Boots Howland Leavitt 1994-99

Home to George Washington's estate and gardens of the same name, Mount Vernon features some of the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area's more established neighborhoods. Most neighborhood streets are lined with old-growth trees. And it wouldn't be unthinkable to imagine the father of Our Country walking amidst the graceful oak and maple trees that still stand today.

Mount Vernon is connected to Alexandria by two primary roads; Richmond Highway (also known as Route 1), and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Richmond Highway once served as the best road to use for north-south travelers until the construction of Interstate 95 nearby. This corridor is lined with businesses of every nature and is responsible for generating a major portion of commercial revenue for eastern Fairfax County.

The George Washington Memorial Parkway is the way to travel if you're not in a hurry. The winding roadway weaves its way along the banks of the Potomac River in a perfect blend of civilization and the environment. In spring and summer, nature provides a canopy that transforms portions of the parkway into a deep green corridor. In areas where the water is visible, it's not uncommon to catch a glimpse of a blue heron skillfully scouting the marsh grass for a tasty bite to eat, or a family of Canada geese swimming along the shore. Sailboats fill the waterway, and bicyclists, runners, roller bladers and walkers move along the trail that follows the parkway.

For more information about George Washington's Mount Vernon estate and gardens, visit their web site.

For more information about Fairfax County, visit their award-winning web site.