Hermann Park – Houston, TX

On our recent trip to Houston, we experienced Houston like tourists. Since most activities for a family wedding were located near the Museum District, we spent a morning at Hermann Park, followed the next day by a visit to the Museum of Fine Arts Houston – MFAH.

Hermann Park

New York has Central Park, Atlanta has Piedmont Park, and San Francisco has Golden Gate Park. Houston’s equivalent is Hermann Park. Bordered by Rice University, Texas Medical Center, and the Museum District, the 445-acre Hermann Park offers activities galore.

One can easily spend lots of time here with the Houston Zoo, a public golf course, a dog park, the McGovern Centennial Gardens, the Japanese Gardens, and the Pioneer Memorial Obelisk. Additionally, you can hike the Marvin Taylor Trail, rent pedal boats, fish in Lake McGovern, ride a carousel, and eat at the restaurant. To the delight of many children, a small train even takes guests 18 miles to stops throughout the park.

Rose Garden at McGovern Centennial Gardens
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Gibbs Gardens – Ball Ground, GA

Located just an hour north of Atlanta, Gibbs Gardens opened to the public a few years ago. However, not everything is newly planted. Jim Gibbs, founder of well-known Gibbs Landscaping, spent over 30 years creating these gardens on his 300-acre property.

We arrived during the early part of November to see the fall colors. Volunteers directed us to a parking spot and we entered the welcome center and gift shop. Presenting the tickets we bought online, another volunteer gave us a map and told us to head to the Japanese gardens. During the walk, we passed the Waterlily Gardens and Monet Bridge. (more…)