Wesley House lights up for the holidays
Eden Gardens State Park and the Friends of Eden invite you to join them for a tour of the Wesley House through the holidays. All of the rooms of the house have been decorated in Christmas cheer with each decorated in a variety of different themes by local organizations. Downstairs hall by Destin Woman’s Club, parlor by the Green Thumb Garden Club, dining room by the Point Washington United Methodist Women, downstairs porch designed by Jillian Doyle, Town Planters Society of Freeport the stairs and upstairs landing, children’s bedroom was decorated by Sally Orlosky, Emerald Coast Flowers in Freeport designed the blue bedroom, Birchberry Natural Home Spa owner Tara Stacey, decorated the pink bedroom, Botaniq Floral Studios decorated the red bedroom, the upstairs back porch was decorated by The Custom House.
Tours of the Wesley House are Thursday – Monday from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., every hour on the hour. The Christmas decorations will be up through Dec. 31. The rest of the park is open 7 days a week.
On Dec. 15, enjoy the Candlelight Tour, with a traditional walk through the luminaries to the Historic Wesley House to enjoy it’s beautifully seasonally decorated rooms and be greeted by Civil War reenactors in period garb. After the tour is completed, the Friends of Eden will be providing refreshments in the pavilion and the reenactors will welcome you to the small encampment on the North lawn of the house beyond the Reflecting Pool. It’s an evening meant to be enjoyed by all who attend. Donations to the Friends of Eden Gardens are welcome and appreciated. To volunteer or for additional information call the park office. Fees: Admission fees to the park and the event are waived. Contact: (850) 267-8320. ::MAP::
About Eden Gardens State Park
One of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in South Walton. Large moss covered live oaks, gardens, walking trails and panoramic views of the bayou provide a visual delight for the visitor to this dynamic and historic State Park.
The focal point of the park is the two-story Wesley house with large white columns and wrap-around porch. Originally owned by the Wesley’s a wealthy Florida timber family, the mansion was purchased in 1963 by Lois Maxon who renovated the home, and created a showplace for family heirlooms and antiques. The collection of Louis XVI furniture is the second largest in the United States. The house is now owned by the State of Florida, and is the centerpiece of the park.
Hours of Operation
The park is open 7 days a week. Guided tours of the Wesley house are available hourly Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (including holidays)
Directions
Eden Gardens State Park is located in Point Washington, off U.S. 98 on C.R. 395.
For more information, call (850) 267-8320.
181 Eden Garden Road, Point Washington, Fl. 32459
The parks website is http://www.floridastateparks.org/edengardens
Park Fees
$4.00 per vehicle
$2.00 for Bikes and Peds
$4.00 per adult house tour
Children free