PawsGo to Mount Vernon for a Dog's View of History

 

On a hot June morning, Boomer and I joined the All the President’s Pups tour of Mount Vernon, the home of George Washington.  While Mount Vernon is dog-friendly – dogs are welcome everywhere BUT the mansion, we took a special walking tour that’s a great combination of history and canine trivia.

We met our guide Maria, and 5 other history loving pups, at the estate’s Bowling Green Gate – with the mansion in the distance behind us, we embarked on a 1.25 mile walk along the original carriage route.



Hydrating pre-walk

As we walked, Maria explained that the Father of our Country was a tremendous animal lover – especially dogs.  Records show that Washington had numerous dogs representing every “classification” – hunting, herding, guard, coach, house, etc – each with a very specific job.

Our first stop on the tour was a visit to Mount Vernon’s sheep – a flock of rare Hog Island sheep charged the fence, excited to see the dogs.  http://www.mountvernon.org/george-washington/farming/the-animals-of-mount-vernon/  Maria explained that the sheep were actually fond of people and attention, our half a dozen canines fit the bill. The dogs didn’t quite know what to do about the sheep – but appeared to be equally interested.

Devi Meets the Sheep of Mount Vernon

Along the route Maria told us that Washington was so fond of his granddaughter Nelly and her “house” dog (probably a Caviler King Charles Spaniel) that he bought a special decorative collar for the dog at the cost of $1 – a significant amount in the 1700s.

Washington loved his dogs and he was creative in their naming – including, Drunkard, Mopsey, Taster, Cloe, Tipsy, Tipler, Forester, Captain, Lady Rover, Vulcan, Sweetlips, and Searcher.

Hunting was THE sport in Washington’s time.  He had plenty of hounds to assist in the hunt.  A man of incredible intellect, interests and curiosity, Washington eventually set out to breed the quintessential hunting  dog -- “a superior dog, one that had speed, sense and brains.”   In the mid-1780s, Washington’s friend, the Marquis de Lafayette, sent him seven huge hounds from France.  Washington bred these French hounds with the standard black and tan hunting dogs and created what Washington called the Virginia hound, which we know today as the American Fox Hound.  So, not only is he the father of our country – Washington is the father of the American Fox Hound!

Following the original carriage route on our 1.25 mile walk

Following the tour, we wandered around Mount Vernon.  Lots of attention from visitors and Mount Vernon Staff. 

There were plenty of water bowls set out for dogs, but were we glad we brought our own – there is no water provided during the walk.

The All the President’s Pups tour started at 10:00 a.m., and took about 90 minutes.  It’s a leisurely walk with lots of stops.  The tour is held in the spring and fall.  Humans pay the full price of admission and dog tickets cost $5 each. http://www.mountvernon.org/plan-your-visit/buy-tickets/all-the-presidents-pups-walking-tour/

Beckett tired out from her tour

 

A great photo opportunity!

 

With the exception of the mansion, dogs are welcome throughout Mt Vernon

PawsGo logs 10,000 steps in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia

A beautiful and crisp fall day -- Boomer and I headed to Old Town Alexandria, Virginia.  I had a few goals in mind -- 1)  run a couple pre- Thanksgiving errands; 2) make sure Boomer got some exercise; and 3) get in my 10,000 steps for the day.

10,000 steps is roughly 5 miles, and it's noted by many healthcare professionals as an optimum number of daily steps for good health. (http://www.the-fitness-walking-guide.com/10000-steps-a-day.html)   Outfitted with my pedometer, credit cards and blackberry (for photos and email), Boomer and I set out on our urban adventure.

Old Town Alexandria, Virginia is known for its history, smart shops, and delicious restaurants.  Founded in 1749, the bustling Port City, was home to George Washington and Robert E Lee.   The town's cobblestone streets aren't just steeped in history, they are lined with water bowls and dog treats!                      Old Town is extremely dog friendly.
We began our trek at the top of King Street (one of the area's main thoroughfares) near the King Street metro.  Our first stop?  The very canine (and budget) friendly Crate and Barrel Outlet at 1700 Prince Street.  Here we wandered the aisles looking for bargains -- found several and racked up 400 steps!

As we headed toward the Potomac River, we passed numerous dog friendly outposts, one that caught Boomer's eye (and nose) was Lotus Blooms located at 1017 King Street.  Their welcoming bin of biscuits was met with gratitude -- after all, we had walked 2,000 steps!

