Historic Wesley house decorated through 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. This year the Green Thumb Garden Club decorated the parlor, The Friends of Eden the dining room, the Hisitoric Point Washington Association, the library, Ladies of 30A the halls and stairways, Seagrove Garden Club, the upstairs pink room, Cultural Arts Association the children’s bedroom, the Chapel at Crosspoint, the red room, The Ladies of Windswept the blue room, and the sitting room was decorated by Karen Kolenberg.
The house is now decorated and open to view every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Dec. 31. The rest of the park is open 7 days a week.
On Dec. 19, enjoy the Candellight 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
About Eden Gardens State ParkOne of the most beautiful parks in Walton County sits along Tucker Bayou in Point Washington in Southern Walton County. 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 a newly repainted mansion – 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
There will be volunteers dressed in period clothes to describe in detail the history and features in each room. There will also be a special chef dressed in period clothing, cooking food in the style reminiscent of the 1850-1860s.
About the Friends of Eden
The Friends of Eden Gardens State Park is a volunteer organization of approximately 150 members with a core group of about 25 who assist the state park staff in repairs, maintenance and enhance the garden facilities. The park covers 124 upland acres with more than 10 acres of public grounds.
For more information about the Friends of Eden go to http://www.friendsofedengardens.org/
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