NC Arboretum

This trip, we decided to visit the NC Arboretum. This decision was, in large part, because the husband required a pick up on the bike during a cloudburst when he came into Asheville, having started his ride in Dupont State Forest. We got a call during dinner downtown that he was at the entrance gate to the Arboretum, and would we please come get him. He wound up riding up to the State Farmer's Market entrance to wait, but the person manning the booth at the Arboretum had insisted that he come back to visit. So, we did. And we were wowed every minute we were there. http://www.ncarboretum.org/

The North Carolina Arboretum is 434 acres devoted to Southern Appalachian horticulture. It's spectacular. For $8 to park the car, we had a full day's entertainment. When we entered the main building, we were greeted by a black snake sunning himself on a drain grate. From there, we walked through a number of gardens to get to a cool sculpture garden.

NC Arboretum Sculpture Garden

The Arboretum was hosting a program for children at the time we were there, so when that crowd was out on a hike, we went into the education building and found a teacher who was willing to let the boys check out the kids' workroom. We got to see all sorts of interesting snakes, lizards and critters found on the land.

Two finger touch for toads please!

After that, we went on an epic three mile hike through the woods. The kids were kind of cranky, so that just adds another dimension. I think they just wanted to go back and play with the puppets. The hike took us up to a research greenhouse, where they grow the plants for the gardens. One other highlight of this greenhouse was a significant collection of bonsai. Oh, and a water fountain.

Worn out children do not make great hiking partners

And sometimes all you need are shoulders to ride on

From the greenhouse, we took the Bent Creek Road trail around and it followed alongside a very pretty creek. There were a multitude of butterflies around.

Checking out Bent Creek