Day trip: Try something different on your next visit to Asheville
Asheville is known for its craft beer, funky shops and the Biltmore Estate, but hidden in the outskirts of the city limits is another place worth a visit – The North Carolina Arboretum. Our first visit was a couple of years ago and we were blown away by the displays, art and gardens.
If you already plan to be in Asheville or if you are looking for a day trip adventure, here are a few ways to enjoy The North Carolina Arboretum:
Summer Lights
“Summer Lights,” is one of the Arboretum’s fundraising events. It’s a five night event, Aug. 2-6, in the outdoor amphitheater. The Blue Ridge Orchestra will play a wide range of music while a light show display by Highland Media Works is projected in the trees above. More than 40 musicians will play music featuring classical pieces, show tunes and even modern songs by Coldplay and Lady Gaga.
Drake Fowler, chief operating officer and financial officer at The North Carolina Arboretum, said, “We are using the forest as our canvas to project light and color. The symphony, for the most part, will be in the dark with a few surprises built into the show.”
Tickets may only be purchased in advance and online. The cost is $18 for adults, $12 for children 5-11 years old. The NC Arboretum members receive a $2 discount off each ticket. Tickets will not be available at the show. Gates open at 8 p.m.
Guests are welcome to wander the gardens before the show begins at 9 p.m. or grab a craft beer or a snack from the Arboretum’s cafe. The event is first come, first serve seating. Event planners recommend bringing a blanket for lawn seating, and there will be an area available for camp chairs. The show is one hour and 45 minutes with one intermission. No outside food will be allowed for this event.
Pick another seasonal event
The North Carolina Arboretum offers seasonal events throughout the year: Wine in the Garden in the summer, Carolina Bonsai Expo in the fall, Winter Light Show in late fall/early winter and Asheville Orchid Festival in the spring. Details on ticket pricing, dates and times are on the website’s calendar.
The youth education program has annual events that are part of the regular daytime admission. Monarch Butterfly Day is Sep. 23. Look for Box Turtle Day, Mountain Science Expo and Nature Play Day next spring.
Visit the Arboretum
Catch one of the rotating exhibits that change three times a year. Currently “Spirit of Place” features artwork by Elizabeth Ellison. This Bryson City artist is exhibiting through Labor Day. “Winged Wonders: Step into the World of Butterflies” will be showing through Oct. 29.
The Quilt Garden, Bonsai Exhibition Garden and Rocky Cove Railroad are on permanent display. The Bonsai is open for viewing 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and the railroad runs noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
There are several hiking and biking trails throughout the arboretum. They range from easy to difficult in various distances.
Dine
Savory Thyme Café onsite offers locally sourced homemade soups and sandwiches, cookies and pastries. It is open 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday and closed Monday.
Or, bring a picnic to set up in the Broad Green below Blue Ridge Court or tailgate in the parking lot’s grassy areas. There are no tables available, so a traditional blanket picnic works best. Try The Rhu in Asheville for a prepared picnic.
The North Carolina Arboretum 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806
Daily Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. April-October; 8 a.m.-7 p.m. November-March
Admission for regular visit: $14 per car. Free with American Horticulture Society membership such as Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens.
Photos: The North Carolina Arboretum, Camilla Calnan Photography, Anthony Harden/Alt Media Pros
This story was originally published July 6, 2017 at 1:01 AM with the headline "Day trip: Try something different on your next visit to Asheville."