Our family is somewhat unique because our oldest of three sons, Ben, is nonverbal and uses a wheelchair to get around. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a day trip, we always look for places welcoming folks who may have different abilities.
Ben is happiest outside, on the move, and enjoying his surroundings. When we find something that fits, we hold on tight. Destinations with inclusive activities and accessible programming make our visits special – and easier.
Although we didn’t have Ben with us when we traveled to the Outer Banks this year, when I entered The Elizabethan Gardens, I knew Ben would appreciate the trees, plants, and flowers. The accessible moss-covered brick pathways guiding visitors to each garden or statue would make it possible for us to bring Ben along.
The idea for The Elizabeth Gardens began in the 1950s. Now, its gardens, fountains, and statues on the 10.5-acres are a sanctuary for people who wish to enjoy art and nature. This is the seventh season of the gardens being organically managed.
If you’re like our family, and have someone who needs extra care when traveling, here’s what to know about The Elizabethan Gardens in Manteo:
1. Travel wheelchair accessible trails to the Courtyard, Pineapple Fountain, the statue of Queen Elizabeth, Great Lawn, Overlook Terrace and many more gardens. Stairs to the Mount and Well Head, and Sunken Garden prevent wheelchairs from accessing these gardens.
2. Visit the new sensory garden. Partnerships with the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau, the local garden club and the Outer Banks Dementia Friendly Coalition helped build an 80-foot by 100-foot garden. Planter boxes are molded to accept a person in a wheelchair. Plants will be a broad mix to awaken all five senses, from basil and mint to a long leaf pine tree and a monkey puzzle tree. Guests are encouraged to explore the feel of the flowers and leaves, touch grassy foliage, smell the lemongrass, and splash their hands in the pond. “The sensory garden is a safe place,” says Dianne Denny, executive director of the Outer Banks Dementia Friendly Coalition. “It promotes inclusion. Nobody is left out; anyone can go in and enjoy it.”
3. Follow the Enchanted Gardens map to find 12 magical faeries within the gardens for an interactive adventure. Once a magical sprite is found, scan the QR code for written and verbal details about her personality and history. All are placed in accessible areas within the gardens. Find all 12 and get a prize at the Gatehouse. “They’re all throughout the garden,” says Dan Hossack, the gardens manager with The Elizabethan Gardens. “It gets kids involved in trying to find them and seeing the landscape in a different way. They’re beautiful illustrations. We had a local artist, Alyse Stewart, make them.”
4. Shop in the nursery and new greenhouse for native plants. They’re open year-round with herbs, ornamentals, shrubs and more. They specialize in specialty items and hard-to-find boutique style plants. “The new educational greenhouse gives you basic information about plants,” Hossack says. “We have a revolving exhibit.”
5. Experience a butterfly release from May through September on Wednesdays and Fridays in the Butterfly Garden. “The public can get involved with the life of insects, what they do and what they need,” Hossack says. “We do butterfly releases four times a week.”
6. Listen to the gentle music playing from hidden speakers throughout the garden.
