The North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum is a 434-acre public garden set in the Southern Appalachian Mountains just south of Asheville, and an affiliate of the University of North Carolina system. For nearly 40 years, the Arboretum has cultivated connections between people, plants, and places, drawing more than 500,000 visitors annually to its formal gardens, bonsai exhibition, and over 10 miles of trails. Private event rental spaces span both indoor and outdoor settings — from the fireplace-lit Baker Lobby and open-air Event Lawn to the Heritage Garden's serene plantings, the Blue Ridge Court fountain area, and a stone-tiered Amphitheater — all within the Arboretum's 65 acres of cultivated grounds. Events accommodate up to 150 guests. In-house catering is provided by Food Experience for groups of 20 or more, and a Green Weddings Program supports couples seeking environmentally conscious planning. Buildings and formal garden areas are wheelchair accessible.