3 Best Day Trips from Charlotte

"While the interior of these three historic homes are not open at this time, the gardens are well worth a visit as they are in the downtown area and represent three distinct styles of gardens. Signage throughout the gardens provides information on the history, plants, and other relevant facts, leashed pets are allowed, and while food and drink is also allowed (we do like a garden picnic), the restrooms aren't available. Generally, these are house gardens, and though extensive do not offer a day's worth of walking, but rather a stroll and passive history lesson about Columbia's 19th-century elite. If you're looking to sweat in a power workout over extensive acreage, then you'll be disappointed but gardeners looking to learn about plantings they can incorporate into their landscape will be richly rewarded." - Stephanie Burt