 

Literally steps away, Current Boutique (1009 King Street) welcomed us with a big DOG FRIENDLY poster on the door.  Inside, not only did Boomer get a treat, I checked out their new and gently worn fashions with labels ranging from Tory Burch and Trina Turk (two favs) to BCBG and Coach (also favs). 

 

Too bad we had already eaten, because just across from us at 1106 King Street is one of the most lovely restaurant patios in Old Town at Nottinghill (http://nottinghillrestaurant.com) and a sign beckoning pet owners, looking for brunch!  According to one of the waiters, dogs are allowed on the patio, a rarity in Alexandria.

 Dogs and owners pass us as we continue down King Street.  Our leisurely pace has us around 3,000 steps.  Time for another stop.  This time at The Dog Park, located at 705 King Street, it's a small shop packed full of cool dog toys, accessories, healthy food and creative treats (http://thedogparkva.biz/).  Heaps of praise, a belly rub, a couple treats and Christmas present for my sister's dog, and we're on our way.  We cross Washington Street and pop into Banana Republic.  A quick look at their new shipment and more praise for Boomer and head to the recently opened H & M -- where we were TURNED AWAY!  Truthfully, I think Boomer was relieved -- the music was too loud and the layout too tight for a dog.  Luckily, the VERY DOG FRIENDLY Anthropologie  at 610 King Street is practically next door.  Boomer heads to the register where he is immediately given a treat.  We wander the store, rack up lots of steps, look at everything -- LOVE the new fall jackets.  Some times Anthropolgie can look a little like Stevie Nick's closet, but this season looks very promising!   We meet several dogs and their owners.  Chief's owner suggests we go to the Paper Source, for more dog-friendly service.

  

Boomer met Chief at the Anthropologie in Old Town 

Known for its Doggie Happy Hours, like all Kimpton Hotels, the Hotel Monaco is pet-friendly



Across from the Hotel Monaco, we wandered through Old Town's Market Square, where farmers and vendors have been selling their wares since 1753.  George Washington had produce from Mount Vernon sold here.  Market Square is also said to be haunted, because in addition to selling fruits and veggies -- people were sent to the gallows and hanged there.  Alexandria has long been a fan of mixed use projects!

 

As we head closer to the Potomac, we're practically at 5,000 steps -- halfway to the goal!  Along the way we meet Sam, relaxing with his owner, outside of Restaurant 219 (http://219restaurant.com) A big fan of walking, Sam's owner told me she lost 10 pounds when she first started taking walks with him!

 

 Thanks to a tip from Chief's owner, Boomer and I make several purchases at the Paper Source (118 King Street).  Chief's owner was right.  The employees at the Paper Source were the FRIENDLIEST people in a very dog-loving town.  As I got in my extra steps, bought numerous cards and mentally planned for Christmas, Boomer virtually ignored me due to the line of employees and customers eager to pet him!  Thanks Paper Source for making us feel so welcome! 

We walk along the water front behind the Torpedo Factory and head to Founder's Park.  It's dog friendly, kid friendly, just plain friendly!  We wander around the park and surpass 5,000 steps more than half way, easy peasy, 10,000 steps is within reach!  We walk up Cameron Street and pass the Carlyle House, home to one of the town's founders.  Further up Cameron is Gadsby's Tavern (haunted) and George and Martha Washington's city home.  The current home is a painstaking replica of the Washington's original house.  You can identify it by the bust of George in the front window. He wears a seasonal outfit. Today George was a pirate for Halloween -- on previous trips I've seen him in his Washington Nationals hat and shirt.  We cross Washington Street and walk through the Christ Church graveyard (on the walk way and NO STOPS by Boomer)  Christ Church was built in the 1760s and was the home church to both George Washington and Robert E Lee (are you picking up on a pattern? it's also haunted)

 

With 10,000 steps firmly in sight, Boomer and I snake our way back to the Crate and Barrel Outlet ending our adventure with a very respectable 9865 steps.  I am not sure what that is in dog steps, but we both had an enjoyable walk.  I felt like I got some exercise, we met some wonderful people, did a bit of shopping and enjoyed a beautiful day -- all in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia!

 

Old Town Alexandria is VERY dog friendly!