Part VII: Events at Longwood Gardens

in Garden Focus by Britt — November 14, 2009 at 12:00 am | 0 comments

For all the events at Longwood year round, Christmas may just be the most well known.  I’ve met more people who come here for Christmas than the rest of the year.  After seeing these pictures it’s no wonder why.  Longwood is all about events that impress and Christmas is their shining star on the tree. But more about this below.

First, I have to say that as amazing as these gardens are I am still bowled over by the extra efforts that the staff, both volunteers and employees, put in on a daily basis. There are information helpers who just stand by the walkways awaiting any questions you may have. Everyone is always happy to see you and I mean genuinely.  My guess is that they love their job.  Who wouldn’t?

There are few places left in the US who’s experience oriented service is almost from a bygone era.  The other off the top of my mind is Disney.  Walt Disney and Pierre du Pont had a similar mind set: make it amazing, make it last and make it truly memorable and make it a singular unique experience that beats each visitor’s expectations.

A great example of this is the spectacular food.  I’ve heard the food here is some of the best in the entire area and indeed it is.  My sister and I were up at Longwood just a over a week ago and had the darnedest time deciding between the Salmon Cakes with Sambuca Sauce (a perfectly moist salmon cake topping a layer of thinly sliced scalloped potatoes and all encrusted in bread crumbs) or the Cheese Manicotti with Roasted Veggies in an alfredo Sauce, or the Seafood Jambalaya which, of course, had large mussels and sausages sticking out high over the bowl or the tremendous looking Chicken Pot Pie, which seemed like a must have.  The Forrest Mushroom Soup, which is hailed from all over, was perfect and deserves a day of it’s own : )

On the way to the register Erika pointed out the hot apple cider.  We knew from experience that this was not going to be the kind you buy in jugs, but a chef’s specialty, probably made from hundreds of the best crushed apples around.  That is exactly what it tastes like. I grabbed a doughnut for desert without realizing it was a “home made” Longwood apple cider doughnut.  And yes, it was the best cake doughnut I’ve ever tasted.  Erika, who is normally a silent critique, (if it’s good she’ll be busy eating), stopped after the first bite and declared, “Excellent!  You have to taste this!”  I replied, “Oh no, you have to taste “this!”

The care Longwood puts into everything, including what would be a simple meal is extraordinary.  I dare say that if Pierre du Pont were still alive he would say, “I couldn’t have done it better myself. “  Longwood also has an even more high-end restaurant titled the “1906″ fine dining room which often requires reservations.  Here the food and service are fantastic.  You can download the menu options at http://www.1906atlongwood.com/content/menus.asp

On July 4th we got tickets for the Fireworks BBQ and, aside from great burgers, chicken and the like, we had the “greatest” hand made blueberry lemonade that either of has ever tasted. As I left I urged anyone who looked available, to get the blueberry lemonade! I ran into one person later who said, “That was the best lemonade my husband and I had!” Do you come for the flowers, the food, the events, or the lemonade?

After the gardens, the food and the environment, there is still more.  Longwood has events all year round that are fun and worth the drive!  This summer we visited on July 4th to see the famous “Fireworks and Fountains” show and WOW.

Firstly, Longwood allows everyone to bring their own lawn chairs in early to save a viewing area.  With most places this means having to sit with your furniture for the next 5 hours waiting for the event to start, but here they expect you to leave it and wander the gardens worry free. Being from the city, I thought really?  But, that’s exactly what we did.  There was nothing but a sea of empty chairs and happy strolling Longwood patrons.

The fountain show starts with the incredible 120 foot tall plumes of water and adds colored lights to the display.  This is then choreographed to fireworks.  The fireworks are incredible!  The most well choreographed display we have ever seen and, frankly, it was more emotionally and visually satisfying for this reason.

It had the same feel of seeing a symphony in person.  It wasn’t about the explosions, but the experience.  Yet again a Longwood motto.

In September we drove up to see the Harvest Design Competition which included a 12 foot wide corn chandelier made by Longwood staff and entries from around the country which were lovely!

The very next month Longwood held the World Association of Flower Arrangers exhibition which we were not able to attend. I am quite sure it was fantastic.

Of course this month is the Chrysanthemum festival which was so tremendous it got it’s own day here, this week. It was a highlight for my whole year. The mums were of every type, shape and number. Over 20,000 of them. The conservatory is stunning.

I couldn’t help but see that they are currently selling tickets for the Thanksgiving Day buffet that will take place in the Ballroom. I can only imagine how great the menu and the entire experience will be. I have to highly recommend this without ever having done it. http://www.longwoodgardens.org/ThanksgivingBuffet.html

Another annual event is the building of the garden train railroad display.  This year it’s on display over in the idea garden with a full miniature garden land and several trains running about the tracks.  The staff, students and volunteers get together each year to design and build it.  It’s a delight for all ages and is on view up to November 22.

Lastly, but most important, are the upcoming events for this holiday season.

If the amazing Christmas decorations are not enough, Longwood is having “National, World and Olympic skaters perform fun 20-minute vignettes daily (weather permitting).”   The skaters are performing on the outdoor ice skating rink and according to Longwood, “will meet and greet the audience and pose for pictures following each performance!”  Skaters include: Megan Williams, Geoff Varner, Emmanuel Savary, Kim Navarr, Brent Bommentre, Michael Solonoski, Lauren Farr, Kevin Curtis, Blake Rosenthal, Erika Choi Smith, Nate Bartholomay, Felicia Zhang and Taylor Toth with Andrew Nagode. You can find out which skaters will be performing on what day at http://www.LongwoodGardens.org/IceSkatingPerformances2009.html

I have one more trip to make here this year. I want to experience Longwood at Christmas. My friend Eileen said it is the most impressive Christmas display around. Knowing what I know now, I am sure these pictures are only a fractional tease of the magic that awaits.  They also are having strolling carolers through the season.  Most probably come for the amazing Christmas lights and the Christmas Conservatory experience.  I know that I’m coming because it’s Longwood and, therefore, I know what ever it is, it will be great.

Well this concludes our week at Longwood Gardens.  This week only covers half of the garden.  Therefore we will be having a week two in December!  As for tomorrow were off to Richmond, Virginia to visit Maymont for the upcoming week.  Stop by!  Leave a garden tip for the Bee!

Till tomorrow…

Britt

Related posts:

1. 5 reasons to spend the 4th of July at Longwood Gardens!
2. The Siberian Irises at Longwood Gardens!
3. The Topiary Garden at Longwood Gardens
4. The Chairs of Longwood Gardens
5. Wisterias in full bloom at Longwood Gardens!

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