The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center is located on South Riverside Drive, just east of Main Street. Since 1985, it has served as an educational facility concentrating on exhibits that relate to the Lewis and Clark expedition that occurred in 1804. In fact, its current location is located near the camp site that Lewis and Clark used during their expedition.
Inside and outside of the Boat House, guests can learn about life in the early 19th century. Replicas of boats, homes, campsites and the Missouri River ecosystem are on display. The house is operated by the Discovery Expedition, a non-profit company that promotes the education and study of American history.
Duke Farms is a 2,700 acre farm formerly owned by tobacco and hydro-power magnate James Duke and his daughter Doris Duke. Through demonstrations, research and educational programs, Duke Farms hopes to inspire a new approach to conservation and sustainable living. Various activities are available for visitors of all ages, including geocaching, horticultural programs and organic gardening classes, and for little ones, there's the Family Wonder Walk. Information and materials are available at the orientation center.
Brookgreen Gardens located in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, a short drive south of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a sculpture and botanical garden popular with residents and visitors alike. Stroll the property drinking in the ever changing seasonal blooms and view their art collection comprised of over 1,400 works of art from 350 sculptors ranging from the nineteenth century to the present. A wildlife zoo, nature trails, and low country excursions add to the experience.
Parking and Public Transportation to Brookgreen Gardens
The best way to reach Brookgreen Gardens is traveling by car. It is located just off U.S. 17 in Murrells Inlet, SC, south of Myrtle Beach. Parking on-site is free with paid garden admission.
Best and worst and time to go to Brookgreen Gardens
While they're open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the best time to visit Brookgreen Gardens is in the morning, before the gardens get too crowded. During the spring and summer seasons, the gardens stay open later for events and special occasions. Check their website prior to visiting for more information.
Admission to Brookgreen Gardens
Children ages three and under are free when accompanied by an adult, while admission prices vary from $7-$15 for children ages four and up, seniors and adults. Admission price includes entrance for seven consecutive days and includes free on-site parking, admission to the gardens, Lowcountry Center and Trail, Native Wildlife Zoo, and Enchanted Storybook Forest. Additional excursions and classes are available for additional fees.
Must see/do at Brookgreen Gardens
Intermixed with the gardens, guests can view numerous sculptures on display, with notable works by American sculptor Anna Hyatt Huntington. Brookgreen Gardens also hosts a wildlife zoo featuring alligators, bald eagles, owls, river otters and much more. Throughout the year, they also host a variety of live music events, historical seminars and classes.
Other places to visit near Brookgreen Gardens
Just across U.S. 17 is Huntington Beach State Park, a great place to spend the day exploring Atalaya Castle, home to Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington, biking, camping, or combing the beach for seashells.
Insider tip for visitors to Brookgreen Gardens
During the holiday season, Brookgreen Gardens hosts Night of a Thousand Candles. This family friendly event is held in the evening and features the gardens alight with sparking lights and 5,500 hand-lit candles. A must see!
Author's bio: Rebecca S. Robertson has called Myrtle Beach home for the past seven years. She has written for a variety of local and national publications.
Green thumbs of all ages will find something to enjoy at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Displays under the massive geodesic dome transport visitors to tropical climates, even in winter. The outdoor gardens at the 14-acre site showcase native plants, shrubs and trees as they change with the four seasons. The center hosts workshops, educational forums and special events and is a popular location for weddings and other celebrations.
How to get to Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The site is accessible from Interstate Highway 235 in downtown Des Moines. Take the East Sixth Street/Pennsylvania Avenue exit south to Des Moines Street. Head west on Des Moines Street to Robert D. Ray Drive, then north to the botanical garden. There's free parking at the site. Local transit routes stop along East Grand Avenue, but it's a walk of about eight blocks to reach the gardens from there.
Best and worst times to go to Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Stop in during one of the special events or festivals to enjoy additional activities along with viewing the gardens and regular displays. Weekends tend to be more crowded; pick a weekday afternoon for a quiet stroll.
Admission to Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The site is open daily all year long, except for major holidays. Tickets are in the $3 to $5 range, with children 3 and younger admitted free. Garden members enjoy free admission. Group tours are available.
Must see/do at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Conservatory inside the dome highlights a wide variety of rare and unusual tropical plants and flowers, including orchids. For a change of pace, check out the center's extensive collection of bonsai trees. Outdoors, the Conifer and Gravel Garden offers a unique view of more than 200 evergreen shrubs and plants.
Other places to visit near Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Restaurants, bars and shops are plentiful in the nearby East Village district. Visit the Iowa State Capitol and learn about the state's past at the State of Iowa Historical Museum.
Food at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
The Trellis Café offers lunch Tuesdays through Sundays. The menu features fresh, local ingredients and changes monthly. Most items are in the $5 to $11 range.
Insider tip
Don't forget to stop in the North Gallery, which features rotating exhibits of photography and art based on nature themes. Keep an eye out for a number of sculptures that are showcased within the gardens.
Author's bio: Melanie Lageschulte is a freelance writer and editor. She is an Iowa native and has lived in Des Moines for 15 years.
One good reason to visit Stamford Museum and Nature Center is simply to appreciate the beauty of the nature trails, tree specimens and farm animals juxtaposed with old world sophistication. Once the country estate of fashion magnate Henri Bendel, the property opened as a nature center to the public in 1955. Surprisingly large at 118 acres, the park includes an impressive lake (Bendel's Pond) with a waterfall at the majestic entrance and an otter pond. An organic vegetable garden is seasonally maintained by staff members. Hekscher Barn, just next door, is a farm animal mecca with goats, chickens, turkeys and other fowl. There is also a planetarium on the premises, which has a public show each 2nd Sunday of the month at 3pm.
This is the perfect place to bring the whole family, or just yourself, to explore history, art and nature.
