These incredible gardens in West Virginia are only open once every 2 years

Bluefield opens its magical land of gardens only once every two years!

The event, “Through the Garden Gate,” showcases the summer gardens of some of the most magnificent homes in Historic South Bluefield to the public. The tour will lead visitors through multiple gardens filled with flowers, sculptures and outdoor entertainment spaces. Most of the homes on the tour are on the National Register of Historic Places! Guests can expect to see hydrangeas, roses, perennials, ground covers, sweet bay magnolia, hornbeam trees and much more! The gardens feature elegant stonework and ironwork, koi ponds, traditional and exotic plants, and a Japanese waterfall garden!

In the early 1900s, Bluefield was a bustling metropolis often referred to as “Little New York.” Coal production was high, and the city was growing seemingly overnight. Bluefield played a prominent role in West Virginia industry and growth through much of the 1900s, and it is still one of the more notable cities in the state. Visitors today can marvel at the history and heritage found throughout the city. Bluefield currently has three historic residential districts that feature a vast collection of neo-classical revival homes, homes from the late 19^th and early 20^th century, and homes influenced and designed by architect Alex B. Mahood. Most of the historic houses are single-family homes, but occasionally many of them open their doors to the community.

The event will take place on Aug. 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will be followed by a special garden party that will include complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres, as well as music by Dan Turner and Angela Sharp! Guests may begin the tour at any garden, and parking is available on the street. Tickets are $25 and available online at Eventbrite.com or at several businesses around Bluefield such as Grant’s Supermarket, Goodykoontz Pharmacy, David’s Downtown, the Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, and Paper & More. Tickets may be purchased in advance or on the day of the event!

Come celebrate the heritage and beauty of one of West Virginia’s most historic cities! Feel the cool summer breeze of “Nature’s Air Conditioned City” and step back in time in Bluefield’s Historic Districts.

This post was last updated on March 17, 2022