Daniel Stowe Conservancy

"Birds sing, flowers bloom, and bees buzz about at Daniel Stowe, a 110-acre public botanical garden. And while it may be outside of Charlotte proper (just like these great day trips are), it's well worth the effort: It's a delightful place to spend an afternoon, whether you're a diehard green thumb who wants to spot rare varieties of plants and flowers or you just want to get lost amid a sea of color for a few hours. There are seven themed gardens ranging from perennials to four-season gardens, along with a conservatory that houses orchids and tropical plants. If you're here with family, check out Lost Hollow, the children's garden, which has a sunken pond and play spaces." - Nancy DePalma