InUSA Tour Guide

Bellingrath Gardens and Home

Theodore, Alabama

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.

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 and 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.

LOCATION:12401 Bellingrath Gardens Rd, Theodore, AL 36582. Phone 251-973-2217, fax 251-973-0540, email bellingrath@juno.com

HOURS: Gardens are open daily from 8 AM to dusk all year; house opens at 9 AM with seasonal hours.

ADMISSION: Three packages: Gardens, House and Cruise is $24 for adults and $15 for children age 5-11; Gardens and House or Gardens and Cruise is $15.75 for adults and $10 for children. 10 percent discount for AAA, military and seniors.

DIRECTIONS: Located 20 miles south of Mobile. From I-10, take Exit 15A onto US 90 south. From US 90, turn south on Bellingrath Rd in Theodore and follow the signs.