Unique Experiences

Item Description

Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden
Belmont, NC 
Hosted by Patrick Larking, Executive Director

This package for up to four people includes:

• A private tour of Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden in Belmont, NC with Executive Director Patrick Larkin.
• Lunch in the Seven Oaks Cafe
• Vouchers for a one-night stay for up to four people (room and tax included) at The Hampton Inn @ Montcross

In 1991, Daniel J. Stowe, a retired textile executive, reserved about 400 acres of prime rolling meadows and lakefront woodlands on which to develop a world-class botanical garden. Today, 13 unique gardens including Lost Hollow The Kimbrell Children’s Garden, an orchid conservatory, Levine Education Pavilion and nature trails provide an unforgettable guest experience. HGTV named it one of the nation’s “20 Great Gardens” and Southern Living called it one of the South’s Best Botanical Gardens. Committed to horticultural excellence, Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is a must-see for all ages.

Patrick Larkin has worked in the public horticulture for more than 20 years, including a stint at the American Horticultural Society. He came to DSBG more than a year ago from Nashville’s Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art. He’s also served in leadership roles at Rancho  Santa Ana Botanic Garden and Green Bay Botanical Garden.  Patrick earned a master’s in Public Horticulture Administration from the University of Delaware as a Fellow of the Longwood Graduate Program. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture with a minor in Psychology from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University and a Certificate in Fundraising and Philanthropy from St. Norbert College. He is a member of the American Public Gardens Association serving in active leadership roles, including a six-year stint as an elected member of the Board of Directors.

Item Special Note

Best time to visit: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is known as the Carolina’s Garden for All Seasons and it truly is. In early spring a display of more than 20,000 bulbs makes the Garden a true showplace. Through the growing season its perennial gardens and seasonal display beds, set among spectacular fountains, provide endless enjoyment and imaginative variety for the novice as well as seasoned gardener. Fall brings vibrant colors and a full season of events from its Lost Hollow Music Fest to Dia De Los Muertos. The Holidays bring to the Garden one of the region’s most spectacular displays—a Mile of a Million Lights. Even winters cold can’t dampen the spirits of this Garden. Its collection of nearly 10,000 orchids make even the darkest winter bright during the Garden’s annual exhibit of Art and Orchids.

Conditions/limitations: tour to be arranged at a mutually agreeable time subject to host’s availability by October 30, 2019. Hotel reservations subject to blackout dates.