Last weekend we went to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in Richmond, VA with our friend, Matthew, to enjoy their holiday light display. A million lights, beautifully displayed, transformed the gardens into a wonderland.
When we first entered the gardens, we realized that we had neglected to pick up a map at the ticket counter. Instead of going back, we picked a direction and meandered along the path through the multitude of blue lights. The lights surrounded us in every direction.
After the blue lights, we found a path along the water with a variety of large flowers created by colorful lights. One of my favorite sections had winged pigs along the path. Some were standing on the ground, while others were up in the trees. It looked like the pigs were flying.
After we walked by massive trees, completely covered in red lights with golden lights on the ground underneath, we made our way to the concession stand, where we drank espresso and hot chocolate. The hot drinks were welcome on a chilly night.
We continued our journey and discovered a delightful Wizard of Oz display, complete with Dorothy, Glinda, flying monkeys, the Wicked Witch of the West, and feet with ruby slippers sticking out from under the house. We climbed the path to a treehouse, with beautiful views of the lights reflecting on the water. We descended from the treehouse into a zoo, complete with a menagerie of wild animals created with lights.
We worked our way around the gardens, past hot air balloons in the trees, a waterfall, a unicorn, a tunnel of lights, and a dragon. There were Peter Pan displays, exquisitely lit trees, a Pegasus, and even a LOVEworks installation. We came across a green tree with red apples hanging from the branches. Under the tree was Sir Isaac Newtown, with three apples, alternately lit, giving the appearance that the apple was falling on his head. The only thing missing was holiday music, but I guess they are not set up for that.
We walked by a large peacock on our way to the Conservatory. Inside the Conservatory, we enjoyed a nice variety of orchids. I love the delicate and elegant flowers. Another room featured a magnificent Christmas tree and trains, while a third room had an adorable display of bunnies and woodland creatures frolicking amongst mushrooms.
We enjoyed the charming decorations in the library before heading to the gift shop. When I got to the wind chimes, from teeny, tiny to massive, I could not help but get them all going. What an enchanting sound!
As we walked to the car, we felt the first drops of rain. By the time we finished dinner at Bottoms Up Pizza, the rain was really coming down. I was so happy that the storm waited until we had finished our adventure.
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