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North Carolina Arboretum Review

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North Carolina Arboretum

  • Address: 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, 10 mi southwest of downtown Asheville, at Blue Ridge Pkwy., near I-26 and I-40, South Metro, Asheville, NC | Map It
  • Phone: 828/665-2492
  • www.ncarboretum.org

Fodor's Review:

Part of the original Biltmore Estate, these 434 acres completed Frederick Law Olmsted's dream of creating a world-class arboretum in the western part of North Carolina. Highlights include southern Appalachian flora in stunning settings, such as the Blue Ridge Quilt Garden, with bedding plants arranged in patterns reminiscent of Appalachian quilts. An extensive network of trails is available for walking or mountain biking. A bonsai exhibit, featuring miniature versions of many native trees, opened in 2005. For an unusual view of the arboretum, try the Segway tour, where you can glide through the forest for two hours on the gyroscopically controlled "Human Transporter" invented by Dean Kamen. The $65 cost includes training on the Segway. Riders must be at least 18 years old and weigh between 80 and 250 pounds.

  • Cost: $6 per car parking fee; free Tues.
  • Open: Visitor education center: Mon.-Sat. 9-5, Sun. noon-5. Gardens and grounds: Apr.-Oct., daily 8 AM-9 PM; Nov.-Mar., daily 8 AM-7 PM

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