Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens at JMU

"Beautiful gardens. It was peaceful, safe and easy to find. We had a lovely walk and it's also a great place to take pictures."

"Beautiful and nicely sized gardens which can be walked in an hour or so. Lots of variety and a lovely pond with benches to sit and take in the views. We went on a Tuesday in the middle of the day and there was no problem finding a parking spot."

"Really pretty place. There are different places within the arboretum. There is a little Stone labyrinth that I did not get pictures of because a child was walking in it. Some places along trails are more wild. Some are more cultivated with beautiful flowers and trees. There was a very cool family musical section with instruments you could play. There is also something they called Storybook Land. There were different animals and plants created in a Storybook Land format. I included some photos so you can see what I mean"

"James Madison University campus had this small beautiful arboretum - true to its message “inspiring outdoor engagement in a woodland sanctuary.” Free admission - good for kids interns of enjoying the gardens and walking trails. We could spend 30 min in the evening while we were on our way after visiting Lurey caverns. Pecked pond loop trail was where we spent most of the time."

"This place is magical. It's the place that little kid you just knew that gnomes and fairies would live. I swear, we moved here just to find the arboretum. It's so beautiful and absolutely cared for and well maintained. We've never gone the same way yet, and I love trying all the new trails and seeing where we end up. There are lots of benches along the way for you to enjoy the scenery or rest. I'm still in awe. And it's been a Godsend for our senior dog in this heat, as it provides ample shade and places we can stop for his old bones to rest. Also, my mom loves that I text photos home whenever we go. My absolute favorite spot we've found so far."