After exploring the halls of the opulent mansion, enjoy a leisurely stroll to Biltmore’s Victorian-style conservatory, which offers a lush paradise, no matter the season. The glass house was designed by the estate’s original architect, Richard Morris Hunt, and protects rare species of palms and orchids — a nod to the Victorian-era craze of collecting international tropical blooms.
1 Lodge Street
Asheville, 28803
(800) 411-3812
biltmore.com
Step through the glass doors of this Durham conservatory and be transported to a “rainforest” filled with hundreds of tropical butterflies, flitting above. Flowering plants like pentas and firespike thrive in the warm environment and provide nourishment for rare butterfly species from East Asia and Central and South America.
433 West Murray Avenue
Durham, 27704
(919) 220-5429
lifeandscience.org
Bromeliads, orchids, cacti, palms, and aroids fill the Greenhouse at Reynolda Gardens. photograph by Jay Sinclair
The construction of this 1913 greenhouse was commissioned by Katharine Reynolds, the first mistress of Reynolda, and was the first completed structure on the Winston-Salem estate. Today, the original greenhouse still stands and is used as Reynolds intended: as a space to cultivate new plant varieties, both native and rare, and to maintain the same kinds of blooms that grew in the estate’s early gardens — an homage to Reynolda’s rich past and thriving present.
Note: The Greenhouse at Reynolda Gardens is currently closed for renovations with plans to reopen in spring 2024 as the Brown Family Greenhouse.
100 Reynolda Village
Winston-Salem, 27106
(336) 758-5593
Reynoldagardens.org
Moth (left) and Cooksbridge Sunset orchids (right) are known to bloom in the winter, while other varieties might need a little persuasion this time of year: Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden’s greenhouse coaxes blooms with its warmth and humidity. photograph by Brian Gomsak
In this five-story conservatory, sunlight casts a golden glow from a sky-high glass ceiling, and a gentle waterfall lends humidity, creating a tropical environment for surrounding plants. The Belmont hothouse is known for its collection of more than 2,500 orchids of varying colors — from vibrant purples to creamy whites — that cascade from tall walls and hanging baskets.
6500 South New Hope Road
Belmont, 28012
(704) 825-4490
dsbg.org
Eleven Our State authors share stories about the role light plays in their holiday celebrations.
For more than 50 years, a dazzling chandelier has hung in the dining room of the Executive Mansion in Raleigh. Only recently has its remarkable backstory been fully illuminated.
At Burge Flower Shop, Randolph County residents find comfort, joy, and inspiration by the bouquet.
A pair of mother-daughter innkeepers inherited a love of hosting from their expansive family. At Christmastime, they welcome guests to their historic lodge in Stanly County.
