Love discovering hidden gems most of the world doesn’t even know about in North Carolina? Here’s one: a public garden that began more than a century ago and now sits quietly concealed in the midst of suburbia. It’s entrance is so obscure you have to know where to go and where to look for the signage.

But finding — and exploring — Airlie Gardens in Wilmington is enchanting proof that places like this magical garden do exist and can thrive even in the midst of modern development all around.
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The gardens at Airlie were begun in 1901 and the first public tour was given in 1935. A whopping 2500 people came to the garden opening — from 32 states.
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Nowadays, Airlie hosts more than 120,000 each year, as visitors and locals alike stroll through the 67 acres of peaceful bliss.
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The small chapel on the property was constructed in 1835 by a local doctor. Mt Lebanon Chapel still stands today and is a focal point in the gardens.
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But it's not the only chapel on the property.
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In 2004, local artists constructed a second chapel, known as The Bottle Chapel, in honor of a departed local artist who often displayed work at the garden's entrance.
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A variety of artwork adorns the winding walkways that carry visitors through the garden.
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And in 2010, a 2,700-square-foot butterfly house was added...
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and it, too, is filled with colorful sculptures.
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Airlie Gardens hosts some annual events that locals have come to look forward to and appreciate. Their annual holiday lights show is one of the best around, and their summer concert series is a regular event for couples and families.
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Want to go? The entrance is located not far from the busy intersection of Highway 17 and Airlie Road. The signage is small and a bit obstructed, but the photo below gives you a sense of what to look for as you arrive at the end of the drive.
Google Maps [streetview enhanced]

The address for Airlie Gardens is 300 Airlie Rd., Wilmington, NC 28403. The gardens are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (They are closed on Mondays from January – February 28th.) Gardens close an hour early for special events. See a list of those dates here. Admission is: $9 Adults; $5 New Hanover County Residents (proof of ID required at purchase); $5 Military (proof of ID required at purchase); $3 Children (4-12 years); Children under 4 are free. Learn more on the official website of Airlie Gardens.

Did you already know about this hidden gem in the Tar Heel State? Can’t get enough? Here are eight more hidden gems scattered across North Carolina.

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