applewood estate

Applewood is a piece of Flint history, but beyond that, it is a beautiful place to visit just to enjoy the scenery. The landscaping of the gardens is amazing. No matter what time of year I visit, I always find something new to see. The only downside to this site is the fact that it is not open very often. If you are visiting the area, though, check online and see if you'll be in town on a date when they are open. They seem to be open at least once during each season, and sometimes more, depending on what events are going on. They are a venue for summer concerts, as well as for spring and fall harvest walks. When the estate is open, admission is free. All the organizers ever ask is that those who can do so should bring canned goods for a local food bank. There is parking conveniently located just to the east of the estate in a large parking lot. There are two entrances--one is near the parking lot, and the other is off the sidewalk just past the Longway Planetarium. When the College and Cultural Center has events, sometimes Applewood is open during those events. The best way to know when they are open is to google their page online or to "like" their facebook page. When you're at the estate, you'll have a chance to sample food prepared using vegetables or fruits directly in the Applewood garden. You will have a chance to walk through the various garden areas, as wall as explore the area around the house. You can even peek in the windows, but you cannot enter the house. There is a bench at the back of the house that overlooks the lower gardens, and there's an informational placard that explains that this is the bench that Mrs. Mott would often sit on to enjoy the view of the gardens. There is a steep hill you can walk down to get to the barn area and the lower garden area. There are also stairs that lead down. It's worth the extra time to walk down the hill. The horses are sometimes in the barn, so you can visit them, and there are even games, sometimes, on the lawn areas for children.

Be pleasantly surprised when you visit Applewood. Truly, this is a hidden gem. There are a lot of activities during the warmer months. All public events are Free. Whether family, couples or singles, there is plenty to see. Also, wonderful photo ops. The gardens are sensational. I was so amazed at the design of them whether it is in front or the back of the estate, in the gazebo or along the driveway. You'll see the original barn and home. There are 34 acres of lawns, flower-filled gardens and the heritage apple orchard for which it was named. There is a Lunch & Learn on various Wednesdays from May - September. Plus there are other events and a Holiday Walk in December. I love the place. Now that I had the opportunity to visit I return often. It's just outside of the Flint Cultural area. Worth the drive.

The Applewood estate is open just a few times a year, but at least once a month, in the summer.It's worth looking up the schedule through the Mott website to find out when you can visit. the estate is beautiful, and when you can visit, they have lots of activities for you to participate in.During the harvest season, you can sample goodies from the apple orchard and gardens.During the December holiday walk, there is hot cider and carroling.In the springtime and summer the rose gardens and estate grounds are a must see.Best of all, the kids (and grown-ups too) can visit the famous "Friendly Frog" sculpture by Marshall M. Fredericks. This frog sculpture is located in his own little landscape area and is available for the kids to climb on.This place always leaves me in a better mood than when I came in.Bring a can of food for the local food bank for admission.