Kenmore, famous for its ornate plasterwork ceilings, is one of the most elegant colonial mansions in America, and lies in the heart of historic Fredericksburg. Built by Fielding Lewis for his wife Betty, the sister of George Washington, the house has recently undergone a major restoration. The gardens at Kenmore were the first restoration project of the Garden Club of Virginia in 1924, beginning Historic Garden Week in Virginia. Landscape architects Charles Gillette and James Greenleaf designed the colonial revival plan. Today, visitors stroll the Wildernesss Walk, designed in 18th-century style with native plants, or rest on the open lawn imaging a bustling 1700's plantation yard. The boxwood-lined terrace, Virginia's largest yellowwood tree (dripping with white rain-like blooms in the Spring ), and perennnial flowerbeds offer an atmosphere to relax and escape into American history. There is no charge to enjoy the gardens. House Tours: Adults $8, students (6 to 17) $4, under six free. Group visits available by appointment, (540) 370-0732, Ext. 24 . Group rates available. (540) 373-3381 1201 Washington Ave Fredericksburg, VA 22401