A Peaceful Visit to River Farm in Alexandria
We recently spent a lovely afternoon at River Farm in Alexandria, and it felt like stepping into a quiet retreat along the Potomac River. This beautiful property once belonged to George Washington and is now home to the American Horticultural Society. While it's often used for weddings and private events, the gardens and grounds are open to the public on many weekdays—perfect for a peaceful escape with kids.
The grounds are absolutely stunning, with sweeping river views, wide open lawns, shady trees, and garden paths to wander. There’s also a small, older play area tucked into the property, which my daughter enjoyed exploring. Just a heads-up—some of the wooden structures are quite worn, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on little ones while they play.
What I loved most was the sense of space and calm. It wasn’t crowded, and we had plenty of room to roam, picnic, and just enjoy the view. The history of the land adds a special touch—it’s not every day you can say you played and picnicked on property once owned by George Washington!
If you're in the Alexandria area and looking for a peaceful, kid-friendly spot with a bit of history and lots of natural beauty, River Farm is definitely worth a visit.