Founded in 1968 by the University of Georgia, The State Botanical Garden of Georgia is a 313-acre non-profit natural retreat tucked away along rolling hills and the Middle Oconee River. The Garden's goal as described by its mission statement is to, "foster appreciation, understanding, and stewardship of plants and nature through research, collections and displays, horticultural gardens, educational programs, and special events."
At the center of the State Botanical Garden is the Alice Hand Callaway Visitor Center and Conservancy, a large predominately glass building that welcomes all guests. Here, visitors may obtain information about the gardens, peruse the indoor gardens and displays, eat at the Gardenside Cafe, visit the gift store and explore the educational wing of the State Botanical Garden. As part of its core cirriculum, the gardens sponsor educational opportunities for both adults and children including the Garden Earth Naturalist After-School Clubs, student field trips, teacher certification programs, conferences, symposiums, literature and more.
Surrounding the Conservatory are several theme gardens that explore different realms of plant life. The most recently developed is the Heritage Garden, which focuses upon historic and socioeconomically important species. Other gardens include the International Garden, Shade Garden, Native Flora Garden and Flower Garden.
Extending even further from these areas, visitors may amble along any of the garden's eight nature trails through wooded forests and the Middle Oconee River. Trails are well-marked and make a great escape from urban life.
Other areas and buildings of note include the Callaway Building, which serves as the administrative home of the State Botanical Garden of Georgia and houses a library, event reception center and auditorium for larger events. On the far side of the property from the Callaway Building, visitors will find the beautiful Day Chapel, perfect for events such as weddings. Additionally, the gardens play host to the state headquarters of the Garden Club of Georgia, which is housed in a stately building near the Day Chapel.
If you are looking for an undisturbed and relaxing adventure into the great outdoors, the State Botanical Garden of Georgia is an excellent place to grab some peace of mind. Entrance is free.
Chamberlain College of Nursing is a national nurse training and education institution, with a campus in Chicago. It provides a three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. A Master of Science in Nursing degree is also offered, as well as online program options.
The Rose Art Museum is a modern and contemporary art gallery on the Brandeis University campus, serving patrons in the Waltham area. In addition to its permanent collection, it hosts a number of exhibits such as "Art at the Origin: The Early Sixties" and "Dor Guez: 100 Steps to the Mediterranean." The museum is available to rent for Brandeis University events only. The website has a listing of exhibition catalogs available for purchase, as well as links to a number of off-campus dining locations. There is also a multimedia section on the website, with videos of the Rose Museum and a slide show of the recent reopening ceremony.
Opened in 1951, the Armstrong Browning Library research center and museum houses the largest collection in the world of papers and artifacts dedicated to the lives of Victorian poets Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Visitors can not only view manuscripts written by the couple, but also decorative arts, sculpture and paintings owned by the couple. Throughout the year, a number of temporary arts and letters exhibits are on view.
How to get to the Armstrong Browning Library:
The library is located at the corner of 8th Street and Speight Avenue, on the campus of Baylor University. The easiest access is from Interstate 35 (exit 17th-18th Street form the North and University Parks Drive from the South)
Parking at the Armstrong Browning Library:
Visitor parking spaces are available on both 8th Street and James Avenue.
Hours and admission at the Armstrong Browning Library:
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Admission to the museum is free.
Must see/do at the Armstrong Browning Library:
Don't miss the collection of jewelry and household goods belonging to the Brownings. These pieces include Robert Browning's signet ring and a brooch of Elizabeth Barrett Browning that was fashioned from her father's seal. There's a gorgeous pair of silver candlesticks from the couple's Italian home. Sixty-two stained glass windows (believed to be the largest collection of secular stained glass in the world) illustrate the couple's poetry.
Other places to see/things to do near the Armstrong Browning Library:
The Official Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum is a five-minute drive from the library and offers a comprehensive history of the legendary law enforcement agency, including arms, photographs, and nearly 400 pieces of memorabilia dedicated to the Lone Ranger TV series and movies. At the Waco Mammoth Site, visitors can see the largest collection of mammoth bones in situ, remnants form a herd that once roamed the area.
Author's bio: Holly Beretto is a Houston-based writer covering the arts, food and wine, travel and interesting personalities for a variety of local and regional publications. She is currently at work on her first book, a pictorial history of St. Michael Catholic Church, to be published by Bright Sky Press in late 2015.