The Elizabethan Gardens

Have you ever gone somewhere that you just didn’t want to leave? The peace and beauty of the place envelopes you in its arms and holds you a willing captive. You’re content to simply sit and enjoy the surroundings, no worries to drag you down, no stress to make you tense, no troubles to darken the day. While you sit, perhaps your eyes drift closed and you simply breathe in the air. Your ears begin to hear the sounds around you, a bluebird singing its beautiful song, a cricket adding to the symphony, perhaps even the hum of the air around you. Your only care in the world is when the place is going to close and you’ll have to abandon the serenity.

Hidden away on Roanoke Island is just such a place. Roanoke Island’s The Elizabethan Gardens is a treasure trove of tranquility. “History, mystery and fantasy are combined in these special gardens, which are a memorial to the first English colonists who came to North America in 1584-1587 and ‘walked away through the dark forest into history’ as memorialized in Paul Green’s symphonic drama, ‘The Lost Colony’.” [Excerpted from The Elizabethan Gardens website]

Considered by many to be the birthplace of America, Roanoke Island and Fort Raleigh are the location of England’s initial attempts to colonize the New World by Sir Walter Raleigh during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. “The Elizabethan Gardens, located on this same site which the colonists first landed, is full of history and beauty in this tranquil setting on the shores of Roanoke Island. Founded and supported by the Garden Club of North Carolina, Inc. and featured in many landscape books and calendars, The Elizabethan Gardens is one of the finest examples of gardens of this period. Truly, it stands out as the crown jewel of Roanoke Island.” [Excerpted from The Elizabethan Gardens website]

With something for everyone and a constantly changing array of flowering plants, shrubs and trees, The Elizabethan Gardens will captivate the bird watchers, the horticulturalists and nature lovers, the history buffs and culture seekers, and every member of your family. Each season brings with it a new beauty and serene environment.

Much-loved for its peaceful and unique environ, The Elizabethan Gardens complements even the most wonderful of days. Weddings, corporate events, family reunions and more happen daily in The Gardens throughout the spring, summer and fall. The reception hall is also available for those needing indoor accommodations but still wanting the beauty of the Gardens.

That’s not all – The Elizabethan Gardens offers special programs and events for everyone to enjoy. Spend an afternoon having Tea With The Queen or a morning gathering eggs during the Easter Eggstravaganza; visit during Virginia Dare’s birthday on August 18 or stop by for a tour during Christmas. Throughout the year, The Elizabethan Gardens invites everyone to take part in historical celebrations, family events, theater and musical performances, art shows, and educational workshops.

The Elizabethan Gardens… “an oasis of green in a land of sea and sun. Where the Old World and New World Grow Together.” [Excerpted from The Elizabethan Gardens website]

Visit The Elizabethan Gardens website for more information.