About Blithewold
Blithewold, named in Yankee Magazine's 2010 Best 5 Public Gardens in New England is located on Narragansett Bay, 25 minutes east of Providence and 60 minutes south of Boston.
Blithewold, a 33-acre summer estate with grand views of Narragansett Bay, is nationally significant in American history as one of the most fully developed and authentic examples of the Country Place era. The property features a 45-room mansion filled with family heirlooms framed by a series of lovely gardens than range in character from mysterious to exotic, and from poetic to workmanlike. An exceptional collection of rare and unusual plants, specimen trees, an accessible greenhouse, and whimsical stonework project a character that is romantic, fresh and inspiring – and unique to Blithewold. Come…and be inspired.
Our Mission: To preserve New England’s finest garden estate through excellence in horticulture and historic preservation, and by our example to teach and inspire others.
Hours
The Mansion is open: The first week of April through mid-October (April 2nd - October 14th), Tuesday through Saturday, 10 am to 4 pm, Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm and most Monday holidays, closed on July 4th). The mansion occasionally closes at 3pm for Special Events.
The Gardens & Grounds: Year-round daily 10 am to 5 pm. The grounds & gardens occasionally close early for Special Events.
Opening for Daffodil Days 2013 will be April 6th - 28th Tuesday - Sunday
Christmas at Blithewold 2013 - Family Traditions will open Friday November 29th through New Year's Day (closed Dec 24 & 25). Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm, Thursdays and Fridays 11am - 8pm Christmas Sparkle (outdoor event) Friday evenings
Christmas at Blithewold 2014 - November 28th - New Years Day
ADMISSION
Members: Free
Family (2 adults, 2 youths): $24
Adults: $11.00
AAA: $10.00
Seniors/Military/Students: $9.00
National Public Radio/Television Member Adult: $9:00
Youth age 6 to 17: $3.00
Children 5 and under: Free
Gift Shop Hours: Same as Mansion (see above)
The Gift Shop at Blithewold, conveniently located in the Visitors Center, carries a variety of garden items and garden inspired items, including:
- Books on gardening and on places of interest in the area;
- A unique selection of gifts including jewelry, candles, children’s items, hats, gourmet food items and garden inspired home accessories;
- Garden ornaments, tools and gardening gloves;
- Blithewold signature shirts, trivets, scarves, magnets.
Directions
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Wednesday, May 15
- Wednesday, June 19
Introduction to Watercolor -
Saturday, May 25
Behind the Scenes Tour -
Saturday, June 01
Growing a Cutting Garden: I
Upcoming events
Follow Blithewold
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Marjorie’s dove tree turns 40
(May 16, '13)
It’s a lucky visitor whose gaze turns east along the path between the mansion and the Enclosed Garden, instead of west across the blooming North Garden and Great Lawn to Narragansett Bay. The western view is a compelling one to be sure and even I am caught up short by it every time I walk ... -
The Costume Collection
(Jan 07, '13)
Many of you already know about the fabulous collection of gowns and accessories belonging to Bessie Van Wickle McKee that came home to Blithewold last year. Forty-one dresses with accessories, coats, and hats, had been given to the Colonial Dames … Continue reading
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