From the
glorious array of Mums silhouetting Mirror Lake in late Autumn to the
breathtaking explosion of over 250,000 Azaleas in Spring, Bellingrath Gardens is
in full bloom year-round. The gardens offer visitors 65 of landscaped beauty
among towering live-oaks draped in Spanish moss. Points of interest include the
Rose Garden, Conservatory, Great Lawn, Riverfront Walk, Chapel, Butterfly
Garden, Rockery, Formal Gardens, Oriental- American Gardens, and Mirror
Lake. Encompassed by a 905-acre semi-tropical rain forest on the Alabama
Gulf Coast, Bellingrath Gardens is one of the most popular destination gardens
in the US.
tape inside top flap on seam
The Museum Home was completed in 1935 for Walter and Bessie
Bellingrath, first bottlers of Coca-Cola in Mobile. The 15 room home was built
using handmade brick salvaged from the birthplace of Alva Vanderbilt in Mobile.
Lacy ironwork galleries came from a demolished waterfront hotel dating to
Mobile's early 19th century. For 40 years Bessie Morse Bellingrath collected
fine antiques which still furnish the home. Some examples of these treasures:
Elaborate rosewood furniture by John Henry Belter and Prudent Mallard.
The 20 piece parlor set once owned by Madame Pontalba, creator of New
Orleans' famed Jackson Square.
The Chippendale banquet table and chairss of Sir Thomas Lipton of tea fame
furnishes just on of the home's 3 dining rooms.
An inlaid chess table given by Queen Victoria to American chess champ Paul
Morphy in 1858.
Chandeliers of Baccarat and Waterford crystal.
A collection of porcelain to rival the best on display in Europe. Included
are Meissen, Dresden, Derby, Copeland, Sevres, Old Paris and Capo-di-Monte.
Extensive sets of fine china, Georgian and American silver, crystal and
cut glass collected for the enjoyment of Bellingrath guests.
Visitors
from around the globe consistently rate the Bellingrath Home a favorite among
historical attractions. While impressive enough for a listing on the National
Register of Historic Places, the home seems surprisingly livable. Guests are
invited to discover the Bellingrath Home 365 days a year. The Ecological Bayou Boardwalk allows visitors of all ages to view a
peaceful bayou with its abundant fish and wildlife. The area is home to
countless varieties of birds as well as turtles and its grassy banks are often
host to deer. An occasional alligator may surface making the Bayou an
unforgettable part of your visit.
Enjoy a relaxing sight-seeing cruise aboard the Southern Belle River Cruiser.
View surrounding estates and wildlife from climate-controlled comfort.
