Bellingrath Gardens & Home, Fairhope Travel Guide

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Experience the beauty and history of Bellingrath Gardens & Home, a 65-acre floral paradise and historic estate in Theodore, Alabama.

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Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Bellingrath Gardens & Home, located in Theodore, Alabama, is a stunning 65-acre estate featuring floral gardens and a historic home [3, 10]. Once a simple fishing camp, it was transformed by Walter and Bessie Bellingrath into a world-renowned attraction, showcasing a variety of blooms throughout the year and offering a glimpse into the Bellingrath's life [6, 7, 9].

A brief summary to Bellingrath Gardens & Home

12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, Alabama, 36582, US
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Monday 8 am-9 pm
Tuesday 8 am-9 pm
Wednesday 8 am-9 pm
Thursday 8 am-9 pm
Friday 8 am-9 pm
Saturday 8 am-9 pm
Sunday 8 am-9 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bellingrath Gardens & Home.

Visit during different seasons to experience the unique blooms and events, such as the spring azalea bloom or the Christmas lights display [10, 12].
Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the gardens [5].
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun [5].
Check the 'What's in Bloom' page on the Bellingrath Gardens website to plan your visit around specific flowers or plants [10].
Consider taking the home tour to learn about the history of the Bellingrath family and their collections [4].

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Getting There

Car

From Mobile, take I-10 West to Exit 15A (Highway 90 - Theodore) [6, 19]. Travel 2 miles on US Highway 90 and turn left onto Bellingrath Road at the Bellingrath billboard [6, 19]. Travel south for 6 miles and turn left onto Bellingrath Gardens Road [6, 19]. Follow the signs to the parking area. Parking is free during normal operating hours [19].
Public Transport

From Mobile, take the Mobile Transit bus Route 14 towards Theodore [13]. Disembark at the stop nearest to the intersection of US-43 and Bellingrath Gardens Road [13]. From there, it's approximately a 1-mile walk to the gardens. The bus fare is approximately $1.50 each way [13]. Check the bus schedule in advance.
Taxi/Ride-Sharing

From Mobile, a taxi or ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft to Bellingrath Gardens & Home will cost approximately $20-$30 [13]. Input the destination as 12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582. This offers a direct, door-to-door service.

Discover more about Bellingrath Gardens & Home

Bellingrath Gardens & Home is a captivating destination that blends natural beauty with historical charm [3, 14]. The story began in 1917 when Walter Bellingrath, a Coca-Cola bottling magnate, purchased the property as a retreat [6, 9, 16]. His wife, Bessie, a lover of gardens, began developing the estate, and in 1932, they opened it to the public [6, 8].The gardens feature a variety of themed areas, including the Asian Garden, Rose Garden, and a conservatory, each displaying a unique collection of plants and flowers [10]. The estate is particularly known for its azaleas, which bloom in spring, as well as its camellias, chrysanthemums and the 'Magic Christmas in Lights' during the holiday season [3, 9, 10]. Visitors can explore the grounds via a network of walking paths, enjoying the serene atmosphere and picturesque views [10].The Bellingrath Home, completed in 1935, is a 10,500-square-foot mansion designed in an English Renaissance style [4, 8]. The home is filled with antique furniture, art, and other treasures collected by the Bellingraths [4, 9, 16]. Tours of the home provide insights into the family's history and lifestyle [4].Bellingrath Gardens & Home offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including garden tours, educational programs, and seasonal festivals [5, 7]. The Magnolia Café provides lunch and refreshments, and a gift shop offers souvenirs and local crafts [3, 5, 12]. Whether you're a garden enthusiast, history buff, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Bellingrath Gardens & Home offers a memorable experience [7, 17].