Japanese Tea Garden

My first stop was the Japanese Tea Garden, which is literally a short distance from the zoo. The Tea Garden is such a tranquil place. Offering peaceful vibes as you stroll through the grounds. On any given day, you will find people flowing in and out snapping their best shots in the beautiful setting. A waterfall and plenty ponds filled with koi fish of various colors and shades, set the back drop. If you are heading to the Zoo, I encourage you to stop here first.

San Antonio Zoo

After exploring the Teen Garden, I made my way to the zoo. The San Antonio Zoo was a pretty decent size. Filled with an aquarium (a mini-one), reptile house, butterfly garden (if I’m honest, this was terrifying!), monkeys, bears, Gentle Giants (elephants, duh!), as well as animals unique to the Savannah and African Plains. My favorite exhibits included the Bald Eagle, Elephant Trio, and the giraffes.

Hope you enjoyed my photos and they inspire you to visit the Garden and Zoo if you are visiting San Antonio.

-Nadia-

I am always looking for a new zoo to explore! All recommendations are appreciated. What’s your favorite animals to see at the Zoo?

The post Through My Lens…A Day Trip to the San Antonio Zoo appeared first on Nadia Nelson.

Beauty surrounds us, but usually we need to be walking in a garden to know it. – Rumi

History of Garvan Woodland Gardens

Located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, Garvan Woodland Gardens is a beautiful 210-acre botanical garden. In 1956 Verna Garvan, a self-taught gardener, began to prepare her family’s land purchased in the 1920’s into a garden. Intimately familiar with the land, she laid out every path and touched each and every tree, deciding when it was to be removed. She planted over 100 rare shrubs and trees- some 40 years old. You can find camellias, magnolias and more than 160 types of azaleas. Prior to her death, Mrs. Garvan left the property to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville.

The Gardens

Nestled along the banks of Lake Hamilton, the Gardens is home to many unique creatures and gardens filled with beautiful trees, flowers, and formations. Full of breathtaking sights and photo opportunities. Visitors can explore the grounds by self-guided or guided tour or you can have your very own cart tour by golf cart. In addition to being the perfect spot for beautiful photos, it is home to Anthony Chapel. A lovely chapel complex for weddings. It houses both bride and groom quarters.

Tips:

• Wear comfortable shoes- it takes about at least an hour to complete a self-guided tour.
• Furry buddies are allowed as long as they are leashed for $5.
• For elderly visitors, the golf cart tours are a great option.
• Bring your cameras, there are numerous photo opportunities.
• After working up and appetite, be sure to stop at the Chipmunk Cafe for some delicious cook to order food.
• Be sure to snap a photo of the beautiful male peacock during his mating display.

I recommend that anyone visiting the Hot Springs area add this to their bucketlist. What is your favorite things to do in a garden? Let me know in the comments.

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