One of the first places I visited when I moved to Tallahassee at the start of my freshman year was Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, and I have been in love with it ever since.
The history
Located on Thomasville Road, the garden was part of the Andalusia Plantation where slaves were used to grow cotton during antebellum times. Later, in 1882, the plantation became a vineyard and produced wine until 1904. The vineyard then became a hunting plantation known as Killearn Plantation and Garden. Today, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park has become a piece of Tallahassee history.
During a trip to Tallahassee in 1923, wealthy banker and financier, Alfred Maclay bought the land and decided to make it his winter home. Over the years, Maclay and his wife, Louise Fleischmann Maclay, made the gardens what they are today. Alfred Maclay designed the walkways and gardens, featuring flowers such as camellias and azaleas, which are winter-blooming flowers, for his delight. In addition, Maclay designed a “secret garden” and a reflection pool. One thing to note: the walled garden and the reflection pool are on two different elevations. Maclay used this to his advantage to create a “disappearing” effect. When one stands on the brick pathway of the garden, one cannot see the reflection pool. When one is standing by the pool, one cannot see the garden.
Following the death of Alfred Maclay in 1944, Mrs. Maclay continued to develop the gardens. She later opened the garden up to the public in 1946. In 1953, the Maclay family gave the 307-acre Killearn Gardens and the Maclay house (a beautiful light pink home overlooking an extensive grass area and Lake Hall) to the Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials as a memorial to her husband and his creation.
Today, the gardens along Lake Hall include brick pathways adorned with trees, palms and plants, a walled garden, a secret garden and a reflection pool.
Recreation
Alfred Gardens provides swimming opportunities, shared trails for hiking, biking, equestrian riding, pathways to simply walk and let your mind wander, as well as grass areas to sit down and take the view in. There is a bench by a large tree in front of the Maclay house in which I sat down and admired Lake Hall. Butterflies have made this place their home, and nature seems like an everlasting divine wonder in this place.
I like to come to the gardens, either by myself or with friends, and make a day of the experience. For couples and friends alike, this place is the perfect area to walk around, talk, read or enjoy a picnic by the lake. Whenever friends or family come to visit from out of town, I always make a point to take them to Alfred Gardens.
The Maclay house is typically open for tours from Jan. 1 until April 30, which is something I plan to partake in. Entrance to the garden during this time is $6 per person. After April, it’s $6 per car. The house is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m., and the gardens are open until sunset.
If you or someone you know is interested in a cheap outdoor recreation activity, Alfred B. Maclay Gardens is the place to visit!
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