Most of us probably grew up listening to fairy tales, each of which boasted a happy ending. While we know as adults that life isn’t like a fairy tale, we can still feel as though we’ve stepped into one every now and then. With its winding paths, charming footbridges, and stepping stones in a shimmering pond, Pittsburgh Botanic Garden just might make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a real life fairy tale.
About a half an hour from downtown Pittsburgh, the Botanic Garden in Oakdale welcomes guests all year around, and it’s one of those destinations that you can only fully appreciate if you visit in each season.
The lush garden, which offers memberships if you plan on visiting often, stretches across 60 beautiful acres. Carve out plenty of time (at least a half of a day) for your visit, especially if you want to see everything.
Wear comfy shoes, because you’ll do a lot of walking, as you explore the lush green woodlands. The Allegheny Woodland Plateau, for example, features towering trees and local greenery.
It’s also home to the Giant Bird Nest. Yep, the bird nest is human-sized, so you can get an idea of what it’s like to, well, sit in a bird’s nest.
The Asian Woodland, on the other hand, features a growing Japanese garden and a breathtaking lotus pond. Cross the pond on a fairytale footbridge, or hop from stone to stone in the water.
If you’re a fan of fairy tales, you definitely want to make your way to the European Woodland, where you’ll find an adorable Bookworm Glen, filled with tiny fairy houses.
However, the woodlands are just the beginning of your adventure. Pittsburgh Botanic Garden also features a variety of gardens, including the Garden of the Five Senses. There, you’ll explore nature using all of your senses.
Just about every step you take at Pittsburgh Botanic Garden offers another beautiful discovery, from an enchanting gazebo to blossoming flowers.
Stop by the official website of Pittsburgh Botanic Garden for more information. Or, go here for Facebook.
Have you been to this fairy tale garden in Pittsburgh? Share your experience in the comments! For another fairy tale adventure, reserve a few nights at the Treehouse at Ferncliff Retreat in Farmington.
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