Last year, I blogged about our first visit to Belair Mansion in Bowie, MD. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is located at 12207 Tulip Grove Dr., Bowie, MD 20715. Stormy and Rainbow had a blast acting as official elf spotters, and hunting down the Christmas elves that were spotted at the mansion. With the 2022 holiday season upon us, I kept an eye on their website hoping that they would again host the Great Elf Hunt. Late last week, I noticed that the Elf Hunt had joined the calendar of events! The event was being held December 9th, 10th, and 11th, as well as the 16th and 17th from 12-4pm. Both Stormy and Rainbow were super excited, as was Pebble who hadn’t been able to go last time.
When we pulled up to the mansion, there were still plenty of spots in the small lot. The girls walked their dad around to the back of the mansion to show him the terraced hills, and had some fun running up and down said hills. As it was a damp day, we soon headed inside. The entrance this year is not on the lowest level near the gift shop. Follow the elves up the brick path to the front door. Once we entered, we were warmly greeted and given an Elf Spotter Kit. This kit consisted of a pencil and booklet featuring the various rooms of the house. In each room, the girls had to record how many elves they found, and where those elves were hiding.
We started our hunt in the Double Parlor before moving on to the Sunroom. This year, Rainbow was able to follow the booklet on her own, and write her own notes. I held Pebble’s booklet, and helped her keep track. We worked our way through the house, stopping to count elves, read a sign, or admire how a room was set up. I did have to remind the girls that since this was a historic home, no touching any of the furniture. FYI, there are a lot of stairs to maneuver, plus some hallways are very narrow, so leave strollers at home. There are bathrooms on the main floor, and one on the lowest level near the gift shop.
It took the girls between a half hour and an hour to check the rooms for those naughty elves. From the main floor, I recommend completing the upper floor before moving down to the lower level. The lower level is where you complete your job as elf spotters. There are also three rooms down there to look for elves, the kitchen, the enslaved room, and the wine cellar. Kids will be able to stand in the wine cellar, but adults watch your heads!
Upon completion of our booklets, the girls reported to a staff member near the gift shop on the lower level. She asked the girls how many elves they had seen, and gave each of them an official elf spotter certificate. She also handed out small goodie bags as a reward for a job well done.
Both Pebble and Rainbow were super excited about their goody bags, and headed outside to run the hills again. Stormy requested to return briefly to the enslaved room. There are a number of informative displays in that room, and she wanted to read them sans her sisters. Once she had finished absorbing as much history as she could, we headed outside for the car and home.
The Elf Hunt continues next weekend, and they have a new event on Sunday the 18th titled “The Reindeer Training Station.” Stormy was begging to go to this as we haven’t yet visited Belair Stables, but I’m not sure we can fit it in in between a Santa breakfast and a Living Nativity event. I love how many things one can do in this area during the Christmas season. It is hard to pick favorites! If you get a chance, though, we all recommend the Great Elf Hunt. Happy trails!
https://www.cityofbowie.org/288/Belair-Mansion
