A visit to Garvan Woodland Gardens at Hot Springs National Park is more than a walk in a pretty park. Group tours typically begin with a living history presentation by Susan Harper, groups director, who teaches Arkansas history and dresses as Verna Cook Garvan, a 20th-century business woman and philanthropist. Harper explains how the garden’s namesake became the state’s first female industrialist.
[/media-credit] Anthony Chapel, Garvan Woodland Gardens, University of Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Ark.
“Miss Garvan’s story is compelling,” Harper said. “She was only 24 years old when she took over her father’s business in 1934.”
Today, the 210-acre estate is the University of Arkansas’ botanical garden. After Harper’s 20-minute talk, visitors explore the gardens on their own or with a docent (for an additional fee).
Forty-four acres are landscaped displays, and plants include more than 160 kinds of azaleas.
Sherre Freeman, marketing director, said almost half of all visitors come in mid-November or later to see the holiday display of 4.5 million lights, the most at any Arkansas attraction.
The six-story Anthony Chapel is beautiful all year with its floor-to-ceiling glass walls, skylights and thick beams of yellow pine. It seats 160 guests and is a sought-after wedding site.
Staff recommends setting aside about 2 ½ hours for a visit. Groups of 20 or more receive an admission discount if arrangements are made two or more weeks before arrival.
[/media-credit] Garvan Woodland Gardens, University of Arkansas, Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Ark.
Groups of 10 or more can preorder lunch from the garden’s Chipmunk Café.
“We tailor tours according to the group’s interests and can address mobility issues,” Harper said.
Tours on five-passenger golf carts are arranged by reservation. Wheelchair use is complimentary, but on a first-come, first-served basis.
For more information, call 501-262-9300 or email groups@garvangardens.org.
Article by Mary Bergin
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