Web Site: http://www.mwc.edu/belm/i
Plan for the tour and visit to take approximately an hour, depending on how long you stroll the grounds, etc. There is a picnic area for those who wish to take a picnic lunch with them. |
Hours:
Summer Hours
(Mar 1 – Nov 30)
Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Sunday.
1 a.m. to
5 p.m.
Winter Hours
(Dec. 1 – Feb. 29)
Mon. – Sat. 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m.
Sunday.
1 a.m. to
4 p.m.
Admission:
Under $5.00 (call for current price) |
If
you arrive at the Belmont Estate by driving through the town of Falmouth
you will see how magnificent the house on the ridge is. It looks
down on the town as a protective parent. Upon driving up the driveway
into the parking lot you will get the overwhelming desire to take a leisurely
stroll through the flower gardens or out to the fields behind the house.
However the first place to go is the
Marguerite Stroh Center (also known as the Stafford County Visitors Center),
where very informative personnel greet you. There they will guide
you in the direction you wish to go or recommend that you observe the mini
film on the Melchers if you intend to view the house. Once you have
viewed the film you can wonder the grounds or embark on the home tour.
We opted for the home tour and were
in for a treat. Our docent’s name was June and she did a wonderful
job on involving a 5 year old who’s not yet sure history is all that exciting.
She regaled us with stories of what kind of people they were and the history
of their ‘country home’.
Upon completion of our tour we did
as she suggested and strolled the grounds. It was quiet and peaceful
as we strolled around. We even watched the Rappahannock River through
the trees in their side yard. After meandering the grounds we visited
Gari Melchers art studio. We viewed artwork from various periods
of his life. We left with a greater appreciation of his artwork and
their legacy.
If you’re interested in something
that helped shape Stafford’s history, have an appreciation for art or history
then this is a great place to visit.
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