How kind of you to recommend Falcon Rest so enthusiastically, folks. We have visited both Florida mansions you mentioned. The Stetson Mansion, like Falcon Rest, is privately owned and obviously a labor of love for its owners. The scale of the Ringing is at the other end of the spectrum. With not only the Ca' d'Zan Mansion, but also an awesome miniature model circus and an art museum filled with masterpieces, it one of our favorites. We are complimented by both comparisons!

We're so glad you found Falcon Rest and that you felt at home here. That's the idea. TripAdvisor is a great way to let folks know about the mansion, and kind reviews such as yours are always appreciated.

Thanks so much, Jennifer. Every visitor is important to us, so it is great to hear that you had a good time.

I just came across your review, and I was so sorry to hear that your tea was not what you had visualized. Some of your criticism is justified. As with many venues, we had been shorthanded. The staff was doing a valiant job trying to stay ahead of tasks, but a lot was going on at the same time the day of your shower. That was not your fault, of course. I was the one who underestimated the time it would take to prepare for your shower, so we were a running late serving, and the tea trays were arranged hurriedly. Not my usual standards over many years of events ... As for pictures being misleading, you may not have realized that the location for smaller events like your tea for 16 (as I recall) is the tea room, not the Victorian Carriage House. The tea room is pretty, but not as formal or as large as the banquet hall. And while the trays were not as carefully arranged as I would have liked, the tea menu is the same one we advertise and always serve. Most people really seem to enjoy it. I realized the young ladies in your group hardly tasted anything, but I thought it was that was because it wasn't the type of food they preferred. Unfortunately, I didn't get to talk with you before you left. I can't do over your event, but I do hope you will accept my apologies. Best wishes to your granddaughter as she enters a wonderful new phase of. her life.

We're honored you chose to celebrate your mom's birthday with a tour of Falcon Rest and lunch in our tea room. We welcome walk-ins every day for tours and lunch. Our formal Victorian tea does require a few days' advance notice. Hope you can come back sometimes for the tea. Maybe another birthday celebration?

We like to think folks become part of the "Falcon Rest family" when they visit -- glad you felt it. We appreciate the kind words.

Thank you very much. Y'all were so much fun to meet! Welcome to the area, and we look forward to seeing you often.

We're delighted you came up from Huntsville for a tour, Rodney. With a 10,000 square foot, 120+ year old mansion on 5 acres of grounds, there is always some kind of work going on. You got here in the midst of a project we started during the COVID shutdown in April. We removed all the upstairs window sashes to repair, reputty, repaint, and rehang them. Ended up taking all summer, but we are very proud of the results.

We are delighted that your visit to Falcon Rest was such an enjoyable experience for you and your friends. We agree that Sarah is a great tour guide! Glad you enjoyed the tea as well. And of course, we must admit we try to tempt your visitors in the gift shop -- it really does have a selection you won't find anywhere else.