Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden Review

The visiting Gamrath Glass exhibit is amazing. Something new and beautiful around every corner.

I love the botanical garden! Funny enough, I still haven t made it in the spring to see the flowers. They host a lot of cool events here. Most recently, I came for the Chinese Lantern Festival. It was absolutely incredible. It was packed because it was so popular and sold out when we were there, but it was definitely worth it! The lanterns were gorgeous. I also go every year for their holiday lights exhibit which I really like. It s my favorite light display in Charlotte. Maybe next spring I ll actually make it there to see the flowers!

To understand my rating please note this is in regards to using the garden for a wedding venue. As a garden, Stowe is a beautiful way to spend the day.

Outside of this, I went to SBG to view as a potential wedding venue. We loved the spot but needed to choose quickly as my fiance's job deadline had moved up. Time was important. We called and set up a walking appointment (a gap of time of a week and a half). Our guide seemed nice and knowledgeable, and although some of their packages were a bit out of our price range, we found one suited our needs. Back to their office we were told couple's make or break point was around catering, which seemed odd considering SBG's vast facilities. I inquired about providing our own catering as I have a friend in the business. I was told "no, Best Impressions Caterers is our 'exclusive' catering partner."

When given the packet of information on the venue there was only one page on catering that barely amounted to a paragraph. It only mentioned that the catering van fee was $150 and to call a number to make the arrangements. After calling Best Impressions twice I finally received a call back from a Best Impressions rep who specifically reps SBG. He gave me a price of the total and I almost thought it was a joke. Over $12k for catering. NOW I understood why Best Impressions is the exclusive caterer. I asked for a break-down from Best Impressions SBG rep, who already seemed to be getting defensive that I'd even question the cost. After all, NOTHING is too expensive for your big day, right? He told me that SBG offers no tables, dining ware, table covers, seating, etc. Even though I just saw all those items inside for SBG's Christmas display, they have a classroom set up, and a covered patio with picnic tables. Aside from the additional $30 per person it would cost for tables and chairs, I was told that the meal costs per each person was roughly $30-$40 a person despite the fact that I had not given them my custom meal preference I was told Best Impressions would make upon request OR the fact that we were doing a buffet rather than a served meal. After mentioning it, I was told prices wouldn't change aside from a dollar or two and was chided that this was "the equivalent to an uptown upscale meal." You mean my buffet meal? Where the servers (who's costs were separate from the $40 per person) are only replacing water and busting tables? Best Impressions rep for SBG also told me that we would require a $2,300 tent that I was told by Stowe was not necessary. In short, the cost per person alone was shaped out to be over $100 for a buffet style meal that you can "custom" request. The rep tried to argue this is their standard cost at every venue but backed down when I asked if other venues offer their own tables, chairs, and dining ware. "...yes," was my sheepish answer.
For wedding venues, Stowe Botanical Gardens is a scam. This whole charade amounted to a month of wasted time. A month I could not get back to plan a wedding date that could not be moved. Upon calling Stowe Botanical Gardens back to ask questions, I was told by their manager of events that his hands were tied and he was sorry if I felt there wasn't enough transparency about Best Impressions. "In the future I will make sure this information is included in the packet. I don't know how that happened."

Unless you're willing to spend over $12k on your catering alone (not including photos, flowers, venue, cake, dresses, and tuxes), this venue is a scam and they should be ashamed to use Best Impressions as a way to back fill their wedding costs. There is a reason they've been partnered for over 10 years...look elsewhere if you want to get married and remain out of debt.

The botanival garden is quite a big place, and is very nice. There are lots of big trees in and around. The trees are really big and huge which provides lits of shade. And there are benches available through out the gardern to rest by, which is particularly helpful for elders.
There are small and big fountains to play in especially for childern. Children can have lot of fun too here. Very nice plants, flowers found here of various kinds and types.Can buy seeds/plants here as well.
The place is huge so there are horse carriage rides here which really worth going in.
Gift shop is good with many different types of things to buy which are mostly related to plants. That was very intresting here. Can spend an entire day easily here.

We went during the Chinese lantern festival and it was magical!! Love this place!!

My girlfriend enjoyed the orchid exhibit aka the toilet

Spring time, great time to visit... Spring flowers.

This place is beautiful, peaceful, and just the right size. Would definitely go again.

Beautiful gardens. We went for the Chinese Lantern event. Had been once before when they had a butterfly event and enjoyed both times. There were seven of us this time. Very family friendly. Unique adventures that all ages enjoyed.

Not as well maintained as u would expect. The orchid conservatory was great.

Always a great place to visit. During the week is best!!!

Poor, dead butterflies in their "live exhibit". See more by walking around! Nice strolling. Overpriced gift shop.

