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Meadowlark Botanical Gardens: A Love Letter to My Favorite Place in Vienna

August 13, 2022

Meadowlark Botanical Gardens is the perfect place to spend a beautiful spring day. This year, it’s even more magical because I’m getting married there. It’s one of my favorite places in Vienna, VA and it’s now also the place where I get married. Meadowlark is a hidden oasis of serenity right in the heart of the city. It’s a beautiful place to explore, especially on a gorgeous spring day. With nature as the focal point, you’ll feel like you’re miles away from the stress of the city. The gardens are filled with gorgeous flora from all over the world, and I love exploring them all.

Why Meadowlark?

I fell in love with Meadowlark the first time I ever visited. The serenity of this garden is unlike any other, and it’s hard to describe the feeling you get when you’re there.  It’s easy to get to, and it’s located near several other famous Vienna attractions. You can easily walk to the gardens from the Hofburg Palace or from Maria Theresiaplatz. There’s also a bus stop a few steps from the gardens that takes you to other places in Vienna as well. The gardens are filled with gorgeous flora from all over the world, and I love exploring them all.

Where to begin?

The main path of the gardens starts near the main entrance. Walk down the path towards the pond, and you’ll come upon the Rhododendron Forest. In this area, you’ll find dozens of rhododendrons, azaleas, and other flowers. There’s also a small bamboo forest in this area, so you can explore nature while taking in the colorful flowers at the same time.  The path continues towards the East Asian Garden, which is also one of my favorites. The gardens are filled with orchids, bamboos, and beautiful temples. There are also a couple of benches in this area if you want to take a break from walking.

The Gardens

The first thing you’ll notice when you enter the gardens is the large pond. This is the main attraction of the gardens, and it’s where the majority of activities take place. There are always lots of people around it, so you’re bound to fit right in.  The Rhododendron Forest is also a great place to spend some time in. It’s a peaceful area, so even if you’re by yourself you’ll enjoy it.  If you want to explore some of the more hidden gardens, the Asian Garden is one of your best options. There’s a lot of pathways that lead to different areas, so you can easily get lost exploring.

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Tips for your visit

- Bring a picnic lunch or dinner and eat at one of the many benches around the gardens. It’s a great way to spend time with your loved ones and relax.  - Visit the gift shop to browse through delicious, beautifully-crafted honey. They also sell unique souvenirs, like wedding rings.  - Bring your dog. The gardens are dog-friendly, and they love exploring all the different alleys.

Final Words: Plan your trip

If you’re looking for a place to relax and getaway from the city, Meadowlark is a great choice. It’s not far from the city center, there’s a nice pond, and it’s filled with gorgeous flora. The Rhododendron Forest is also perfect for a romantic picnic. It’s a lovely and serene place, perfect for enjoying nature and taking a break from the everyday city life.

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Start: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182, United States

Drive from Beulah Rd, Browns Mill Rd and VA-267 W to Herndon

14 min (7.9 mi)

Head northwest on Beulah Rd toward Meadowlark Perimeter Trail

0.7 mi

Turn left onto Browns Mill Rd

1.0 mi

Browns Mill Rd turns left and becomes Crowell Rd

0.7 mi

Turn left onto State Rte 674/VA-675/Hunter Mill Rd

 Continue to follow State Rte 674/Hunter Mill Rd

0.3 mi

Turn right to merge onto VA-267 W

 Toll road

3.1 mi

Take exit 11 for VA-286/Fairfax County Pkwy

 Toll road

0.3 mi

Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto VA-286 N/Fairfax County Pkwy

0.7 mi

Use the right 2 lanes to take the VA-606 W/Elden St exit

0.2 mi

Use any lane to turn left onto VA-606 W/Elden St

0.4 mi

Use the right 2 lanes to turn right onto Herndon Pkwy

0.4 mi

Drive to your destination

47 s (0.1 mi)

Turn right

410 ft

Turn left

 Destination will be on the left

112 ft

 

End: Runnymede Park

195 Herndon Pkwy, Herndon, VA 20170, United States

 

Start: Meadowlark Botanical Gardens

9750 Meadowlark Gardens Ct, Vienna, VA 22182, United States

Head northwest on Beulah Rd toward Meadowlark Perimeter Trail

1.5 mi

Turn left onto VA-7 W

8.9 mi

Turn right onto VA-1795

0.3 mi

Turn right onto Westlake Dr

0.1 mi

Turn right

102 ft

Turn right

 Destination will be on the right

308 ft

 

End: Palmercare Chiropractic Sterling

46169 Westlake Dr Suite 300, Sterling, VA 20165, United States

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