Summer Strolls and Bama Blooms

If you're looking for a breezy summer day out that doesn’t involve sweating through a tailgate or fighting for lakefront space, consider this… A good old-fashioned garden stroll! 

Alabama’s historic gardens and botanical spaces are seriously underrated—and they’re the perfect place to unwind and take in some summer scenery! Think hydrangeas, shady walking trails, and butterfly releases that’ll have you living all your Bridgerton promenade dreams. 

Let’s start in Theodore, where Bellingrath Gardens and Home is basically Alabama’s crown jewel of cultivated beauty. Sprawled across 65 acres, this place is blooming year-round. But their late summer Garden Walk & Talk on August 27 is a must! You’ll get the scoop on what’s in bloom, a bit of garden history, and maybe even a shady bench moment to reset your soul.

Up north, the Huntsville Botanical Garden is bringing the whimsy with butterfly releases on select Saturdays in August. Picture a cloud of butterflies taking flight while kids (and let’s be real, adults too) ooh and ahh. For a cooler twist, check out the Firefly Garden Hikes—yes, it’s as dreamy as it sounds! You’ll wander the garden at dusk, catching glimmers of nature’s nightlife while learning fun facts about fireflies and other nocturnal critters.

Meanwhile, Mobile Botanical Gardens is putting your creative side to work with their Sketch Club in the Gardens. Every Friday afternoon, artists of all skill levels gather to draw what inspires them among the pines, wildflowers, and rare camellias. Bring your own pencils, and maybe a friend who likes to sit still for a while!

For something a bit more old-school, Arlington Antebellum Home & Gardens in Birmingham offers a laid-back blend of history and horticulture. The Greek Revival mansion is a sight in itself, but the landscaped gardens around it are ideal for a quiet afternoon wander — or even a sneaky little photo shoot.

And don’t skip Donald E. Davis Arboretum in Auburn! It’s free, it’s shady, and it’s packed with native Alabama plants you won’t find just anywhere. Over a mile of trails wind through forest and wetland habitats—perfect for those who prefer their nature served with a side of quiet.

So grab a reusable water bottle, slip on your comfiest sandals, and go get lost (on purpose) in Alabama’s most beautiful green spaces. Your camera roll and your mental health will thank you!

Get the right walking shoes ahead of your botanical visit at www.guidetoalabama.com/sports-fitness—and find even more fun in your own backyard at www.guidetoalabama.com/arts-entertainment!