No, this isn't a review of that silly, over the top movie with Reese Witherspoon. It's about a place that looks like my image of what Heaven is all about.
Gorgeous, full of life and love, and a true nature lover's paradise. The grounds are simply stunning and all the enormous amounts of hard work and dedication that they put into this place really pays off. They have over 2 dozen garden areas to enjoy. I feel this place is more for adults to appreciate because I could see kids don't have much to enjoy and would probably get bored pretty fast.
You have to take the tram ride (for the one price you can exit twice and pick up the train again - similiar to the way a transfer card works on public transportation). The tram ride takes you all over the park with great narration. I suggest getting off at the Japanese garden area (under construction right now, but still breathtaking) and at the last tram stop near the bell tower. The beautiful bells play the most lovely and serene music as you stroll about the garden. There's also a great pond area to enjoy. But my favorite has to be the Island Gardens - it literally looks like my mind's eye vision of Heaven. I was just stunned. You will see swans and geese swim by, surrounded by fountains, flowers and bridges.
They also have a nice cafeteria with paninis, pizza, soup and beverages, and they're open for breakast, lunch and an early dinner.
For avid walkers, you cannot beat the amazing amount of land that is before you, all surrounded by birds and little creatures enjoying their natural habitat. This is such a glorious place to visit again and again.
They charge $12 per car and that counts as your parking/admission. The tram ride is $5 for adults. They also have a small admission price for the garden area with model trains (which is so cool). You can save money by signing up to become memberships which will get you free parking/admission for one year along with many other perks.
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