Fun Family Activities in N.C. Gardens
While there are plenty of local gardens that offer family-friendly opportunities and events, why not experience a real escape by venturing outside the Triangle area? The following gardens scattered throughout North Carolina provide a breathtaking glimpse into the rich traditions and diversity of the region.
Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Located in Belmont, N.C, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden features nearly 400 acres of rolling meadows, woodland and lakefront property. Highlights at the garden include a visitor pavilion, formal display gardens and perennial gardens. During May and June, the garden offers a variety of youth, family and school programs, continuing education classes and garden adventure camps. More information on these and other opportunities are at www.dsbg.org.
Distance from Triangle: Approx. 2.5 hours
The Gardens at Tanglewood Park
The Gardens at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons, N.C., boast a diverse collection of native flora, herbs and landscape materials. Highlights at the historical Tanglewood Gardens include an arboretum, fragrance garden, rose garden and AIDS memorial garden. Educational opportunities and programs for elementary-aged children are provided as well as 11adult seminars. More information is at www.tanglewoodgardens.org.
Distance from Triangle: Approx. 1.5 hours
Old Salem
Old Salem features the best-documented restored community gardens in this 1766 Moravian village that profiles exactly what early Moravian settlers cultivated. Explore the town’s history and enjoy several family programs throughout the year, including spring garden workshops and historical garden tours.
Distance from Triangle: Approx 1.5 hours
Pittsboro Fearrington Gardens
The Fearrington Gardens at the historic Fearrington Village in Pittsboro celebrate North Carolina’s rich horticultural diversity and plant traditions. The vibrant collection of 10 gardens, ranging from beer gardens to herb gardens, is featured on “CHATTER,” the Fearrington Village blog, which spotlights specific plants each month. For more information, visit www.fearrington.com/village/gardens.asp.
Distance from many Triangle locations: Approx. 30 minutes
Tryon Palace Park
Visit the reconstructed colonial capitol of North Carolina by venturing to Tryon Palace Park in New Bern, which features 16 acres of gardens that represent the formal garden style of 18th-century Britain. Tryon Palace hosts educational programs and tours for children of all ages throughout the year. Visit www.tryonpalace.org for program topics and registration information.
Distance from Triangle: Approx 2 hours
If you prefer to stay closer to home, the Triangle’s gardens include the N.C. Botanical Gardens in Chapel Hill, Sarah P. Duke Gardens in Durham and the J.C. Raulston Arboretum at N.C. State University campus in Raleigh. Many of these local gardens have programs for children and celebrate the season with tours, crafts and other festive activities.
