Thoroughly enjoyable self-guided walk through this summer home to 19th century diplomat John Hay…read moreand his family. It is incredible how many gorgeous, welcoming mansions New England has, yet with a different wonderful experience every time. Hay House does not disappoint. This beautiful classic home looks out to Lake Sunapee, and features a rock garden, fairy tale stone gate where the roses grow, and access to everything from the children's rooms and bathrooms to the well-stocked butler's pantry. The best aspect of being self-guided is the freedom to go at your own pace, and appreciate the many details without having to stare at someone doling out long bios. Plentiful signs give you the ideal highlights of each room as well as relevant history, and you can admire the decor and architectural elements to your heart's content. We happened to be there for Artists' Weekend, where many painters were positioned in various spots on the lush grounds, painting their happy little trees. Live music was played on the porch, and it was a lovely environment for such an event. Landscaping and flowers vary with blooming times of year, and there are some nature trails around the grounds. The walk from the parking lot at the street, to the Hay house, is about 1/4 mile on the dirt/gravel road with a bit of a hill. There was another parking lot at the house itself, which we did not realize until we were hoofing it back. Restrooms on site. Beautiful venue for a wedding, which is something they do. Terrific site all the way around. Paired nicely with the Ice House Museum of antique cars about 10 minutes away, and lunch at Peter Christian's Tavern nearby.

Beautiful place to walk and explore. My only complaint is I wish the trails were marked a little…read moremore clearly, we took a wrong turn and had to walk back a ways. There was a long (unexpected!) beautiful stream, and it was the highlight of the whole place for me.

The Hadley Gardens opened in June 2022, so we were there around its second anniversary. I had no…read moreidea the garden was so new, as it looks mature and exquisitely landscaped. The gardens are named after Willis Dean Hadley, a Ferndale benefactor, and someone deeply committed to reserving native plants. I had thought maybe this was his Garden, since maintained after his passing, but no, it was a community project several years in the making. Although quite small, built on a former vacant lot, there are unique nooks and crannies everywhere that give you pause - you can spend a while here. Hadley had a whimsical sense of humor has seen by the Victorian dollhouse and other quirky touches here. Native plant enthusiasts especially will appreciate the wide diversity and beauty of natives on display. The miniature Fern Canyon is amazing. All very photogenic. Located on Main Street next to the Shaw House Inn.

A Saturday well spent…read more Hubby found this botanical garden in Massachusetts while looking for activities. It was a four hour (non highway) drive for us and while we had to fill up our gas (expensive, no doubt) on our way home, the bulb show itself was free of charge. They gave a suggested donation of $5. The campus is beautiful. They do such amazing job with their plants. Would love to explore Northampton again in the warmer months.

We've been members of the Botanic Garden of Smith College for ten years. Last year, I called to…read moreverify I could take pictures in the greenhouse on a weekday. But when I got there, not even 5 minutes pass when a woman comes in saying I'm aren't allowed to take pictures. I said I did get permission, besides that there were other people taking pictures at the same time as me. There were very few people there on a weekday morning. She argued that it was disruptive for others. I apologized and was almost ready to go, when she said nevermind, go ahead, and left me alone. I thought that was very odd, but then this year, while enjoying the spring bulb show, a class of possibly 20 five-year-old school children came through screaming, crying, ripping/pulling on the plants, with chaperones shouting to be heard. It was complete pandemonium and ruined the experience for us. This group was not asked to leave for 'disrupting.' I also don't appreciate the unilateral decision that was made (that is, no consultation of Botanic Garden members who contribute annual membership fees) to shut down the annual chrysanthemum show in the fall. They just sent a letter saying "they decided" to do other exhibits instead. I don't know what the fall botanical exhibit was that they did instead, and can't find anything online about what it was. The chrysanthemum show was an extraordinary event that was held annually since the early 1900s. If it had to be discontinued, it would be nice if the botanical exhibit that replaces it would meet or exceed that experience. Instead, nothing at all. Contributing members should be able to contribute their input when these decisions are made. We are a part of the campus community.

This site is acres of a private garden open a few days a month to public visits. What is unique…read moreabout this space is the instantiation of various gardens peacefully integrated with the surrounding woodlands. No cement divides, and that's pretty rare. Some paths wander into the woods, most wind around the various gardens. Excellent examples of using natural plants to the best advantage, granite embraces and a smattering of whimsical sculpture. Is it worth the ride? Yes, if you take a good two or three hours to relax and enjoy it. Note: use the instructions for your GPS on their web site.

