June Open Day Tours 2024

In addition to our annual Historic Garden Week tours in April, we are excited to offer two additional tour days this year at the end of spring – Friday, June 14 and Saturday, June 15 – for garden lovers to come experience the atmosphere of Bunny Mellon’s landscape and walled garden.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do we arrive?

The tour will cover the Little Oak Spring section of the Mellon property, including the Broodmare Barn, Main Residence, and Walled Garden. To reach our site, please use either of the following addresses in your GPS: 4884 Sea Hero Lane, Upperville, VA 20184 or 1776 Loughborough Lane, Upperville, VA 2018.

Where do we park?

After stopping at the white Security Building near the site entrance, you will be directed to the parking area on the right.  Please note that the parking area is grass. This field can be uneven and may be muddy if the weather has been wet.

Where do we go first?

After parking, please follow the signs to the pedestrian walkway and head to the Check-In at the Broodmare Barn.

Is there a guide book?

No but there is a small informational brochure available for free at the Check-in table at the start of the tour.

Is the tour escorted?

No, this is a self-guided tour. There are scattered informational signs and OSGF staff members to answer questions and to help direct you.

Are there restrooms available?

Yes, there are two restroom locations. Portable restrooms available in the parking area at the beginning/end of the tour and outside of the Main Residence (about midway through the tour route).

What is included in the tour?

On the tour guests will have access to the Oak Spring Garden landscape, the foyer of the Mellon residence with views into select rooms, the formal walled garden, the arbor, the formal greenhouse and the gallery. The tour does not include a visit to the Oak Spring Library.

Guests will also be able to experience a special exhibit inside the Oak Spring Gallery called “Oak Spring: A Place to Grow.” This exhibition features works created by participants in OSGF’s Residency and Fellowship Programs.

How long should the tour take?

The tour route is about 1 mile long and typically takes about 2.5 hours to complete, but guests are welcome to move at their preferred pace. The property will close at 4:00pm, so visitors with tickets for time slots later in the day should remain aware of their pace and the time.

Is the tour handicapped accessible?

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is located in the rural foothills of the Piedmont Mountains with rolling hills and often uneven terrain.  Much of the tour route is gravel paths and not well suited to motorized carts or walkers.  For your comfort and safety, please wear flat walking shoes, no spiked heels.  Please watch for steps and uneven surfaces.  Guests with mobility issues are advised to consider these factors prior to purchasing a tour ticket.

Are children welcome to attend?

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation is happy to share the beauty of our site with guests of all ages. Children 17 years of age and younger must be accompanied by an adult at all times.  Guests with very small children are advised that much of the tour route is gravel and pathways can be narrow (especially in the Formal Garden area) and no strollers are allowed.

Is photography allowed?

Yes, guests are encouraged to photograph the grounds and garden. Be sure to tag us on social media (Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation; Twitter: @oak_spring; Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation). Photography is NOT allowed while inside the Mellon Main Residence. 

Are there items available for purchase?

The Oak Spring Garden Foundation has a selection of unique gifts and books available for purchase in the Gallery near the end of the tour.  Credit cards are the only form of payment accepted in the gift shop. All proceeds go into a fund designated for growing our local educational programs.

Can we picnic on the grounds?

No. Unfortunately, due to the limited nature of the tour and parking area, we are not able to accommodate requests to picnic on the grounds.

Will there be food and drinks available?

There will not be any food or snacks available. Water stations will be located in three (3) locations along the tour route.  Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles.

Are tickets refundable?

Tickets are non-refundable except in cases of emergency, illness, or in the event that the tours are cancelled (for instance, due to severe weather).

What if I have been exposed to COVID-19 or am experiencing COVID-19 symptoms on the day of my ticket?

For the health and safety of our guests and OSGF staff, we ask that any guest who may be positive for COVID-19 or currently experiencing symptoms please not attend this event.  If you are unable to attend due to COVID-19 exposure or symptoms, you may be eligible for a refund of your ticket purchase. Any such refund requests must be made no later than the end of business on Thursday, June 13, 2024.

What if it rains?

The tour will run if it rains unless lightening or wind make it unsafe to do so.  Please check our social media for any last minute changes (Instagram: @oakspringgardenfoundation; Twitter: @oak_spring; Facebook: Oak Spring Garden Foundation).

Where do the proceeds go?

Tour funds will be used to benefit our outreach and education activities in our local community.

Are pets allowed?

No pets - except for service animals.

Is smoking allowed?

Smoking is not allowed.