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Bellingrath Gardens & Home: A Southern Estate

Experience Southern charm at Bellingrath Gardens & Home, a 65-acre floral paradise and historic estate in Theodore, Alabama. Open year-round!

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Bellingrath Gardens & Home, located in Theodore, Alabama, is a stunning 65-acre estate featuring vibrant floral displays and a historic 10,500-square-foot home [8, 11]. Founded by Walter and Bessie Bellingrath, the gardens opened to the public in 1932 and have since become a beloved attraction known for their year-round beauty and Southern charm [4, 8, 9].

A brief summary to Bellingrath Gardens & Home

  • Monday 8 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 8 am-5 pm
  • Friday 8 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 8 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 8 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during different seasons to experience the unique blooms and displays, such as the spring azaleas or the Christmas lights [11].
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the gardens [3].
  • Check the 'What's in Bloom' page on the Bellingrath Gardens website to plan your visit around your favorite flowers [11, 14].
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Getting There

  • Driving

    Bellingrath Gardens & Home is located at 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582. From downtown Mobile, take I-10 West to Exit 15A (Highway 90/Theodore) [4]. Follow US-90 West for about 2.8 miles, then turn left onto Bellingrath Rd and continue for 6 miles [4, 21]. Finally, turn left onto Bellingrath Gardens Road [4, 21]. Parking is free [21].

  • Public Transport

    From Mobile, you can take the Mobile Transit bus Route 14 towards Theodore [5]. Get off at the stop closest to the intersection of US-43 and Bellingrath Gardens Road [5]. From there, it's approximately a 1-mile walk to the gardens [5]. The bus fare is about $1.50 each way [5].

  • Ride Share

    If using a ride-sharing service such as Uber or Lyft, enter Bellingrath Gardens & Home as your destination (12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582) [5]. Depending on your location in the Mobile area, fares typically range from $20 to $30 [5].

Unlock the Best of Bellingrath Gardens & Home

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Discover more about Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Bellingrath Gardens & Home offers visitors a chance to explore a beautifully preserved estate with a rich history. In 1917, Walter Bellingrath, a Coca-Cola bottler, purchased the property as a retreat, and his wife, Bessie, transformed it into a magnificent garden [4, 10]. The gardens officially opened to the public in 1932, showcasing a variety of flowers and plants that bloom throughout the year [8, 9]. The 15-room home, completed in 1935, was designed by architect George B. Rogers and built with handmade bricks salvaged from the demolished Mobile birthplace of Alva Smith Vanderbilt Belmont [7, 9]. The home features the Bellingraths' original antique furnishings, art, silver, china, and crystal collections [7]. Visitors can tour the home and learn about the family and the history of the estate [7, 9]. The 65-acre gardens feature a variety of themed areas, including a rose garden, Asian garden, conservatory, and nature walk [11]. Depending on the season, visitors can witness azaleas, camellias, chrysanthemums, and other flowers in full bloom [10, 11]. During the Christmas season, the gardens are adorned with millions of lights for the Magic Christmas in Lights display [11, 19].

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