Piscataway Park

Today we rediscovered one of the areas hidden treasures.


The National Colonial Farm is about 9 miles outside of DC in Prince George's County and is designed to show people what life on a tobacco farm was like in the 1770's. When Tom and I were dating and living in Southern Maryland (12 years ago), we visited there a few times, primarily because it is surrounded by some gorgeous hiking trails on the Potomac which include the most picturesque views of Mount Vernon and the surrounding area.

We decided to go there when we rememered that they had farm animals and thought that the girls might enjoy seeing something a little different then the animals at the zoo or Oxon Hill Farm (and we had been to the zoo Saturday). We were very pleasently surprised and didn't even get over to most of the animal pens.

The park consists of costumed interpreters working on what would have been a middle class farm. The house, kitchen, gardens, animals, pastures and clothing are all exactly as they would have been in the pre-revolution period. They even do the chores at the same time that they would have had this been the 18th century. The entire staff, including the volunteer in the giftshop were delightful, and the kids LOVED it.

Actually, Ms. Bean really loved it. Baby Bee also had a wonderful time, primarily because she fell completely in love with one of the farm cats and got to play in dirt.

The wonderful volunteer who was cooking the "family's" lunch allowed Ms. Bean to be her special helper. They pealed turnips, picked rosemary and thyme from the garden, made their pie crusts, and cut Peaches together (Pork Chops and Peach Pie was for Super). When they were done with the seasoning, it was Ms. Beans job to take the Turnip peels and feed them to the pigs (we helped, but she did it all by herself).

The 2 room house is amazing, completely furnished as it would have been in revolutionary times, to include some antique spinning wheels (which Ms. Bean told her sister were for turning straw into gold) and straw beds.

They had a good selection of chickens, donkeys, re cows, sheep, pigs, and turkeys. This lovely lady was in a pasture behind the house and should be milking by spring .........




While picking lavender, Ms. Bean spotted this lady in her web. Check out the zig zag texture she spun! She must have wanted to make it extra special for visitors.



And a little closer (this one is for you, Patty)


All and all, a perfect outing! Go!