Experience 18th century farm life at the Claude Moore Colonial Farm

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm, located in McLean, Va., is a living history museum that highlights Northern Virginia farm life in the 18th century ─ the year 1771 to be exact. Unlike many of the grand homes in the area that have been restored and opened to the public, this museum portrays Colonial family life on a low-income farm, so it is a different perspective.

After paying admission, visitors can pass through the gatehouse shop and enter the grounds. You begin your walk through a path surrounded by woods and nature. Hard to believe the hustle and bustle of modern-day is very close by, when walking to the farm area, you do feel as if you are transported back in time, rather than being just a few miles from the Beltway.  

As you walk through the farm, you'll see living history staff dressed in period clothing going about their daily work (and they stay in character, speaking in first person about the farm, and are very happy to answer any questions).

You'll pass through tobacco and corn fields and other farm work-related structures.

Tobacco field

I'm not sure of the purpose of this building as it was closed off  during the weekend I visited.

You'll even see some animals, such as the turkeys. On our visit, this turkey did not seem to want his photo taken as he "yelled" at me when I snapped his picture.

You'll also see the family home. It is a small one-room farmhouse with a loft above for sleeping.

Farmhouse

According to the park's website, the museum has seen more than 1.9 million visitors since it opened (in the 1970s). The farm also has special events throughout the year. This past weekend we attended the annual Market Fair, which is offered on three weekends during the year. The next one takes place on Saturday/Sunday Oct. 18 & 19, 2014.

For farm visits, the site is open on Wednesday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (last admission at 4 p.m.). See the website for current admission fees and/or other discounts available. The farm is located at 6310 Georgetown Pike, McLean, Va.