The Elizabethan Gardens tops the list as a favorite place to see spring come to life on the Outer Banks
The beach is the main draw to the Outer Banks, but just across the Manteo causeway on Roanoke Island is something so stunning it’s a must-see in every season, but especially beautiful in the spring. The lovely and whimsical Elizabethan Gardens is our favorite place to see spring flowers come to life on the Outer Banks.
Here are five great reasons we think you will love a leisurely stroll down the dapple-shaded paths of The Elizabethan Gardens.
1. | BEAUTY AND TRANQUILITY
Seasonally, spring is so enchanting at The Elizabethan Gardens, and this year as they celebrate their 70th Anniversary so it’s the perfect time to plan your visit. Meandering through the colorful blooms, pausing by the babbling fountain or standing alongside an ancient live oak tree eases stress. Beauty all around calms the soul.
While there are no food services onsite, you are allowed to bring in a picnic. The Great Lawn is an inviting location for a leisure lunch out of doors.
See their page “Things to do when you visit the Elizabethan Gardens.”
2. | PET FRIENDLY
Your four-legged family members are also allowed to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of The Elizabethan Gardens for a $3 fee. You can turn on the free mobile audio tour and trek the magical ten-acres with your best friend. Service dogs are admitted free. If you choose an annual membership, there is also an annual canine add on so Fido is not left out.
Learn more about their guidelines: Dog Policy Page.
3. | HISTORICAL TRIBUTE
Fanciful and elaborate gardens were designed to entertain Queen Elizabeth I during her reign. Their garden was created for your enjoyment, and as a living memorial to Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists who lived in this very place over 400 years ago.
Ponder if this same sight delighted the colonists who once stood upon these shores.
Visit the Virginia Dare statue. Perhaps she will tell you the mystery of the lost colony?
4. | SPECIAL PROGRAMS
Special events and programs are one very good reason to visit The Elizabethan Gardens. The variety of events like Spring & Sip Floral Arranging, Backyard Birds, Fun with Frogs, and the exclusive Wings n’ Wishes Butterfly Release.
About the Wings n’ Wishes Butterfly Release:
“Join us for an up-close chance to experience these beautiful creatures as they take their first flight inside our John White Butterfly Center. Our staff will share with you more about butterflies and our center in the program. Program includes a keepsake Butterfly Keeper certificate and a handheld butterfly feederÂÂÂ. This is a wonderful experience for the whole family. Limited to 9 participants. Requires 7-day advance ticket reservations.”
Click here to visit their event calendar.
5. | UNIQUE VENUE
With it’s beautiful grounds, unique sculptures and brilliant colors, The Elizabethan Gardens is an unforgettable place to host your wedding or special event. It’s easy to see why they were recognized as a wedding location of distinction.
There are several unique sites available for weddings: The Great Lawn, The Sunken Garden, then Overlook Terrace and The Queen’s Rose Garden offer a variety of locations – each with their own character. Likewise, the one-of-a-kind charm of The Elizabethan Gardens offers spectacular locations to photograph your special day. Learn more about hosting your wedding at The Elizabethan Gardens here.
If you would like to use the stunning backdrop for professional photos, like engagement shots, family reunion photos, or babymoons – they do have some policies in place, see them here.
BONUS
Don’t miss a stop into the Royal Exchange Gift Shop and the Greenhouse Nursery to bring home a little something special from your visit. The nursery has a wide selection of locally grown and tended with care plants. They also have special sales dates throughout the year like the Spring Plant Sale in May.
Visit the calendar of events here to learn more.
Also, if you live on the Outer Banks and would like to volunteer at The Elizabethan Gardens and watch yourself and the world around you grow, click here.
LOCATION
The Elizabethan Gardens is located adjacent to The Lost Colony’s Waterside Theatre and Fort Raleigh National Historic Park on Roanoke Island nestled near North Carolina’s Outer Banks. The gardens are open year-round, seven days a week except certain holidays. The Elizabethan Gardens is a project of the Garden Club of North Carolina.
Did you know you can plan your visits around the bloom schedule? You also wouldn’t want to miss the winter wonderland spectacular “Winter Lights” in December and January. See the Plants by Season Monthly Bloom List here.
1411 National Park Drive
Manteo, NC 27954
Phone: (252) 473-3234
*All images courtesy of The Elizabethan Gardens.