Socially Distant DC: Hillwood Estate & Gardens

Updated: Feb 2, 2021

Second up on my Socially Distant DC recommendations is Hillwood Estate and Gardens! A few weeks ago I saw my friend and local blogger, Brea of Wear I Went, posted on Instagram about Hillwood, and immediately I wanted to go. Hillwood Estate is one of those places in DC I've always wanted to go to, but never seemed to be able to get there....until now!

I visited Hillwood Estate & Gardens with my two girlfriends a few weeks ago on a Sunday afternoon and it was the most perfect way to close out the weekend. Hillwood Estate & Gardens was the summer home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, the heiress of General Foods (if you're a live music fan, then you know of her family's name because of local music venue, Merriweather Post Pavilion). She inhereted the brand and became one of the most prominent business women in American history! There are two things I learned about Marjorie Post during my visit: one, she is literal girl power goals; and two, she had great taste and REALLY knew how to live, LOL!

The Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens are open for tours and only costs $18 for the full experience. The full tour took us about 2 hours and included the museum (mansion), gardens (which are beautiful!), and special exhibit, and was totally worth the price. There is also a cafe that is completely outdoors (and serves spirits!), and a beautiful gift shop- which added greatly to our experience.

The estate took COVID-19 extremely seriously. The museum grounds has signs and security staff to ensure social distancing and mask wearing. Upon entrance to the mansion, the security guards briefed us on indoor security regulations. While indoors, the mansion regulates the number of guests and also has directions on which way to tour the museum so the foot traffic is only in one direction. Hand sanitizer is provided throughout the property, as well as hand washing stations in the gardens.

My favorite parts of the tour were the mansion- especially Marjorie's pink bathroom and breakfast nook; and the gardens. The gardens were SO beautiful and made me wish I could go back in time to attend one of her famous garden parties- which I'm sure were fabulous!