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, orchid and tropical plant workshops, tours of the Williamson Conservatory hosted by our knowledgeable Horticulture team and 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!
New this year the Great Hall will be transformed into a tropical oasis complete with a bar, lounge, workshop, space and a plant sale!
Proceeds from Trip to the Tropics help support the Williamson Conservatory.
Schedule + Programming (Click each date to view):
Adult Field Trip
11 a.m.-Noon | $8 (Members save 15%; non-members must also pay Garden admission)
Who says learning is just for kids? Join other lifelong learners for a field-trip style education experience that explores tropical plants and animals.
Guided Conservatory Tour
11 a.m.-Noon | $8 (Members save 15%)
Step inside the William H. Williamson Conservatory for a guided tour of this tropical greenhouse led by a member of Stowe’s Horticulture team! This in-depth experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Conservatory’s past, present, and future: from our evolving plant collections to the care, research and planning that shape this special space.
An Evening in the Tropics: Sip and Stroll
4:30-6:30 p.m. | $25 (Members save 15%)
This Friday evening experience offers guests exclusive access to the Conservatory after hours, with market lighting adding warmth to the atmosphere as it gets dark. Explore at your own pace or join an informal Q&A with a member of our Horticulture team to learn about unique displays, seasonal highlights and ongoing Conservatory updates.
Make an evening of your visit before your dinner plans! Enjoy the brand new Great Hall lounge, featuring live music with a tropical twist from Jonah Bacon, a pop-up plein air art gallery painted in our Conservatory by the Gaston County Art Guild, and a cash bar with unique specialty cocktails to match the tropical vibe!
Garden Photography Walk
8-10 a.m. | $15/Members; $32 Non-members
Are you ready to learn some new photography skills? From beginners to the seasoned pro come spend some time in nature with professional photographer Nelson Stegall at Daniel Stowe Conservancy.
Loosely related to Forest Bathing practices, these two-hour walks are focused on being outside in nature, slowing down and creating meaningful images.
Horticulture Tour
Noon-1 p.m. | $8 (Members save 15%; non-members must pay Garden admission)
Step inside the William H. Williamson Conservatory for a guided tour of this tropical greenhouse led by a member of Stowe’s Horticulture team! This in-depth experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Conservatory’s past, present, and future: from our evolving plant collections to the care, research and planning that shape this special space. Learn how our approach to the Conservatory has adapted to bring it new life, hear firsthand stories from those who steward the space and gain insider insight into what’s ahead for this iconic part of Stowe. This tour is perfect for experienced tropical plant hobbyists and curious newcomers alike.
Plant Show
4-6 p.m. | $18 to attend or enter a plant for non-members; Free to attend or enter a plant for members!
Have you ever wanted to show off your green thumb, meet fellow plant-lovers and be a real part of Stowe? Put your favorite plant in the spotlight at Best In Grow!
This indoor plant show is a community-centered celebration of indoor plants held in the Great Hall as part of Trip to the Tropics! Guests are invited to bring one unique indoor plant, tropical or otherwise, to be entered into a friendly competition judged by Stowe staff and Horticulturalists. Think about plants that are rare, quirky, unique in size or color, or simply beloved by those who care for it! All styles and skill levels are welcome.
Orchid 101
11 a.m.-Noon | $30 (Members save 15%)
Guided Conservatory Tour
1:30-2:30 p.m. | $8 (Members save 15%; non-members must also pay Garden admission)
Step inside the William H. Williamson Conservatory for a guided tour of this tropical greenhouse led by a member of Stowe’s Horticulture team! This in-depth experience offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Conservatory’s past, present, and future: from our evolving plant collections to the care, research and planning that shape this special space. Learn how our approach to the Conservatory has adapted to bring it new life, hear firsthand stories from those who steward the space and gain insider insight into what’s ahead for this iconic part of Stowe. This tour is perfect for experienced tropical plant hobbyists and curious newcomers alike.
Tropical Forest Bathing
4:30-6:30 p.m. | $55 (Members save 15%)
Join ANFT Certified Guide Angie Stegall for this soothing 2-hour exploration into our Orchid Conservatory. Experience a unique setting and discover a quiet path to unplug, slow down, and reconnect with yourself and the natural world around you through this vibrant pocket of tropical bliss.
Forest Bathing (also known as the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku) invites you to explore the natural world using your five senses. This is not a hike or naturalist walk; it’s a meditative, guided wander in nature that benefits participants as a wellness practice.
Adult Field Trip
11 a.m.-Noon | $15 (Members save 15%)
Immerse yourself in the tropics on this adult-friendly field trip to the William H. Williamson Conservatory at Daniel Stowe! Wander beneath lush canopies, get up close with extraordinary tropical plants and uncover the clever adaptations that make rain forest life possible!
Designed as fun continuing education for grown-ups, this guided experience blends curiosity, conversation and discovery at a relaxed pace. While suitable for curious learners ages 12 and up, this field trip is tailored for adults who want to introduce learning back into their routine, and deepen their appreciation of the tropics in an immersive setting.
Myth Busting: House Plant Workshop
1-2 p.m. | $30 (Members save 15%)
In this course hosted by a member of Stowe’s own Horticulture team, we’ll explore and debunk some of the most widespread houseplant myths, covering topics like watering, fertilizing, light requirements, add-ins and other frequently misunderstood aspects of plant care. Gain practical insight into what your plants actually need to thrive.
Rum Tasting with Muddy River Distillery
5-7 p.m. |$25 (Members save 15%)
Get a true taste of the tropics at our Muddy River Rum Tasting, set in the tropical lounge of the Great Hall. Enjoy complimentary rum samples hosted by the expert team from Muddy River Distillery who will guide you through the flavors, techniques, and stories behind their locally crafted spirits. When it comes to tropical sips, you can’t beat rum!
After sampling, you’re welcome to extend the experience by purchasing a handcrafted cocktail from our cash bar, featuring Muddy River rum in a perfectly mixed recipe. Wine and beer will also be available for purchase. Relax in a lounge styled with tropical décor, then wander into the William H. Williamson Conservatory to explore curated plant vignettes that bring the spirit of the tropics to life! As golden hour hits, the Conservatory will be lit with soft hues, bringing warmth into the wintertime.
Plant Sale in the Great Hall
Noon-6 p.m. | Free to attend with membership or Garden admission
Plant Sale in the Great Hall
Noon-6 p.m. | Free to attend with membership or Garden admission
Browse a curated selection of houseplants and tropical favorites, handpicked to inspire plant lovers of all levels. Find an old favorite or new challenge, a statement plant you didn’t know you needed or scoop up the perfect missing piece for your home garden! Our knowledgeable Horticulture staff will be on hand to offer expert advice and help you find your ideal plant pairing.
Thank you to our supporting sponsor, Gaston County Travel & Tourism
Explore the Williamson 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.
