Winterthur (winter-tour)
Yuletide at Winterthur steps guests back through time, to American Christmases past. Considered the premier museum of American decorative arts, Winterthur's Christmas displays reflect early American traditions, as well as some of the du Pont family's. The
exhibition Uncorked! Wine, Objects &Tradition takes a look at the evolution of the holiday meal, from the colonial period to the early national period.
Winterthur was designed in the
early 20th century by H. F. du Pont and his father, Henry Algernon du Pont, who looked to the spirit of 18th- and 19th-century European country houses for inspiration. The younger du
Pont added to the home many times thereafter, increasing its number of rooms by
nearly sixfold. After he established the main building as a public museum in
1951, he moved to a smaller building on the estate.
My guess is that Mr. du Pont would have been delighted that Winterthur has a delightful online presence. I confess to being hooked on it's garden blog - it's spare narrative & generous number of photos leaves me feeling like I've just nipped down for a short visit. And its online shopping site is treacherously beguiling!
Teeny bit of trivia: a contemporary of Raymond Pitcairn, Henry Francis du Pont was born five years before R.P. & died three years after.
Winterthur is a great place to visit in the late morning or early afternoon. Once you can pull yourself away from its gracious allurements, get back in the car & head up the road a piece to....
Longwood has a far longer history than it's cousin, Winterthur.
History: Although many generations helped create Longwood Gardens France
The original inhabitants - the
native Lenni Lenape tribe who hunted, fished, and farmed the productive
wilderness - gave way in 1700 to a Quaker family who purchased the property from
William Penn. They first established a farm, then in the late 1700s started an arboretum.
By 1850, the site was known as one of the finest collections
of trees in the nation, and one of the first public parks, and its
aesthetic qualities were as important as its botanical significance.
In 1906, Pierre du Pont purchased the farm with the intent of preserving the trees and building on its foundation as a public garden. From then through the 1930s, he created most of what is enjoyed today.
Today ~ forgive me for digressing into its history, but Longwood Gardens has such a rich, beguiling history, its hard to just stay focused on the here & now. Be grateful I didn't prattle on, as I could have, about its background!
Onto today!
Exquisite flowers, majestic
trees, dazzling fountains, extravagant conservatory, starlit theatre,
thunderous organ—all describe the magic of Longwood Gardens
There are sure to be stars in your eyes as you wander through half a million
twinkling lights, thousands of poinsettias, and magnificent Christmas trees.
Beautifully lit fountains dance in a starry holiday wonderland.
It
takes about 1½ hours to walk the entire 20-room Conservatory, which covers ½
mile. To walk the 20 outdoor gardens (2¼-3¼ miles) takes two
to three hours. The Heritage Exhibit in the Peirce-du Pont House takes ½
to one hour.
On
crowded days there may be a farther walk from the parking lot to the Visitor Center Visitor Center
Tickets are issued for a specific date and time and tickets are available for advance purchase now. There is no admittance to the Gardens without a timed admission ticket if you are not a Member. Tickets are limited and sell out quickly!
Alice
du Pont was famous for her parties & there was no time she loved to indulge
her passion than at Christmas.
Childless, the du Ponts started a tradition of hosting extravagant holiday parties
for employees and their families, including spectacular Christmas trees, music, as well as presents. That tradition continues today at
Longwood in the guise of concerts & other special events.
Of course, I'm going to give the Garden Railroad top billing! This is the 12th year the G-scale model trains, set in a whimsical display, is delighting kids of all ages, custom trains traveling in and out of bridges, tunnels, and (of course) special water features. The Garden Railroad operates during regular Gardens hours, weather permitting, through
January 6, 2013.
You can bet that Alice would be pleased at the Organ Sing-Alongs & Concerts that play such a special role in Longwood Gardens' Christmas celebrations. They take place in the Ballroom, through January 6, 2013. Performances are free with Gardens admission BUT limited seating is 1st come, 1st served.
Listen
as local choirs share the sounds of the season during select evening
performances, most Mondays-Thursdays these
choirs give 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm performances. The Ballroom performances are free with Gardens admission BUT limited seating is 1st come, 1st served.
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