Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens in Washington, DC
It's a wonderful way to spend a sunny afternoon in Washington, DC. Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Garden is a full-day experience of refinement and artistry all wrapped up in one location. Before it was a travel destination, it was the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, heir to Charles William Post, founder of the Postum Cereal Company now known as General Mills. As a home, Hillwood was a destination for elegant parties, beautiful outdoor strolls, and up-close views of some of the world's greatest Russian treasures and French art. A visit there was like taking an opulent step in time as it featured the curated collections of Ms. Post, who was said to have impeccable taste. These items were gathered through her many travels around the world.
Inside the Hillwood Estate
Today's visitors can take guided tours to catch a glimpse of the magnificence that permeates the Hillwood estate. There are several buildings on the land, and the garden area consists of several smaller gardens, making a tour feel like walking through room after room of a very large house at every turn.
From the parking lot, you arrive at the Ellen MacNeille Charles Visitor Center where you can enter the Hillwood Estate for free or offer a suggested donation as a fee for entrance. Your experience begins with an informative short video that provides an overview of the Hillwood estate and its many treasures. You also learn more about the woman who was the mastermind for developing Hillwood into a place for public enjoyment, Ms. Post herself.
Venturing to the second floor of the visitor center will lead you to a set of doors that open to the estate gardens and guide you to the Hillwood mansion. You will be met first with rather utilitarian surroundings, where the greenhouse stands to the left and the cutting garden grows to the right. A few steps further lead to the Merriweather Café, where you will find visitors sipping lemonade and eating deviled eggs at tables fitted with brightly colored umbrellas to offer shade. Continue walking and you will come upon more familiar garden surroundings: beds of florals and towering trees.
The Garden Grounds
Buildings for staff and exhibitions line the garden's perimeter of the estate grounds, while the interior features a variety of sculptures, water features, seating areas, and thematic garden "rooms." As a whole, the garden has a European style. However, not to be missed are the distinctive French Parterre with its whimsical sculptures and the Japanese-Style Garden complete with stepping stones through moving water. It's interesting to see their contrasting hardscapes only a few yards apart and to note the visceral difference that you experience with each one.
In all, the Hillwood Estate has 13 small gardens on its grounds that make up the whole of its garden. The best season to visit is spring when you have a vast array of blooms on display, including the roses, which are so spectacular that they have their own space on the grounds.
Tips for Your Visit to Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens
Have lunch at the Merriweather Café located on the grounds of Hillwood. Try the rosemary lemonade, deviled eggs, and curry chicken.
If you prefer, you can also bring your own lunch to sit and eat at one of the many benches throughout the garden or at a seating area on the second floor of the visitor center.
Be aware that overflow parking will lead you to having to park on a hill on another side of the Hillwood property. You will have to walk up this hill to get to the visitor center. If don't want to or can't walk up the hill, try to arrive at off-peak times, which are usually early in the day or late in the afternoon.
Where to Eat
While Washington, DC, has numerous restaurants, not many are near Hillwood. The estate is located in a residential area buffered by heavily used park land and a winding creek, which means you must drive a good distance to find a variety of places to eat. If you have time for the drive, consider the numerous options you'll have along Connecticut Avenue, NW.
District Kitchen, 2606 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Sfoglina Van Ness, 4445 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Pho 14, 4201 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008
Where to Stay
Choosing what neighborhood to stay in while visiting Washington, DC, is perhaps one of the easiest decisions you'll make while traveling. Each neighborhood has a collection of gems and offer both family friendly and nightlife options within walking distance or within a short drive.
The Beacon Hotel, 1615 Rhode Island Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Selina, 411 New York Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001
Yotel: Washington, DC, 415 New Jersey Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20001
What Else to Do
From world-famous museums and sports teams to outdoor trails and local art, Washington, DC, has activities for nearly everyone. Can't decide? Take your pick of guided tours around Washington, DC, with Bill Lebovich. He'll show you the best of DuPont Circle, Lafayette Square, and the Washington National Mall.
Lush Garden Crush Overall Rating
Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens takes a classical approach to gardens and style. While we would have preferred to have seen larger gardens within the space, there was no garden too small or lacking in inspiration. Hillwood's gardens are well planned and are bursting with personality. As a bonus, they offer a beautiful glimpse into times past. Therefore, we think Hillwood Estate, Museum, and Gardens is well deserving of our 5-star rating.