A tropical oasis awaits – no flight needed. 

Join us for a Trip to the Tropics, a two-weekend celebration of our Williamson Conservatory, filled with lush tropical plants, restorative Forest Bathing and mindfulness practices, live music, orchid and tropical plant workshops, tours of the Williamson Conservatory hosted by our knowledgable Horticulture team and two intimate Sip and Stroll evenings featuring delicious tropical cocktails. Take a step into paradise and enjoy the warmth and relaxation of a Trip to the Tropics!

All proceeds from Trip to the Tropics go toward restoring the tropical plant population in the Williamson Conservatory. 

Schedule & Programming: 

Conservatory Tours 

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.


Tropical Forest Bathing 

4-6 p.m. | $55 (non-member price; members save 15%)

Join ANFT Certified Guide Angie Stegall for this soothing two-hour meditative exploration into our beautiful Williamson Conservatory. Experience a tranquil, tropical setting throughout this wellness practice and discover a quiet path to unplug, slow down and reconnect with yourself and the natural world around you.

Forest Bathing 

8-10 a.m. | $55 (non-member pricing; members save 15%)

Join ANFT Certified Guide Angie Stegall for this soothing two-hour meditative exploration into our beautiful Williamson Conservatory. Experience a tranquil, tropical setting throughout this wellness practice and discover a quiet path to unplug, slow down and reconnect with yourself and the natural world around you.


Conservatory Tour 

11 a.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.


Horticulture Workshop: Topic TBA

1 p.m.


Conservatory Sip and Stroll

4-6 p.m. | $25 (non-member pricing; members save 15%)

Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Conservatory during the golden hour, and escape from the winter chill into a cozy oasis. Featuring a cash bar with beer, wine and a delicious themed cocktail, light complimentary charcuterie to pair with your beverage, and live acoustic music from guitarist Aaron Denver Crites, you’ll experience the Conservatory in a whole new light! Mingle with friends amongst artwork painted plein air by the Gaston County Art Guild and hand-selected tropical displays arranged with love by our dedicated Horticulture team. Rediscover your path to nature in our tropical hideaway!

Conservatory Tour 

11 a.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.


Horticulture Workshop: Topic TBA

1 p.m.

Conservatory Tours 

11 a.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.

Conservatory Tour 

11 a.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.


Horticulture Workshop: Topic TBA

1 p.m.


Conservatory Sip and Stroll

4-6 p.m. | $25 (non-member pricing; members save 15%)

Enjoy an after-hours visit to the Conservatory during the golden hour, and escape from the winter chill into a cozy oasis. Featuring a cash bar with beer, wine and a delicious themed cocktail, light complimentary charcuterie to pair with your beverage, and live acoustic music from guitarist Aaron Denver Crites, you’ll experience the Conservatory in a whole new light! Mingle with friends amongst artwork painted plein air by the Gaston County Art Guild and hand-selected tropical displays arranged with love by our dedicated Horticulture team. Rediscover your path to nature in our tropical hideaway!

Conservatory Tour 

11 a.m. | Included in cost of Garden admission

Embark on a guided tour of the Williamson Conservatory, led by our knowledgable Horticulture staff.


Horticulture Workshop: Topic TBA

1 p.m.

Explore the Williamson Conservatory

William H. Williamson, III, Orchid Conservatory

The Carolina’s only 8,000-square-foot glass house dedicated to tropical plants.

Discover a waterfall and an oasis of green that takes you to a different climate entirely.