This is an art center in PG county where they have periodic art exhibitions and area for artists to create art. We were here for the Twelfth Annual Artists on the Rise: Juried Teen Exhibition. There's a garden and the exhibition was on the first floor and could be accessed using a boardwalk. The gardens look nice for a walk. The facility is very neat and well maintained. read more

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I have driven past the sign for Montpelier Mansion numerous times and finally decided to explore this historical landmark. The grounds are beautiful, with a lovely garden filled with wildflowers. I visited the ironworks exhibit, the carriage house, and the main office/gift shop. The staff are friendly, and there is plenty of parking. read more

Montpelier Mansion - Tea for 2 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Laurel, Maryland

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The Montpelier Mansion is a Georgian style mansion in Laurel, Maryland built in the 1780s. It was the home of Thomas and Anne Snowden. Today, it's a house museum and event space. It's also a good spot to go for a walk. The property is spacious with gardens, walking paths, and picnic tables. There's also an arts center near the parking lot as well. One thing to note is that this house was part of a plantation that enslaved people. It's important to know the context as we visit places. May that be a reminder that the system started disadvantaging African-Americans and that we must DEMAND systemic change today. read more

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I was really glad my friend invited me to come see this place. She lives in Laurel and said she has driven past the sign for years - but had never made it here. The displays are engaging and there is plenty of information in the map/self-guiding tour pamphlet. So many items I could never have imagined that were used for everyday from the late 1700's on. It's wonderful, too, that the Snowden Family donated so many original things to be used in the mansion. The gift shop has some lovely items, and the docent was a very nice man, quite accommodating and informative. One thing he told us was to be sure to mark our calendars for the spring festival, which takes place the last weekend in April. One thing to note: the upstairs is pretty warm, so it's a good idea to get there right when they open! We were in the house about 45 minutes, and were both sweating quite a bit when we left. Due to that, and how hot and humid it is outside, we decided to postpone our stroll around the lovely grounds! I originally thought I'd bring my grandkids (9 and 6 years of age) to check out the dinosaur room, but it's minimal and they'd be bored within 5 minutes. So this house is not for them. ;) read more

Montpelier Mansion - Seeing misspelled words is a curse! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Laurel, Maryland

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This former home once belonging to Major Thomas Snowden is a classic example of 18th century Georgian architecture. It remained in his family until 1890 and had several private owners thereafter. It is now listed as a National Historic Landmark. Seventy acres remain of what was once a tobacco plantation. However, a volunteer here informed me that most of Snowden's wealth came from mining. Normally there is a $3 admission fee ($2 for seniors), but today's self guided tours were free to coincide with their Festival of Herbs, Tea and the Arts. Along with live music and a tour of the mansion, my friend and I indulged in a midday tea of finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and two sweet treats. It was $12.50, which I hope isn't the same tea that they regularly charge $25 because it would not be worth that price. Serving tea on Dixie paper plates with plastic utensils is not the way to go. We enjoyed it anyway. Also on the Mansion grounds is the Montpelier Arts Center. It has art exhibits and artists in residence. I believe you can take classes too. read more

Montpelier Mansion - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Laurel, Maryland

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No, not the famous Montpelier that was owned by James Madison...Laurel has one of its own. I've driven by the sign for Montpelier on the B/W Parkway for years, and stopped in at last after a trip to the Crystal Fox (see other review). I didn't know what to expect, but I was utterly charmed by this place. It is stately but also welcoming, not at all pompous or flashy. Compared with a number of historic homes/gardens that try to wow visitors with lots of Fancy Stuff, Montpelier is modest. It has fewer elements inside and out, but all are well chosen and well placed. First I walked around the grounds, seeing the house from all angles and enjoying the trees and walkways. I went inside not really expecting to stay, but the guy at the desk was friendly and told me about the annual needle-art show that was going on. The tour is self-guided and only cost $6, so I went for it, and I'm so glad I did. The layout of the home is quite simple - basically quadrants around a center foyer, and two larger halls as "wings". I am not an architect, so I judge a place by how it makes me *feel*, and I enjoyed the feel of Montpelier very much. I liked the size and scale of the rooms, and the way all the parts of the house functioned and flowed together. The needle-art exhibit was really very captivating, with historic pieces, reproductions, and very modern pieces that bordered on photorealism. Some stunning needlepoint, and charming cross-stitch. A small museum store is set up in one of the wings, and I chatted for quite awhile with one of the artisans who was selling her jewelry and other wares there. I'll look forward to visiting Montpelier again for one of the monthly teas or for its Herb & Tea festival in the spring. Or maybe for the holiday candlelight tour if I can't wait that long! read more

For one interested in photography, it is very well indeed a marvelous location. Has an exquisite garden located near the front of the mansion, perfect for macro photography. read more

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A very modest historic home. Not many rooms or displays open. I was curious to know more about the plantation itself. But some rooms, specifically the library/office were very beautiful. read more

Montpelier Mansion is a beautiful historic mansion that's a great place to spend an afternoon. One Friday a month all tours are free, so try to time your trip accordingly. The instructions are pretty helpful and there are plenty of rooms to wander through. If possible, try to go when there are guides to help you along (and explain what that chamber pot was intended for). The gift shop is small but full of cool books on Maryland, postcards, and a huge assortment of teas and brewing accessories. The festival is another great time to visit. A nice little historical gem! read more

I had my wedding here several years ago. There were not a lot of rules then regarding having caterers etc. it was a lovely setting and the grounds caretaker was so helpful. I love the annual herb and tea festival here, wish it were bigger. I did take a "beginners" pottery lesson here. I was put in a class with people way more advanced at pottery than me. The teacher was extremely impatient with me. At the same time a mentally challenged individual also started , I observed the teacher being impatient and quite cruel to this student. It actually bothered me so much....I paid my money, started, and quit after a few lessons. I've never quit anything in my life. I never went back to pick up my finished pieces. The teacher never called to see why I never returned. So I would not recommend the pottery class as the teacher has been there for years. read more

I make a trip up here at least once a year for their annual spring festival, where I purchase plants (mainly herbs) for my garden.

We were so looking forward to their holiday tea but left very disappointed. One would assume a festive atmosphere with holiday music and a fire crackling in the fireplace. Instead, all we heard were the sounds of cackling women in a room that was less than festive and uncomfortably chilly. The best part was the tea itself which warmed us up a bit. Other than that it was definitely not worth the $29.00. We've enjoyed better teas elsewhere. read more