TBT: ESCAPISM TO THE SPRINGS

Thank goodness we took a car trip last Friday, Christmas Day, to Hot Springs's Garvan Gardens. Even if the weather was iffy it turned out to be the most perfect day since that heavy mist and grey skies scared away other visitors and we basically had the place to ourselves.

Even dogs are welcome at these gardens and Balto was stoked for a field trip. Little did he realize how much he had ahead to sniff  and territorialize...

Garvan Gardens always holds surprises and this visit was no different as their day time light show included these visitors from China. Of course my Dad tried speaking his favorite Chinese phrases but they were too busy to reply.

Garvan Gardens is a great for walking and admiring landscaping, water features- some manmade and others from Mother Nature. Lake Hamilton serves as a scenic backdrop. 

If you are interested in using their plantings in your own space the different species are labelled...

 and yes, even in late December there are still blooms to appreciate. 

This double bloom camelia was exceptionally stunning...

AND be sure to not just look down but look up too.

The wind certainly had fun with all the decorations.

All ages can enjoy the environs...

The local miniatuRe train aficionados had the trains working overtime for Santa too...

At the exit there were more holiday treats inside besides the local art donning the walls and a great gift shop...

                                                             

AND last but not least definitely  make time to visit Fay Sloan's Chapel as it's quite spectacular...