On a quick weekend family trip to the Wilmington area, G and Kim found themselves with some free time. They chose to spend two hours at Airlie Gardens, a very short (eight minute) drive from Wrightsville Beach. Airlie is a relatively small garden with sculptures and wildlife. Smaller than Brookgreen Gardens, it was easy and enjoyable to cover Airlie in a few hours on an overcast afternoon. There are manicured and "wild" areas, and while the paths are a bit confusing to follow at times, it's fun to meander. Plus, there are plenty of trees with hanging moss, giving you the splendor of anywhere in the deeper south.
Kim will tell you not to miss the Bottle Chapel, an incredible (and large) folk art installation that's simply stunning in detail and color. Made from repurposed glass and including some shells, old colorful mugs, and similar hidden delights, the Bottle Chapel can engage you for a while. Nearby, find a small butterfly garden (included in the admission price), and keep your eye out for animals in general (spiders, swans, squirrels, etc.). G enjoyed a temporary exhibit of Guardians of the Garden, various metal creatures lurking throughout.
Airlie is an inexpensive way to spend a few hours (Kim paid $9, G was free--the garden is "public" but there are entry fees). There's a small gift shop, a nature trail we didn't explore with our stroller, and even an old Episcopalian cemetery on property. There's a small pier, some fountains, and scattered benches throughout. We hear the special events, including Christmas lights, are quite nice. If you go, you are extremely close to Wrightsville Beach, a wide strand beach with a mix of rental, resident, and hotel properties. Not an urban beach but not a fully quiet one, the views of small craft and ocean are stunning. Stop by.
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