This is an absolutely beautiful place. We toured it on a day when the temps were hovering way too close to 100 degrees, though, which isn't quite as much fun. Still, I was thrilled to find a few magnolias still in bloom plus a few other neat flowers.

The gardens blends wildflowers and indigenous shrubs and trees with garden statuary and orgaments, all located at the site of the first English colony in the New World. Just off the property, which borders Roanoke Sound, you'll find the Lost Colony Theatre and historic Fort Raleigh.