By Margaret Zonia Morrison
Are you seeing visions of sugarplums dancing in your head? Are you anticipating the patter of tiny hooves on the roof? Perhaps you may enhance your excitement about the holidays by taking a trip to Eden Gardens State Park. Not only will you be able to enjoy the grounds, with the early blooming Sasanqua camellias, but you will find an additional treat to add to your enjoyment.
While the holidays are often preceded by many days of anxious activity, there is an area tradition that will afford you an oasis of peace, and a chance to step back in time to the late 1800s, to contemplate Christmas traditions of families in years gone by. In keeping with the style of the Wesley House, this year’s theme for decorating the rooms and exterior will be a Victorian Christmas. The house and all the rooms are ready for viewing by the public. Tours happen each hour, Thursday to Monday each week, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will learn the history of the house, which is a treasure for the park and the community, and get a chance to enjoy the very creative ways in which each room has been decorated by an amazing group of dedicated volunteers.
The groups who have offered their time and talent to provide us with this glimpse into the past are:
• Point Washington Historical Association
• Green Thumb Garden Club
• Coastal Seniors of South Walton
• Seaside Style and Seaside Kids
• Impact 100
• Fort Walton Beach High School Garden Club, and the Community Garden at Padgett Park
• Point Washington Medical Clinic
• Grace Corradino, and
• Walton County Master Gardeners.
As part of the ongoing celebration, The Christmas Candlelight Open House is anticipated each year at Eden Gardens. On Saturday, December 7th, from 5 to 8 p.m., weather permitting, you will enjoy a ride through luminary lined pathways at Eden Gardens after sunset, and be able to tour the historic Wesley House at no charge. Live music, cookies and hot beverages will be provided by the Friends of Eden in the Pavilion.
The festive decorations will remain in place until Monday, January 6, 2025. Make plans to come and to bring along any visitors you have during this celebratory time of year. It will be a visit to remember, and an interesting way to learn about the history of Walton County before we end its Bicentennial Year (1824-2024). This effort is sponsored by the Friends of Eden, the Citizens Support Group that provides assistance to the state park staff to repair, maintain and enhance the park. Please accept this invitation to add Wesley House to your holiday schedule. The Park is opened from 8 a.m. to sunset each day, with fees of $4 per vehicle.
