Sandy J.
Yelp
Highlight: who knew such a lovely place existed here in Atlanta! I feel, if you want to explore southern mansions and biltmore, this place is as good if not better. There are no vineyards, but the artistry, scenic gardens, coziness, and better manicured decorations beat most southern mansions in Georgia. 16$ for adults in the Atlanta History museum gets you into the Swan house, tullie farm, Swan Coach House, and even a research center. I love that it is not touristy and that there's much to offer. It's great for scenic pictures, wedding photos, and painting and contemplation.
Hint: you technically need to pay 16$ to enter the Atlanta History Museum, but technically, if you park at Swan Coach House (teahouse and gift shop), it's open access(free) to the Swan House and Tullie farm from the back roads. Valet parking on lot or street parking.
Swan House: there are actors dressed up and acting the parts of the historical home! I think the smaller home than biltmore was fresher and better in decor. I felt biltmore was more impressive for its size and wine yards but it felt gloomy and older. I like that Swan felt brighter and higher end. There are also less tourists, so you can have a good private and lovely time. The library is grand and high shelves, the piano and parlor was a lovely green shade with flowers for the ladies to entertain. There was also a kitchen. The basement had the Chinese Trading fine China collection this time. It is a nice collection that is not too overwhelming where all the china looks all the same, the paint and craftmanship was still intricate and colorful. Upstairs, you have the children's bedrooms, the master bedroom, and also the Hunger Games was filmed here for Mockingjay! So you can visit the set and see the costumes and props!
The Atlanta History Museum: this gallery impressed me- I knew Atlanta had some historical museums but didn't know they were this well collected and curated for the public. There were Native American cultural, Bobby Jones, civil war, and even natural flora fauna collections.
Swan Coach House: a southern up scale restaurant that serves salads, soups, and fruit. Teas and coffees are there too. Not a place to stuff yourself- but to enjoy small bites and make conversation.
Tullie Farm- it's a small farm tucked right by the mansion and you can see the skyline of Atlanta. There were sheep and chickens (lovely heritage breeds btw). The farm is actually an inn and there's weaving and spinning inside. The actress will tell you about petticoats and play the guitar for you.
There was the quarry gardens down by the creek and woods but I didn't go bc of mosquitos but for nature lovers and pants wearers, do check it out!