Chinese Lanterns are Tremendous: Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens

Having seen a Chinese Lantern botanical garden installation at Norfolk Botanical Garden a few years ago, Kim became quite excited passing a billboard for a similar installation at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden while on a road trip to see the Great American Eclipse.  K, G, and Nana Lana were inspired to make the trip to see the lantern display in October, enjoying delightful weather for roaming outside in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area evenings.

The Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden's installation featured a ton of animal displays and some pieces that were animated, delighting G.  This garden has several fountains, which made for gorgeous reflections. This type of exhibit encourages you to walk, talk, and stare, being equal parts art, culture, and simple delight.  The lanterns are illuminated as the name implies, of course; what is less obvious is how sculptural the displays actually are.  K adored the construction of the immense, tall jellyfish; G was unusually fascinated by the dinosaurs; and Nana liked the birds placed on the fountain ponds. This garden also highlighted Chinese culture, putting on shadow plays and hosting a more elaborate marketplace than we'd seen at similar events.  G was so enchanted by the shadow plays we even bought a handmade duck puppet.

If you go, know that the gardens are still beautiful but the installation at this location has moved on.  However, you might check out LanternAsia, a similar temporary display in spring 2018 at Norfolk Botanical Garden.  Expect crowds--these exhibits are amazing!  Go early, including early in the "life" of the exhibit and early in the evening to catch the twilight if you can.  Buy tickets in advance--try not to take the risk on a sellout.  You'll need a camera that takes good pictures at night, like the one on your phone, and take your time--plan to stay for most of the duration of the evening.  These exhibits are high interest and certainly help new audiences connect to art and botanical gardens, and you could even get a membership for a discount and return for next year's Garden of Lights at a discount as well. Check out our prior visit to LanternAsia for inspiration!