Ponder one of the most poignant chapters in our nation’s history as you stroll The Elizabethan Gardens and enjoy a tapestry of beauty. Built as a living memorial to Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists, The Gardens include a collection of Renaissance statues and Elizabethan-style buildings that let you imagine you are back in the time of Queen Elizabeth I. Spring-time tulips lead to an ever changing palette of year-round color from hydrangeas, native plants, perennials and camellias. Enjoy the colorful crepe myrtles in the Sunken Garden or the view from a sound-side 16th-century style gazebo. The Gardens are open year-round, seven days a week. Enjoy also the selection of plants available from their nursery, or The Gift Shoppe’s wonderful collection of statuary, gifts, books, note cards, candles, soaps, and edible delights .
Young garden guests can enjoy a self-guided Garden Detective activity. For an additional fee, The Gardens has Scratch & Sniff Wednesdays, June through August from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Little gardeners will enjoy this unique sensory experience as they explore various sections of The Garden with their senses.
Seasonal events includes : Easter Eggstravaganza; behind-the-scenes tours; weekly summer events; programs for children and garden enthusiasts; Harvest Hayday; WinterLights; and plant and gift shop sales. Guided Tours are free with advance reservations for groups of 10 or more.
Hours vary seasonally. Visitation is by paid admission. For more information: 252-473-3234, www.elizabethangardens.org; facebook.com/TheElizabethanGardens. Located at 1411 National Park Drive Manteo, NC 27954 GPS: 35 56.2N 75 42.7