Airlie Gardens

Airlie Gardens in Wilmington NC invites visitors to explore 67 acres of beauty that includes picturesque walking trails, historic sculptures and breathtaking scenery. From azaleas and camellias to a 467 year old Oak tree, you can really relax and enjoy the old fashioned pleasures of nature as you explore these incredible gardens by the sea. In addition, Airlie hosts spectacular Wilmington events throughout the year. Check out the unique tours and Airlie sites listed below and visit our website for a list of upcoming Airlie Gardens events.

Airlie Gardens
300 Airlie Road
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
Upcoming Airlie Gardens Events
910-798-7700
www.airliegardens.org 


Airlie Gardens Tours & Tram
Airlie Gardens is primarily a self-guided, walking tour experience. The walking tour is .9 miles, and an unimproved nature trail adds an additional .3 miles, for a grand total of 1.2 miles. It takes most visitors an hour to an hour and a half to complete the leisurely walking tour. While admiring the beautiful scenery, visitors can stop to rest at the benches and picnic tables located throughout the gardens. In addition, Airlie offers a nine-passenger accessibility tram service and wheelchairs can be checked out on a first come, first serve basis.

Airlie Gardens TV & Movie Sets
Movie and television producers are attracted to Airlie's beautiful scenery and ideal filming locations. As visitors stroll through the gardens, they will have the chance to see spots from some of their favorite movies and television shows including One Tree Hill, Dawson's Creek, A Cinderella Story: Once Upon A Song, 28 Days, Black Knight, and more.

Airlie Gardens Butterfly House
The Airlie Butterfly House is the region's first permanent butterfly house. It is home to 11 native species of butterflies and allows Airlie to provide visitors with a hands-on, face to face experience with some of nature's most delicate and ephemeral creatures. As visitors explore the butterfly house, they will learn about the lifecycles of butterflies, and find out how they can help provide the environment butterflies need to thrive in our area.  

Minnie Evans: The Artist of Airlie
Airlie Gardens was the inspiration for the vibrant, colorful, and intricate paintings of Minnie Evans. She painted her delicate scenes as a result of a divine vision when, in a dream, God told her she must paint or die. She once said, 'God has some 600 shades of green, and He dressed the world with them'. Local artists created a memorial sculpture garden within Airlie in her honor.

Airlie Gardens Membership
Membership at Airlie Gardens offers excellent benefits and it helps to support the important programs and services they provide to the community. Members get free admission to the Gardens whenever the grounds are open to the public, and also receive advance notice of special events.

Airlie Gardens Gift Shop
At the end of a spectacular trip through the gardens, visitors are encouraged to stop by the gift shop where they can find books and DVDs about Airlie Gardens. The gift shop also features works by local artists, great garden inspired gifts, and educational items.

Danielle Snyder
Wilmington NC Events