Bellingrath Gardens

Ok, attempt #3 to catch the Christmas spirit may have been just what I needed!  For a few month my friend has been talking about a beautiful place called Bellingrath Gardens, and insisting we go there during this time of year because they put out millions (literally, MILLIONS!) of lights all around their gardens/property.  Because we went there at night, the best I can describe the place is that it reminded me much of the plantations we visited in New Orleans.  It sits on 65 acres, and was first opened to the public in 1934.  There are a couple of lakes, the estate that sits on the property as well as a few other buildings (we saw a chapel and a small museum holding their extensive collection of Boehm Porcelain, but I'm sure there are others).

  The light displays were phenomenal! There were several different "themed" areas, each as interesting as the next.

 The Under the Sea was cool!

 We also loved this little Chinese area...

The fireworks on each side of the building would go off at different times, it was beautiful!

 The Mirror Lake area was probably my favorite!  Look how beautiful it all was!

Alligators!

And Flamingos, are you serious!?!

The swans were beautiful!!

And Eli loved the train!

 It even had this beautiful nativity, which I was surprised there wasn't more of.  I guess I'm used to Utah! :)

  While we were there to look at the lights, I was amazed at how many flowers were blooming, especially because of it being winter!  It was absolutely gorgeous!

   We couldn't have picked a better night to go, it was fairly warm (mid 60's) and we had great company!  

My sweet friend Wendy and I!

All in all, it was absolutely worth the drive (about 90 minutes each way), and it has made me want to go back during the spring/summer to see it in it's glory!  I'd like to give a special thanks to the Blairs for a great night, and for helping me catch the Christmas Spirit!