Arlie Gardens, North Carolina

After Damon's marathon we met up with him to go to Arlie Gardens which is 67 acres of public gardens in Wilmington.  They have more than 75,000 azaleas and ten acres of lakes.  Most notable is the Arlie Oak.  It is a 500-year-old southern live oak (Quercus virginiana). It was designated the largest live oak in North Carolina in 2007. The gardens were first created in 1886 as a private garden for the Pembroke family.  The gardens are named after the Jones' family home in Scotland.  We were able to see most of the azaleas in bloom which was rather stunning.  There are lots of little trails that we had fun walking around.