This place should not charge full price entry during the time of the year that hardly anything has bloomed, the place is crowded with landscape workers trimming hedges along a lot of the walkways, and an entire building is closed down due to a gas leak.

Just left a wreath making class and a tour around the gardens. The orchid pavilion never disappoints and the gardens were still full of life even though it is the end of November.

I attended the special Chinese Lantern event. Of the regular admission garden features, I was able to see the Conservatory. Though while there at night, the plants still looked beautiful. The Chinese lanterns looked remarkable during daytime and nighttime. It was like wandering through a zoo since many were animals. I highly recommend seeing them. Also during this event, there are Kung Fu & shadow puppet shows, a marketplace, food trucks, and crafts for kids. Much fun for the whole family!

Lovely Chinese lantern festival. Fabulous orchid pavilion. Would go again.

Great place to visit, you must go at night for all the holiday lights

They've done an exceptional display for the Christmas season! A walk through the gardens with things for all ages.

Went for Christmas lights at $15 a head and was very dissapointed

Awesome. Need to visit multiple times a year to see the seasonal changes. Kids area is constantly changing,. The kids love to run around and play.

A great place to go for a stroll whether you want a stroll in the gardens or a woodland walk along the lake.

Daniel Stowe Botanical garden is beautiful and my whole family loves visiting (we have a 3 year old son who loves nature and exploring whom loves coming here). The gardens have spectacular installations (change up every few months) and the place is well maintained. We became garden members and we love to go for a day trip from Charlotte quite often.

Beautiful lights, perfect for date night of evening with the children.

Enjoyed the gardens yesterday. Loved the way flowers, herbs and vegetables were mixed together. The perfume from all the beautiful floral hedges was wonderful. Shall visit again very soon.

Nice botanical garden although it is very small. Love the orchid garden.One of the most beautiful orchid garden I have ever seen, very creative and well maintained.

Great place to visit. Christmas lights are beautiful. It was however challenging to follow the map as signs were not visible.

Beautiful and peaceful place. Orchids and fountains still the show.

Love walking with my toddler. Beautiful place. Even bought a membership we liked it so much. Xmas is a must see.

Anyone in the greater Charlotte are has to check it out. They also have fun events throughout the year.

Nice and relaxed place to walk around. They had their Christmas lights up and some fire fits to warm up by.

The orchids were wonderful. I will definitely go back later.

We ve visited here several times The Daniel Stowe botanical garden is a gem. Every time we visit we find something new.. The butterfly exhibit is especially fun and it s very relaxing too. It s a beautiful place to visit if you are in the area

This is a very nice destination for a quiet summers afternoon or definitely on the special events times like the Chinese Lantern festival time. It is a little out of the way and during none peek times is pretty regular in terms of botanical garden attractions. The butterfly area is one of the best aspects of the facility.

An amazing place to visit! My family and I love this place, so beautiful and educational. The staff are great as well!

Would love to see after sunset and cooler temps. Just magnificent

This is a great family outing. Christmas at Daniel Stowe is lots of fun and the lights are beautiful!

This place was so relaxing and calming. This park is really good for families, walking and just gazing. I recommend taking a friend good to talk or even just sit and listen to the water. I loved it. Nature is a blessing.

Today was super hot. We did enjoy the hummingbird education. Unbelievable how tiny they are. Covid restrictions in place. Take a mask. Membership annually is $85 for households. The orchid and butterfly sanctuaries were closed due to Covid_19. Children's Park area also closed.

Exceptional!!

It was an exceptionally beautiful day at the Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens! We arrived after a fourteen hour car trip from upstate NY (where there was still 2 feet of snow on the ground). We were greated by a gorgeous fountain, beautiful trees, and tulips!

The lady at the main desk was super kind and welcoming! The main indoor area had a stunning stained glass ceiling. The gift shop is so beautifully done. The lady there was also very kind and pleasant.

The gardens are easily walkable in an hour. Although not large, the gardens are filled with many interesting areas and beautiful trees and flowers! There are also many enjoyable water features. My boyfriend and I especially loved the stone thrones! The seats were cool and comfortable on a warm day. We also enjoyed the main fountain with the nice metal benches.

It is a quiet, relaxing, beautiful place! The day we were there they were doing some weed whacking. The noise got to be a bit much after a while. However, that means that they are taking exceptional care of the grounds.

We look forward to going to the gardens again on our next trip South.

It should be noted that there is ample parking. Bathrooms are easily accessible in the main building. The gift shop offers salads and snacks in the cooler. The gift shop also had a nice selection of natural drinks.

Thank you for a beautiful, memorable day!

Awesome Christmas experience! Fun to walk around but not too long

This was a beautiful and well maintained garden to visit. I highly recommend going early in the morning before it gets too hot.

