A Hidden Oasis in Washington, D.C.
If you’re craving an escape from the hustle of DC, I’ve got just the place for you. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens offers the orchid enthusiast a full greenhouse, the interior-lover a stunning mansion, and the forever student an abundance of lectures featuring speakers from the best of interior design, the arts world, and more.
Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens is the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, who was known for her gracious hospitality, beautiful dinner parties, and her passion for art, history, and gardens. There are so many reasons to love Hillwood and why I feel a personal bond to it. I thought I’d share a few of my favorite things to do there so that you can plan your visit!
Enjoy a tour led by a docent – or by yourself via Hillwood’s downloadable audio tour.
Tour the Japanese-style Garden. True zen at its finest. I could spend hours in this little corner of the property.
Attend lectures from top interior decorators, gardeners, and authors. I’ve had the absolute joy of meeting some incredible people, such as designer Timothy Corrigan and author Linda Jane Holden.
Sip wine and enjoy a meal on the patio at the newly renovated Merriweather Cafe.
Admire the sprawling tablescapes in the dining room of the mansion-turned-museum.
Follow Hillwood’s #FlowerFriday on Twitter for terrific floral arrangement inspiration.
Walk through the cutting garden and greenhouse. You won’t want to miss the gorgeous orchids growing in the greenhouse. Hillwood offers orchid classes in the spring led by their gardeners.
Shop at the wonderfully curated gift shop. It’s full of the most beautiful books and every possible item you could need to pull together a fabulous hostess gift.
Visit the stunning mansion, especially during the holidays (see cases A, B, and C). Peek into the closets and bedrooms as exhibitions here always change.
Take in new exhibitions. Hillwood does a magnificent job of incorporating aspects of a new exhibition throughout the property, including on the tablescapes in the dining room.
Enjoy! And please share your fabulous visit with me in the comments below. I’d love to hear what some of your favorite spots are on the property for my next visit!
