The North Carolina Arboretum

A short drive from downtown Asheville, the North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre natural protected environment featuring 65 acres of cultivated gardens for all ages to enjoy. The Arboretum offers miles of self-guided walking, hiking, and biking trails with a variety of difficulty levels as well as educational programming and exhibits throughout the year. Guided walking trails are available April through November.

Parking and public transportation at the North Carolina Arboretum
Parking at the North Carolina Arboretum is $14 for personal vehicles, $50 for commercial vehicles, and $100 for busses or motor-coaches. The Arboretum's Education Center, exhibit center and gardens are wheelchair accessible. Annual membership passes are available.

Best and worst time to go to the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum features plants in bloom year round. Because many of the exhibits are outdoors, the best time to visit are during the spring, summer and fall months. However, during rainy days, the Arboretum offers educational opportunities inside.

Admission to the North Carolina Arboretum
Aside from parking, there is no admission fee to the North Carolina Arboretum.

Must see/do at the North Carolina Arboretum
The Arboretum features the Bonsai Exhibition Garden, which opened in 2005 and includes more than 100 diverse bonsai trees from around the world. Due to weather conditions, the Bonsai Exhibition Garden is open from mid-March through mid-November. Other popular exhibits include the quilt garden, native azalea garden, and a winter outdoor lighting exhibit.

Other places to visit near the North Carolina Arboretum
The Arboretum is located at the entrance of the Blue Ridge Parkway off of Highway 191 in South Asheville. Visitors can travel north or south on the Parkway to see amazing views of the Southern Appalachia. Guests are also encouraged to visit the Asheville Outlet Mall on Highway 191, near Interstate I-26.

Insider tip for visitors to the North Carolina Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum hosts many national exhibits throughout the year that encompass art, history, science and culture. Many are indoors and can be enjoyed year-round. Visit their website at ncarboretum.org for a list of current exhibits.

Author's bio: Carolyn B. Fraiser is a freelance journalist, photographer, and publications specialist in Asheville, North Carolina. Follow her on Twitter @carolynbfraiser.