Sarah P. Duke Gardens

Spring is in full bloom right now at the Duke Gardens on the grounds of Duke University. I highly recommend visiting this location in the next couple of weeks if this location is on your checklist - the bloom won't last very long. The gardens are fun to explore just by yourself or with family but pets might not be allowed here in certain locations. There are all kinds of flowers here (and yes Cherry Blossoms too). On the weekends, parking is free before noon. Visiting the garden early during the weekend is recommended - the garden is highly popular with wedding photographers who descend later in the day.

I would personally recommend visiting the garden on dull, cloudy days - the diffused light accentuates the bright colors of the flowers even more and you can capture vivid images. There's a neat little bridge over a small pond/creek in the garden that I haven't yet managed to capture to my liking and that is the most photographed location in this part of town after the Historic Yates Millpond I believe. The garden does have some photography rules especially if you're walking in with lots of equipment to do a professional shoot - I personally have never faced any issues here like having to register or pay a fee or something. But YMMV.

There is also a small cafe near the parking lot at the entrance to the gardens that has some great offerings - I have tried their sandwiches and salads and it's well worth a stop.

Thank you for stopping by.
#colorful #NC #USA #Durham #Duke #weekend #springfun #spring

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