Calling Arborcrest Gardens a "hidden gem" doesn't even come close to doing it justice. This breathtaking 25 acre garden is **less than** a mile from downtown Boone, NC.
What contributes to this "hidden gem statue?" The gardens have been curated for 12 years (the original 5 acres for many more), but have only been open to the public for a year or so. Additionally, your visit will be exclusive, because they deliberately limit the number of visitors. You must go to the website and schedule ahead for your visit (which could be instantaneous if few visitors are there at that moment). In short, you not only won't feel "overrun" here, but you will feel like you are getting a personal tour.
The breadth of plants and plantings is breathtaking. My wife, a gardener to her bones to the point of near druidism, was stopping every few feet to snap a pic of a plant and its carefully placed name card. I am not nearly as prevaricated with plants, but even I found myself catching my breath at several points.
This stunning garden will be a different "visit" every month as some of the 13,000 plants come into bloom at different times. Please do NOT assume you can do this in a day. There are significant elevation changes on the walk - if you are using a motorized wheelchair, make sure it is fully charged!
I am not a "garden" dude, but I am a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien. Add the beauty of the gardens with the elevation changes and you'll swear you are getting a peek into Rivendell.
My understanding is that this was the vision of one man, who bought the land being eyed by developers at auction and then spend more than a decade turning it into one of the most magical places I've ever visited. The staff we met were the most kind, amazing, and generous people I've ever met. Please don't screw that up for the next time I visit by being a jerk!
If you aren't even a plant person, you'll be grateful you did and be stunned, surprisingly so, by the beauty. If you *are* a plant person you'll be overwhelmed (and joyously so).
They are also ever building and expanding. Get here before too many people discover it! read more