Fri., 15 Mar 13

The clear weather this week has now warmed up into the 70`s F. A perfect day for a trip to Bellingrath Gardens and Home.

Bellingrath Gardens and Home (Theodore, AL)  was the creation of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bellingrath (mostly Mrs.).  Mr. Bellingrath was one of the original10 Coca-Cola franchisees (1903) . He was also a workaholic. Originally purchased as a fishing camp on doctor`s orders which dictated that Mr. Bellingrath needed to learn how to have fun Mrs. Bellingrath gradually transformed the grounds into gardens that changes with the season.

Mrs. Bellingrath's love of gardens developed quickly and the couple's South Ann Street home was long admired for its extensive gardens and became the basis for Mobile's famous Azalea Trail in 1929. It was her idea to start planting azaleas at "Belle Camp" an otherwise rustic fishing camp, and her husband always credited her genius for the creation of Bellingrath Gardens.
  

The Gardens first opened to the public in 1932 while a national garden club meeting was taking place in Mobile. AL. Mr. Bellingrath placed an ad in the Mobile paper, announcing that anyone who would like to see the spring garden could do so free of charge.  After an overwhelming response (several thousand visitors), the couple decided to keep the gardens open year-round, beginning in 1934.

 

Throughout the year, this 65 acre Garden Estate (2004 Top Public Rose Garden in the U.S.) is in full bloom with camellias in the winter, azaleas in the spring, roses in the summer, chrysanthemums in autumn and Magic Christmas in Lights during the holiday season. 

On your self-guided walking tour we experienced the Bayou Boardwalk, Mirror Lake, the Great Lawn, the Asian-American Gardens, the formal garden terraces and more!

The Bellingrath Home (10,500 square foot) was designed in the “English Renaissance”  style by prominent Mobile, AL architect, George B. Rogers. The tour, complete with its original furnishings and Mrs. Bellingrath’s extensive collection of decorative arts and porcelains was a great glimpse into the era. Compared to the many mansions we have seen (San Simeon, Newport, Hyde Park, Asheville, etc.) this conveyed the feeling of a home; although it certainly became an era showplace. 

Mr. & Mrs. Bellingrath were childless. In 1955, at his death at the age of 86, his estate had been converted to a Foundation to oversee the operation of his wife`s beloved Gardens and to open his home to the public. Profits benefit two area churches and provide scholarships to three Alabama colleges.

At noon we took a cruise that lasted almost and hour. The Southern Belle departs daily between March and November. This was both very relaxing and informative along the Fowl River. We learned about  birding habits, ecological systems and Spanish, French and Civil War history of the area. Amazingly the estuaries (Mobile Bay area) are responsible for 75% of the commercial fishery and 80% of the recreational fishery in the whole (contiguous) U.S.A.

We continued to enjoy the great weather as we drove (top off) back through Mobile to Spanish Fort, AL where we ate (mid-afternoon) at Logan`s Roadhouse. This (intentional) stop was our first at Logan`s. Without realizing we arrived in time for the special. We did not realize that the items we chose were part of the `2 For`menu.`Great value and good food for a reasonable price. 

We rested in the RV until 7 p.m. then headed to the park`s rec facility for `Bluegrass`. We have been so busy doing things in the area for more than a month it is hard to believe that this was our first `ìn-park`event. The twice weekly concert event (high season) was well attended and fun. $5 admission included a drink (non-alcoholic) and popcorn and a cookie (gingerbread) at break. An audience member was introduced as one of the few remaining Pearl Harbor survivors of the Japanese surprise attack (December 7, 1941). Amazingly spry, he joined the group for a song. 

Although we had a great day so far - it was about to get even better. Those at the Bluegrass event were invited for a trip on the Wales West narrow gauge railroad. 

A short walk up to the Victorian Style train station and we were soon seated. Everyone received a blanket to keep them cozy during the trip around the park perimeter. The cars are pulled by a wood-burning steam engine at a gentle pace. 

The scenery is magical - a mini-Disney like landscape - that changes throughout the year with appropriate seasonal themes. March features the Easter Bunny and the `Cottontail Express`. 

We had the pleasure of sitting with the park owners, Ann and Ken, who took our picture. They started this unique attraction over 11 years ago. They were a joy to meet. They filled us in on the history of Wales West and told us of future plans. 

It is easy to see why the past few weeks have been so busy with several area school buses arriving each day during the week. Family groups also arrive by car during the week.  On the weekend it opens at 3 pm until 9 (Sat) and 8 (Sun). 

Night time is even more magical with the lights.

Numerous whimsical characters and buildings line the route.

Wales West Light Railway is for big kids too!

We just had to walk across the parking field to arrive back at the RV.