Christmas at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens: Beauty Thrives Year Round in Belmont, North Carolina

There's a treasure tucked away in the small town of Belmont, North Carolina, but luckily it's not far off the beaten path. Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens, located just west of Charlotte, North Carolina, covers 400 acres with a multitude of flowers and plants. Just looking at the lilies, roses and narcissus, to name but a few, is calming and peaceful.

At Christmas, though, the lights come on at and Santa makes an appearance in his workshop. Take the children and watch as Santa Claus reads a story and leads a holiday sing-a-long. His elves will be nearby to help the kids decorate cookies and create gifts for someone special. Visit Santa on December 4, 11^th or 18^th, but make reservations because space is limited.

The dazzling Holiday Lights at the Garden is a DSBG tradition that you might just want to make your own. There are over 600,000 lights, carriage rides, caroling, baked goodies, model trains and displays. There are six different gardens to explore-try out the White Garden with its icy lights or the Canal Garden, which provides a twinkling, colorful display.

You'll find the two trains in The Orchid Conservatory, winding their way amongst the tropical plants, trees and orchids. The Orchid Conservatory is a five-story glass house covering 8000 square feet that's dedicated to showing off orchids and tropical plants. The lights were turned on at Thanksgiving and will shine through December 31.

If it gets too chilly, the Garden Coffee Shop sells coffee, cocoa and cider, or perhaps you can keep warm by tapping along to the musical entertainment, which is provided by locals, including the Winthrop Clarinet Choir, Ashbrook High School Concert Band, The Wandering Minstrels and more.

In 1991, retired textile executive Daniel Jonathan Stowe from Belmont set aside 400 acres of rolling meadows and lakefront property to create Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens. The gift is one that keeps on giving, providing residents and visitors alike with a peaceful, serene getaway.

If you're still looking for holiday gifts, look no further than the gardens. Surprise the budding photographer with the gift of a class that teaches photography basics. Cost is $30 for members and $36 for non-members. As an aside, the 2010 Shutterbug Contest for amateurs has a deadline of December 31 this year, with plans to announce winners in adult and youth categories in February 2011. All photographs must be taken at DSBG, and each person is limited to one entry.

There are many other ideas for gifts at the gardens. If you know a retiree who finally has time to indulge artistic passions, treat him or her to Botanical Illustrations: The Beauty of Orchids. This six-session class teaches the student how to draw and paint orchids with traditional watercolor techniques. Classes are $125 for members and $150 for nonmembers. There are many more to choose from--what are you waiting for!?

Want to go?

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
6500 S. New Hope Road
Belmont, NC 28012
Phone: 704-825-4490

Tickets

Directions

www.dsbg.org