Beautiful gardens and amazing conservatory and orchids. Chinese lantern festival was awesome during the day and beautiful at night, with some moving lanterns, animal and insect sounds to go with then lanterns.

One of our family's favorite. We love National and State parks but this place holds a special place in our hearts. Our LO absolutely loves it. It provides a special kind of wonder.

Went for a date. It s super cute at Christmas time.

The Botanical garden is an amazing place to visit. The orchid conservatory is always my first stop to see what s blooming. Lots of orchids and tropical everywhere. They ve done a great job with the garden so their is always tons blooming. Recommend going to the garden in the late fall when the Monarch Butterflies are stocking up in nectar before their migration. Probably one of the few places that you can see them anymore. Apart from the main garden they have natural walking trails in the back with native flora. Great spot to see hummingbirds and other native wild life.

Absolutely beautiful. Had an amazing Anniversary touring the gardens. Would highly recommend.

The lights were beautiful. I would highly recommend.

At LK Productions DJ Entertainment Company, we help our clients find venues as well. We had the opportunity to take a tour with Aly Bridwell event and sales coordinator at Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden. Aly did an excellent job with the tour explaining all of the features and benefits of using their awesome venue to have a wedding and reception. Highly recommend for any special event.

Went on mother's day two years ago and had so much fun we purchased a picnic basket with sandwiches and drinks and snacks food was good and my mom loved it we took her down and surprised her was a great visit she loved the gardens

Great garden, recommend going on a cool day, much more colorful in spring and early summer. Events, food trucks, drinks and outdoor seating. Nice for walking laps.

This is one of the most beautiful gardens I have been to in the United States. I would recommend a visit. I did go when it was rather hot & humid but it was totally worth it.

A great outdoor experience for a nice weather day. Interesting items in the gift shop.

I am really sad to give a low rating but I am super disappointed after visiting the garden today. Last year I went with some friends and my oldest son to see the holiday lights. It was magical! So this year when my family from Florida came to visit they wanted to go after hearing me go on and on about how amazing it was last year. We had four children with us and 6 adults and the price really is ridiculous. I was very disappointed. There weren t nearly as many lights as last year and the kids section was closed!! I had been telling my nephews about it and they were so excited as was my oldest son because he remembered it from last year. All of the staff were very nice and helpful. I asked one of the staff members if they were going to be putting any more lights up or opening the children s garden and and she said no. The reasons given for why things are different were in my opinion stupid. One of the areas was closed off and not decorated was because she said no one was looking at it last year...well I did and I loved it. This coupled with a bad experience at the Chinese lantern festival has assured we won t be going back. It s really too bad, I can tell it s a beautiful place during peak times and during the day. If you aren t going to put on as big of a display then you should charge less. I feel bad for dragging my whole family out there and hyping it up so much.

A lovely garden walk. Admission was a bit more than expected, but it's worth a visit.

Second time going to the garden to see the lights. Super cool time! Very romantic place to bring a significant other or just a cool place for the family and kids as well. They even have free popcorn in case you need a snack. Drinks and food are a bit pricey but that's what you can usually expect from places like this.

My favorite place to go. A beautiful garden year round

Excellent went through today after I got done doing it had to become a member what a beautiful and wonderful place!!

I ve been there once and I really liked but I decided take my friend who is new in the area and the place is in really bad shape. I know it has been closed but the the price is not worth it for the condition of the place. It ll be so much fair to ask for donations at the entrance not having to charge $15 per person just for the fountains because it was the only thing that I can say I enjoyed. Really sad place !!

Great place to go if you want to see beautiful gardens and a little bit of peace and quiet! Will go back soon.

This is a nice garden. However I was disappointed with their signage and the orchid observatory. They advertise it as one of the main parts, but it is quiet small and has a small selection of orchids. Quiet a few of the trees we saw did not have a sign identifying them, while others had multiple signs right next to each other. I did like how peaceful it felt.

My wife and I went on a hot Sunday afternoon. There weren't many people there, so, it made it very pleasant to walk around and enjoy all of the floral and arboreal presentations at our own rate of speed. Clearly, management takes a lot of pride in maintaining the facility. We went there specifically to see the hand blown glass that was present all over the trails. It was amazing. The glass blower made beautiful flowers of all types and sizes. He is truly extremely talented. I highly recommend that you go when you have plenty of time to take in the scenery and simply enjoy life.

Danny Stowe is quite nice but attempting to attend one of their special events can be a time-consuming, cruel, and disheartening affair.

If you love beautiful flowers and fragrant paperbushes, then look no further! Even in the winter, the park is brimming with new life. Meander through trails, enjoy a drink, sit amongst the gardens and listen to the multiple fountains.