The North Carolina Arboretum – Top Places to Visit in Asheville

100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC 28806

The North Carolina Arboretum is situated in Bent Creek Experimental Forest just south of Asheville, next to the Blue Ridge Parkway at Milepost 393 and for more than 30 years… Cultivating ties between people, plants and locations… in a 434 hectare public garden. Northern Carolina Arboretum is set in one of the most beautiful natural settings in the USA, surrounded and crossed by forested coves and meandering creeks in the varying botanical Southern Appalachian Mountains. In 1986, nearly a century after Frederick Law Olmed, the father of American Landscape Architecture, first conducted work on arborets as part of his history and vision for Georg Vanderbilt own Biltmore Estate, Arboretum was created by the State General Assembly as an affiliate of the University of North Carolina System. Good! Great! Gorgeous!

 If you’re in the area, it is a must see. Beautiful landscape of beautiful trees and pathways. Various water characteristics. The exhibit of the bonsai is amazing.  In a small café, much of it is locally produced and serves healthy and delicious food. Within or out you can sit. A perfect way to enjoy and enjoy nature. Great place to go around in a beautiful and peaceful environment and enjoy the nice weather. Many people took young children who enjoyed the exhibit Thomas the Train extensively on Tuesdays and gave them an opportunity to walk around / release some heat.  The show Bonsai is amazing. Never saw a collection that was so wide, well-kept, particularly outside. 

Parking is paid for entry free, but the funds are worth it! Most paths through natural areas, while the formal landscape is stunning and green. The exhibit of bonsai is visible. Have lunch at the bistro in the class. The bbq soup was great, burgers, quiche and tomato bisque. Highly recommended 2-4 hours to spend here. Definitely Asheville’s highlight! Superb.  Annual membership is just $60 a year! Lovely roads. Safe. Many wilderness deer, owls, hawks, a few to name. The people I now regard as friends who collect money (particularly Robert). Much variance. Multiple. You can either walk on longer paths or take the shortest garden path. A lot of thirsty dog creeks. It is truly just ideal!