rippon lodge historic site

Rippon Lodge was a private home that has passed through many generations of just a few families, so it's in pretty good shape. They have photos that show how the house's exterior changed over the years, with the addition of new wings, porches, rooms and swapping doors and windows. I found the best part to be the colonial era when the home was built by a carpenter businessman in the early/mid 1700s. There's still a clear view down to the river, and you can imagine the activity in the area. The family cemetery is a quiet place in the woods, with very old tombstones, some so old that the writing has been erased by the elements over time. Allow 45 minutes for house tour plus some time to walk around the grounds.

Today was the first time I have been to Rippon Lodge. Having lived in Woodbridge for 15 years I am sorry I have never visited this home. Today was day two of WWII days. Re enactors were staged outside the home and were very informative. The tour of the downstairs only of the house was geared towards the World War II era. (normally whole house can be toured) Everyone was very nice and more than happy to answer questions. The grounds are very nice and the cemetery very interesting. Check out the website for additional event days in future, i.e., Halloween, Revolutionary war day to name a few. Or just visit to tour the whole house on Thursday through Sunday before November. I will be back for Taste of the Potomac on Oct 4. Check website.

Well it isn't really lodging as you can't stay there. They have historic tours to tell you all about the lodge and it's historic past and connection with George Washington and Admiral Perry's North pole adventure. You'll love it and you might even see a deer or two up close during your visit.

My husband and I followed the signs off I-95 for this historic site on a recent Saturday afternoon and were not disappointed. Althought we've both lived in Northern Virginia for most of our lives, we weren't familiar with Rippon Lodge, which was in private hands for many years and only opened to the public within the past decade. As it turns out, it's the oldest home in Prince William County. We were disappointed to find out, when we walked up to house at 10 minutes past the hour, that tours are given every hour on the hour and decided to walk around the grounds briefly before heading home. We were pleasantly surprised when one of the staff saw us and asked if we'd like the house tour without having to wait 40 minutes for the next one. As others have said, this is not Mount Vernon, but it is a charming house museum, and the guides do a good job at describing the house's history. It's modestly priced at $5.00. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who happens to be in the area. One downside is that they don't seem to have public restrooms yet (it's a work in progress for the County), but some will apparently soon be open in what used to the chauffeur's cottage. There were port-a-potties on site, but those may have been there for a wedding reception scheduled to take place the next day.

This is a very low-key site, with some historical items and an average tour. The upstairs was closed for renovations when we were there, so my opinion is based on that fact. The outdoors are lovely, and the little walk to the old (and augmented by one of the owners) cemetery is interesting. We had spent hours the day before at a site that does not even appear here --- the Weems-Botts Museum and House in Dumfries, Virginia --- and it was the BEST I have ever been to. So, Rippon paled badly by comparison. But don't miss Weems-Botts. Just check the hours at both before you drop in.

My kids and I attend a church that has an annual service and picnic at this site. Unfortunately, this year we forgot about the 17 year cicadas that had recently hatched. Given that the earth at the site had not been developed within the past 17 years there were cicadas everywhere.

For Rippon Lodge being nearly around-the-corner for me, I was thrilled when it finally opened up to the public. The house offers several neat little 'treats' that are not in your average house museum. The staff was friendly and knowledgable.

OK, this is not "Mount Vernon" historical- for that, you'll have to go about ten miles north. Nevertheless, this is a wonderful old historical home with grounds to walk about and enjoy. Take two hours off and relax on this property. The guides do a nice job of explaining the full history of the home. Very moderate entrance fee. Convenient parking lot right near the home.