There were frequent balls and parties when neighbors from far and near joined in some entertainment at the great mansion.

There were the hunt balls which Washington himself particularly enjoyed, hunting being his favorite sport.

Fairfax County, where Mount Vernon lay, and its neighboring counties, Fauquier and Prince William, abounded in foxes, and the land was not too difficult for the hunters, who copied as far as possible the dress and customs of the foxhunters in England.

Possibly there might be a meeting at Mount Vernon of the local politicians.

At least once a year Washington and his wife--"Lady," as the somewhat florid Virginians called her--went off to Williamsburg to attend the session of the House of Burgesses.