I come from a long line of flower lovers (and flower gardeners!). I planted my first flower garden years ago when I was in grade school. And much more recently (just yesterday, in fact), I wandered my yard with one of my own kids, passing on this legacy as we checked in on our peonies, irises, azaleas, and strawberries, all in various stages of bloom. And I thought to myself, it's time for a flower garden road trip through West Virginia. I want to see what else is blooming across the state! From the Northern Panhandle to the southeastern mountains, here's the Google Maps route I'm considering.
If done all in one day, it includes almost seven hours of driving. That's a long trip that I'll probably split into two, but I can't bring myself to cut any of these flower-full stops!
1. The Bissonnette Gardens at Oglebay Resort (Wheeling)
With dozens of garden beds and hanging flower baskets plus several fountains, Bissonnette Gardens is a flower lover's paradise. Plus, Oglebay Resort has plenty of amenities to go along with beautiful flowers: dining options, overnight accommodations, and outdoor recreation opportunities are just a few things you'll find here in addition to gardens!
2. WVU Core Arboretum (Morgantown)
Located adjacent to the West Virginia University campus along the Monongahela River in Morgantown, the WVU Core Arboretum is free and open to the public from dawn to dusk. It features a variety of native plants, including many wildflowers, and an old growth forest.
3. West Virginia Botanic Garden (Morgantown)
This free West Virginia attraction located at Tibbs Run Preserve boasts 85 acres of flower gardens, marshes, and woodlands. Come wander the 4.5 miles of trails, and be sure to keep an eye on the garden's calendar throughout the year for various events hosted at this flower-filled park!
4. The West Virginia Capitol Complex (Charleston)
Have you ever visited the Capitol Complex while the tulips are in bloom? This area is beautiful year round, but it's especially vibrant in the spring.
5. Sunshine Farm & Gardens (Renick)
This 60-acre Botanic Garden and Arboretum features over 10,000 different plants. Visitors can stroll through the stunning grounds, relax beside a small pond, and purchase beautiful blooms for their own gardens while they're here!
One spot *not* on my map is Ritter Park in Huntington, West Virginia, which features its famous rose garden. What other beautiful West Virginia gardens should I add to my flower garden road trip list to visit this spring? And of course, I'll be packing snacks!
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