OUTING AFIELD: AIRLIE GARDENS, WILMINGTON, NC April 2009. Copyright ARLADEAN ARNSON Published on Triangle Mommies blog at http://www.trianglemommies.blogspot.com .

We all know of Wilmington, the historic jewel on the coast of North Carolina. We all know about the beautiful homes untouched by the Civil War and the bustling port city at the mouth of the Cape Fear River. We all know about the NC Aquarium at Fort Fisher, The Children’s Museum of Wilmington, the boardwalk, the beaches, and in April, the Azalea Festival. Wilmington has a lot to offer.

There is one place, nestled in the coastal area by Wrightsville Beach, which is off the beaten path for most tourists. This place is Airlie Gardens. The Gardens are at 300 Airlie Road, near the intersection of Hwy 76 and Hwy 74 near the Causeway.

Airlie Gardens was first planted by Sarah Jones in 1901 and further transformed by the German landscape architect Rudolf Topel in 1906. The Gardens span 67 acres and are separated into several themed areas including the Showcase Gardens, Pergola Gardens, Camellia Gardens and more.

There are oak trees over 400 hundred years old living in the Gardens, a freshwater lake that is home to swans, and a tidal creek overlook for visiting school children to learn, first-hand, about this delicate ecosystem. There is even a famous artist connected to the Gardens. Minnie Evans worked and painted at Airlie Gardens. Her paintings highlight the Gardens in every season and every light.

Instead of writing a step-by-step account of the full afternoon, these few pictures will have to tell the tale.

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We stayed a couple of hours, enjoying the grounds and the weather. A few hints if you wish to visit for yourself: bring a stroller for the little ones, bring a picnic, and do not forget your camera!

Sometimes going further afield is worth the trip!

For more information about Airlie Gardens please visit the web site at http://www.airliegardens.org .