From the owner: Distant Hill Gardens comprises fifty-eight acres of fertile high country land in the hills five…read moremiles east of downtown Walpole, New Hampshire. An environmental and horticultural learning center dedicated to inspiring and empowering children and adults to cultivate an intimate connection to the natural world through education and observation. We hope to inspire visitors to develop an ecological approach to working their land and to give them the tools to improve their landscape one plant at a time.

This place has been around since I was a child (30 now) and now I take my daughter. It's fun for…read moresure, but once you go, there's not really a reason to go back as you've seen it all. Pricing is okay, I personally think it's a little overpriced for it but they have to make money somehow. Seniors (65+) are $15, adults are $20, kids 3-17 are $10, kids under 3 are free. There are memberships/frequent flier passes available for purchase as well. Inside where the butterflies are, it is HOT. So head's up if you're bundled at all, especially come the winter months. The butterflies are absolutely beautiful, but I won't lie to y'all, it was kind of terrifying for me. Those butterflies will fly right at your face which personally, I do not find peaceful in the least. BUT, that's not saying it's not a fun experience because it absolutely is. I do love bringing my camera and taking photos of the butterflies and creatures. I wish they still had their little cafe. Every time I go it's closed/shut down. Would be nice to be able to enjoy some food and continue to support them after enjoying the butteflies!

We finally made it a point to visit. Such a beautifully unique place! The flowers are so gorgeous…read moreand the butterfly's are simply magical we enjoyed ourselves.

I have been to a couple of lovely events here in the past few years. Recently, Music in Bloom was…read moreso cool and nice. 36 dollars bought 2hrs and 45 minutes of music plus strolling or otherwise enjoying across 5 locations in the garden. Hearing the music floating in the air as you moved from space to space was so nice. Gorgeous, but still pretty early on the season for flowers. The music and wonderful art made it a really lovely evening. The cafeteria and bar were also serving and had a good selection.

I came here last week and was just left wanting....more. For the price I paid for entry, I was…read moreexpecting to be wowed and just wasn't. A lot of different areas were closed, and some just didn't have a lot of stuff. I just was underwhelmed overall and am not sure if I'll come back again.

It was as if it was a picture taken from the enchanted garden as you walk directly into the garden…read moreas it was hidden in the woods surrounded by trees and a very nice bog with charming Lilly pads. The price was right and my mom and I really enjoyed it. Nothing but peaceful all around.

Excellent little jaunt through the flowery woods on crushed gravel trails lined with many varieties…read moreof plants and blossoming flora. Possibly the best prize for labeling as many species as possible. So many gardens do not provide good and legible labels on their plants, trees, bushes, ferns, and flowers. This was joyfully, thoroughly well-labeled. As was the path itself on the loop trail. There is an additional outer trail you could take if you're channeling your inner Thoreau but we stuck with the anti-Frost and took the road more traveled. Stay on the path. Recommendations say you can walk the loop in 30mins. You probably could. But we found plenty to keep us oohing and aahing for 90 mins! Turtles, frogs, dragonflies, butterflies, and some fab funghi in the lily pond. Unique and colorful small flowers every which way. The trail has mostly small inclines here and there, but the hike at the end to return to the visitor center is a bit huffy puffy. While there were beautifully carved benches throughout other parts of the loop, there were no benches on this steepest part and there really should be at least one halfway up the hill. Take your time. Wear proper shoes, bring a water bottle. Small parking lot. Bonus gift shop, plant shop, and proper rest rooms.

When you feel blue and really need a pick up activity, this is the place to go. You will nature…read morecompeling, calling you, offering you that feeling of harmony and love that you were missing. This botanical venue is the largest in all New Englad. We are touchy to have it. Me personally I purchased the a manual pass with gives you two extra tickets for guests to use when you feel like. I find this venue a place for peace and tranquility a place were you can scape from the world and be in touch with nature. Can't wait to visit once more.

