Editor Pick
The State Botanical Gardens at Athens
- September 7, 2000
- Rated 4 of 5 by
katyw from Blairsville, Georgia
The State Botanical Garden is a 313 acre expanse of soul refreshing greenery punctuated with eye dazzling blazes of color. Seven color designated trails wind through the varied gardens. One trail, The Orange Trail, is specially frequented by birders for its varied bird population. It's not unusual to come upon a raccoon, rabbit or fox as you ramble on any of the trails.
The Visitor Center provides a feast for the body and mine as well as the eyes. The three story glass conservatory flaunts exotic orchids, an Angel Trumpet plant with its delicate but deadly blooms, and myriads of other tropical plants. The Garden Room Cafe is a perfect setting for a light meal or cool drink as you feast your eyes on the living beauty surrounding it. The center also houses a classroom, which may be rented, and a theater showing an orientation film.
The Day Chapel soars heavenward from among a majestic stand of hardwoods. Its cypress and glass exterior are a perfect marriage of nature and light. However stunning the exterior is, the interior is heart stopping in its beauty. The doors leading from the vestibule to the sanctuary are an art masterpiece worthy of Monet. The softly patined mahogany form the trunk and branches of an intertwining dogwood tree. The dogwood flower and the Cherokee rose are vivid glass images set amongst the crystal. The vividly hued rug in the vestibule reflect the same motif as the doors and include the state bird, brown thrasher, and state butterfly, eastern yellow swallowtail. The chapel is a favorite spot for weddings and receptions.
From journal Athens, Georgia - A City with a Multiple Personali