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Of all the beautiful natural spots around Athens, TX, the East Texas Arboretum takes the crown. This pretty oasis is a picturesque dreamland of babbling streams, quaint wooden bridges, colorful flower gardens, covered pavilions, old-style houses and barns, and all kinds of interesting plant life and wildlife. If you feel like an escape from the busy streets of town, take an afternoon off to spend in the arboretum. You won’t regret it.
Stroll Through the Gardens
There’s a long winding trail you can follow through a whole variety of different partially-landscaped gardens. As you stroll, you can admire the cultivated flower beds and pretty views, and stop for a picnic under one of the shaded pavilions while your kids can have fun in the children’s play garden area and playhouse.
There’s also another two miles of unpaved trail running through dense woodland framed by foliage and arching tunnels of tree branches. One wonderful highlight of this path is a 115-foot suspension bridge between the trees.
Dream Big in the Dream Garden
The prize of the arboretum’s gardens is named Dream Garden, which is designed and maintained by a master gardener. It’s an ornamental demonstration garden, intended to help visitors learn all about gardening, horticulture, and how to pick and choose flowers and plants for their own plots or back gardens.
The word “dream” in the name is in fact an acronym, standing for demonstrate, research, educate, apply, and maintain. Here, most of the trees, shrubs, perennial plants, and annual plants are clearly labeled, and the garden is set up for self-guided tours. Many people like to come back at different times of the year, as the flora is always changing with each season.
Glimpse Fascinating Wildlife
As you explore the arboretum, you’ll catch sight of all manner of insects, birds, lizards, camouflaged frogs, and even deer. You’ll see the honeybee house, and you’re also likely to see plenty of ruby-throat hummingbirds, which gather around watering spots. If you’re lucky, you might also catch sight of woodpeckers, buntings, goldfinches, and roadrunners. So for the birdwatchers among you, make sure to bring binoculars.
Take Glorious Photos
The arboretum is a popular place for weddings and other celebration events, such as engagements, class reunions, birthdays, and family gatherings. The gardens offer superb photo opportunities for any special event.
With large pavilions and plenty of indoor and outdoor rental spaces, they can accommodate groups of most sizes. They also provide professional photographers who know the grounds and all the best spots and angles for beautiful pictures.
Visit a Pioneer’s Home and Barn
Following the educational theme of the arboretum, the on-site Wofford House Museum provides a tantalizing peek into the lives of a pioneer family in the past. The museum was constructed in 1851 with a dogtrot style of architecture, and it’s filled with authentic furniture from that time. Another antiquated building, the Discovery Barn, was constructed in 1890. This barn allows a glimpse into the farming life of that age, showcasing obsolete farming and milking tools.
Once you’ve had an incredible day at the arboretum, pay a visit to Brinson Ford Lincoln of Athens. We’ve been providing the drivers of North Texas with excellent service and vehicles since 1992.
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