The Arboretum is a popular destination for post-celebration hikes and for families visiting the region. With 434 acres of natural beauty, cultivated gardens, indoor and outdoor exhibits, more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails, and unique gifts shops, the Arboretum is a must-do experience for all ages this holiday season. New hours and parking fees are as follows:

Thanksgiving Break Hours

The Arboretum�s 434 acres will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, November 26 and Friday, November 27. Incoming gates close at 6 p.m. While all buildings and the Bonsai Exhibition Garden will be closed, more than 10 miles of hiking and biking trails and 65 acres of cultivated gardens await. No parking fee is in effect.

Regular operating hours resume Saturday, November 28�a perfect time to explore the new "Building Small" exhibit at the Baker Exhibit Center or do a little holiday shopping amid a beautiful setting with ample parking�always free for members!

Special Hours for �Building Small�

� Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
� Sundays in November from Noon to 4 p.m.
� Sundays in December through January 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
� Thursdays until 7 p.m. on November 19, December 3, December 10 and December 17.
� Mondays closed

New Parking Fee & Building Hours

Beginning December 1, parking will be $8 per personal vehicle, $30 per commercial van, and $50 per bus. Effective January 1, 2010, Free Tuesdays will be valid only on the first Tuesday of each month. Normal parking fees apply for the remaining Tuesdays. Parking is always free for Arboretum Society members, and gift memberships are a popular � and sustainable � way to give a gift that gives back all year long. For information, call Member Services at 828.665.2492.

Beginning December 1, building hours for the Education Center and Baker Exhibit Center will be Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Winter property hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with incoming gates closing at 6 p.m.

December Holiday Hours

Thursday, December 24 and Friday, January 1, 2010� All Buildings and the Bonsai Exhibition Garden will be closed to the public. The property will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., with the entry gate closing at 6 p.m. No parking fee in effect.

Friday, December 25 � The Arboretum property is closed to the public.

For current gift shop hours and a complete list of special events, visit www.ncarboretum.org.

The mission of The North Carolina Arboretum is to cultivate connections between people and plants.

The NC Arboretum is located next to the Blue Ridge Parkway entrance at Milepost 393. From I-26, take Exit 33 and follow Blue Ridge Parkway signs for two miles to the entrance ramp. For hours and parking fees, visit www.ncarboretum.org/plan-a-visit or call 828.665.2492.

(Image provided by The North Carolina Arboretum.)

all contents copyright © 2009, asheville.com. contact: [email protected] or 828.253.2880
For listing and advertising information...