservation at George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate, Museum and Gardens, and the author of Founding Spirits. Dr. Pogue's book provides historical insight into the American whiskey industry, including a discussion of George Washington's Mount Vernon distillery—considered to be one of the largest in the country during the 18th century. In the last year of Washington's life, his distillery produced 10,500 gallons of unaged rye whiskey, most of which was sold to neighbors and Alexandria merchants.  Clearly GW liked his rye and happily, so do I. While Washington …

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Photos: Mount Vernon Celebrates Washington's Birthday

Historic Mount Vernon hosts a birthday celebration in honor of George Washington's 280th birthday.

The Mount Vernon Estate celebrated George Washington's 280th birthday on Presidents Day. The morning kicked off with a presidential wreathlaying at Washington's Tomb. An official observance of Washington's birthday was held at the Bowling Green. A military demonstration held by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington took place, featuring the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, U.S. Army 3rd Infantry, and the Commander-in-Chief's Guard. Chef Walter Staib of Philadelphia's City Tavern and PBS's "A Taste of History," signed copies of "A Taste of History" at the Shops at Mount Vernon. The Mount Vernon Estate offers free admission on Presidents Day each year.

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VIDEO: Hoecake Cook-Off Delights at Mount Vernon Estate

Four local chefs whipped up their versions of George Washington’s favorite breakfast.

Four award-winning chefs served up hot hoecakes with a twist for visitors at the Hoecake Cook-Off Saturday morning at Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens. George Washington preferred to take these cornmeal cakes “swimming in butter and honey.” Chefs from Bayou Bakery in Arlington and Restaurant Eve, Bastille and BRABO Restaurant, all located in Old Town Alexandria, cooked their own interpretations of the dish over open fires. Want to try your own hand at hoecakes? Here’s a traditional recipe, courtesy of Mount Vernon Estate: Ingredients: 8 3/4 cups white cornmeal 1/4 teaspoon dry yeast 1 egg Warm water Shortening or other cooking grease Honey and butter Preparation: 1. In large container, mix together 4 cups white cornmeal, 1 1/4 teaspoons dry …

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