I wanted to pay a visit to the goats they have outside the botanical gardens so we ended up going…read morein to check out the holiday displays. The botanical gardens are much more spacious than I remember there are 4 different greenhouses with a wide variety of tropical plants, trees, a kid's play space, and an herb and vegetable garden. They even have a mini koi pond with some huge koi. Everything was decorated for the holidays with multiple christmas trees, several different train sets and poinsettias everywhere. One of the train sets has a model city that is supposed to look like Providence. I love model trains so this was fun to see. I do wish they had made the settings a little bit more detailed and realistic. Overall a very cool place and a nice retreat from the coldness of winter. It's very warm and humid in there so it really does feel like you're somewhere tropical. They have some truly gigantic monsteras, jade trees and elephant ear plants. Definitely inspiring for my home plant collection! I had no idea how huge some of these plants could get under the right conditions. I do wish there were more labels on the plants - we found some interesting trees (a fruit tree that was maybe papaya) but there was no sign to indicate what it was. Check it out - a fun, family friendly spot to go on a winter weekend. And don't forget to visit the goats on the way in!

This is an excellent spot to bring the kids with a kids discovery garden, kids veggie garden, and a…read moretopiary garden with and elephant you can 'ride'. Among other things like the pond and ampitheater. The garden is on both sides of the road. They have a crosswalk w/signal to cross safely. Areas within the park are a mix of sun and shade with several shady benches scattered throughout. The gift shop has plenty of items including cold drinks. Parking lot is gravel. Public restrooms are available

We have not been to the Berkshire Botanical Garden in probably 15 years and it has certainly grown…read moreand improved. Lovely gardens mostly identified with the type of plant which is always helpful. We used passes from our local library so we did not have to pay admission. The gift shop is difficult to leave empty handed. A great way to spend two hours outdoors.

I have hiked A LOT of mountains in New England but I had never hiked the mountain it seemed like…read moreeveryone I knew had hiked. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to change that and now I can see what all the hubbub is about. What a great mountain with fantastic views. After doing a bit of homework, I realized it was in my best interest to make a park reservation so that I could secure a parking space for the day at the start of the trailheads I was eyeing for the next day. As one of the most hiked mountains (in the world?), this park reports hosting a massive number of visitors each year and from first hand experience, I can attest that it is a busy one. The $15 was worth the peace of mind and my ability to pull right in and hop onto the trail. I had a hard time locating their "opening hours" but I arrived shortly after 8am with about 20 cars there ahead of me. I really appreciated the park ranger that checked me in for my reservation at the Poole Road entrance. Incredibly welcoming, inquisitive about plans, quick to offer advice for the best experience, and even shared a weather update (30 mph+ winds at the summit that day) before I was on my way. Supplied with a paper map and an idea which trails would be least busy and most scenic, I felt well-prepared for an enjoyable morning on the mountain. I opted to start out on the White Dot Trail. For less crowds, I branched off to the Cascade Link, then hooked a left onto the Red Spot Trail which delivered me to the summit. Gaining elevation at a slow and steady pace, I found the whole climb quite enjoyable. I rejoined the crowd at the summit but still with plenty of room for photos of the scenery and some quiet time to enjoy a snack. Wide open, bald summit with views for days. I would have stayed longer if not for the strong winds. After nestling in between the rocks away from the air currents to enjoy a brief snack, I was on my way down the mountain via the White Cross Trail. There were even glimpses of Boston in the distance! Each trail was clearly marked by it namesake (literally white dots, red dots, and white crosses) which made wayfinding a breeze. That said, I still came across a party or two that had gotten turned around. Do your homework, connect to a trail app if you have the means, practice your map reading skills, and heed the recommendations of the rangers and you should have the basic tools you need to keep you on track and still smiling. So many trails and options that can keep you coming back for more. The visitor center at this entrance was a welcome amenity, restrooms, and all. I cannot comment on the park store because it was closed for lunch when I was finishing up. All in all I got in just under 5 miles using the route that I did. Beautiful peak, beautiful day. Highly recommend.

Great day hike and not for those with weak ankles! Took the white dot trail up and used the white…read morecross trail to come down. Forgot the bug spray which would have kept the critters at bay with much of the trail having slow or puddled water. Parking wasn't too crowded, $15 for access to park. Snack and gift shop in the lot and the headquarters building just up the trail. Great restroom facility to use prior to starting the hike as well. Very rocky terrain all the way up, clearly marked with white dots (crosses as well for the return). Enjoyed the fact there were multiple volunteer guides hiking or positioned at locations (one steady at fork for dot/cross) if needed. Had low reception all through the hike for emergencies as well. Beautiful views towards the top and of course 360 once on the summit. Definitely worth the time spent. Pack in pack out, bring water and snacks along with the spray (both bug and sun)! Enjoyed a quick snack on the top with the views and a quick tsp of the marker before heading back down. Time to get up to the peak, what are you waiting for?!