While visiting Stace’s Mom is North Carolina we decided to visit the North Carolina Arboretum. It’s a beautiful and tranquil experience to see and hear the trees’ leaves rustle in the wind. The easily accessible North Carolina Arboretum, is located in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville on 434 acres of public gardens. I’ll share with you 7 things you need to know before you go to this beautiful garden.
1. Cost and Hours
The North Carolina Arboretum charges a parking fee per vehicle. There are no other fees besides the parking fee for admission. The current cost is $14 for vehicles, and increased pricing for motorhomes and buses. If you are a AAA member, you will receive $1 off parking. Want to park for free? Keep reading!
Hours vary depending on buildings and property. Buildings, like the Baker Exhibit Center, will close hours earlier than the property does. The entrance gate closes one hour before the property closes and the time is dependent on the season. So, check the hours before you go.
2. Reciprocal Memberships
So, you’d like to park for free? Why yes! You can! Stace and I are strong advocates of becoming a member of a botanical garden and this will allow you to park for free. Not only will it allow you to park for free at the North Carolina Arboretum, it will allow you FREE or discounted admission fees to over 300 botanical gardens! So, join the garden that is closest to you that participates in the reciprocal program. For a list of participating gardens, visit the Reciprocal Admissions Program gardens page available on the American Horticultural Society website.
(If you don’t have a garden that participates in the reciprocal program that is close to you, but would like to join a garden to receive member benefits, I recommend The Missouri Botanical Garden. You can even sign up a second person on your membership that doesn’t live with you, and they can enjoy the membership benefits also. This is my garden and I absolutely adore it.)
3. Bonsai
The North Carolina Arboretum is home to over 100 glorious bonsai trees! A Bonsai is a tree, shrub, vine, or plant that are “kept in a miniaturized state, developed into artistic shapes and displayed in special containers.” The North Carolina Aroboretum’s world renowned Bonsai Exhibition Garden is one of the few places you can see so many Bonsai in one place.
From May to October, between 9 am to 5 pm, you’ll find them in their outside Bonsai Exhibition Garden. From November to April, you can visit them inside at the Indoor Tropical Display.
The outside Bonsai Exhibition Garden lends itself to the perfect earthy presentation of these meticulously cared for miniature trees. Information about the Bonsai Exhibition Garden and the care of Bonsai trees are posted in the garden.
4. Dogs Are Allowed
Dogs are allowed at the North Carolina Arboretum. However, dogs are not allowed in the buildings, with the exception of service dogs. I love that you can enjoy this beautiful place with your best friend beside you. Just please be courteous and remember to pick up after your dog.
5. Trails and Fun Experiences for Kids
Hiking and biking trails are abundant at the North Carolina Arboretum. They offer 10 miles of hiking trails that are easy, moderate and difficult levels. Biking trails are also available in levels of easy, moderate and difficult. Trails connect with other trails that lead into/out of the garden, like the Bent Creek Experimental Forest and Lake Powhatan. All trails are dog-friendly. The Information Desk at the Baker Exhibit Center offers maps.
The North Carolina Arboretum also has many fun and unique learning experiences for kids. Stop at the Baker Exhibit Center (Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) before your adventure to checkout, on loan for free, a Discovery Backpack or GPS unit for Geocaching to take along on your hike.
6. Guided Walks and Tours
When you plan your visit, check days and times that they offer a free guided walk through the garden or free guided walk on the trails. Learn from a guide who will discuss specific information about your type of tour. It’s a great way to see and appreciate what you’re experiencing by having a knowledgeable person there to share with you information and answer your questions.
7. Outside Food and Drinks
Bring snacks or better yet, a picnic, with you to the North Carolina Arboretum. Outside food and beverages are allowed. If you don’t bring anything with you, you may purchase food from the Bent Creek Bistro that is onsite. The bistro has limited hours though.
There are many things to appreciate at the beautiful North Carolina Arboretum. I felt like I didn’t have enough time to appreciate all it had to offer us. So, I will be sure to return again to experience this beautiful and serene place.
Further Information
The North Carolina Arboretum website
Address and Map: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
Have you visited the North Carolina Arboretum? What do you look forward to seeing and learning about during your visit? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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