Description:

For those with a passion for nature, there is no finer place to visit than The North Carolina Arboretum. Some of the really fine forest based hiking locations are a bit out of Asheville proper. This Asheville treasure is close in, easily accessible, suitable for ability levels of all kinds with something of interest for everyone. It is a perfect place for anything from a picnic, amid all nature’s finest, to a proposal to remember or a wedding.

Nestled within its 434 acres are hiking and biking trails, specimens of every indigenous plant species in North Carolina, educational opportunities, plant shows, one of a kind wedding venues and more. This state of the art, state treasure, even offers a cell phone tour providing information on plant identification and more. Geocaching fun is also available. If you are interested in this pursuit , the arboretum urges participants to set up an online account with them before your visit.

Agriculture, in all its forms is the heritage of those inhabiting Western North Carolina with many in the state actively making their living in this bio-diverse region of the country by some means of farming or growing. The arboretum provides growers of all kinds educational opportunities to hone their craft whether the plan is for use in their personal garden, community garden or farmland.

Garden art is noted all about the property and as an added bonus art exhibits from pottery to canvas are often available for viewing on the second floor sharing space with their on site retail store. In there are awesome finds from birding books, books on nature trails, jewelry and more.

The Bonsai exhibit here is noteworthy by anyone’s standards reflecting both Asian and American selections. Bonsai never fails to seek out the child in all of us as we actively engage in these tiny forest creations brought to life by the imagination of the crafters’ unfailing persistence and determination in miniaturizing these garden specimens. You will soon find yourself with a personal favorite I assure you and like myself you will be wishing you were two inches tall.