Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens 96 Pavilion Road, Hiawassee, GA 30546
About the Business
Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens is a stunning woodland garden located at 96 Pavilion Road in Hiawassee, Georgia. This park and tourist attraction is a must-visit during the spring season when the rhododendrons are in full bloom, creating a magical and rare beauty. Entrance to the gardens from April 12th to May 12th requires a $6 donation, with all proceeds going towards the maintenance of the 42-year-old garden.
Visitors can also enjoy free parking and admission to the Rhododendron Festival in 2024. The Courtyard is open to the public for brunch and lunch in the garden on Saturdays and Sundays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm during the festival. The food court features award-winning food trucks, gourmet desserts, coffee vendors, homemade ice cream, and charcuterie boards. A wine and mimosa bar sponsored by Crane Creek and Hightower Creek Wineries opens at noon on weekends, accompanied by musical performances on the Courtyard Stage.
In addition to the beautiful gardens, the institution also features the Paris Pavilion Art Exhibit on Saturdays and seminars and classes on Sundays during the Rhododendron Festival. The Hamilton Gardens also host the Run for the Rhodos 5k on May 4th, offering participants a woodland trail course surrounded by blooming rhododendrons.
Visitors can explore Fred Hamilton's Greenhouse seven days a week, where they can purchase annuals, perennials, and plants from the Rhododendron and Native Azalea Plant Sale. The Top of Georgia Plein Air Festival takes place in the gardens from May 9th to May 11th, showcasing artists working in various mediums.
The Hamilton Gardens also host the Hiawassee Highlands Wine Festival on May 11th, with a shuttle service from the Georgia Mountain Fairgrounds. Additionally, the institution presents The Concerts at Eller Holler, featuring top-rated bands from the Southeast every Thursday night.
Save the date for the Acoustic Sunset Summer and Fall Series, featuring live music, food courts, and wine bars on Thursday nights throughout the season. Hamilton Rhododendron Gardens offers a unique and enchanting experience for visitors to enjoy nature, art, music, and delicious food in the heart of Georgia.
Photos
Location & Phone number
96 Pavilion Rd, Hiawassee, GA 30546, United States
Hours open
Monday:
08:00 - 20:00
Tuesday:
08:00 - 20:00
Wednesday:
08:00 - 20:00
Thursday:
08:00 - 20:00
Friday:
08:00 - 20:00
Saturday:
08:00 - 20:00
Sunday:
08:00 - 20:00
Reviews
"Don't miss 5he informal music at the Hamilton Rhododendron gardens during the summer. Great vendors and always good music by local and semi local entertainers. Bring your own chair. Lots of parking and best of all it is FREE!"
"What a serene place to explore and walk around in. Lots of Memorial benches to rest on and enjoy the scenery. The place is well maintained. Although there were not a lot of flowers in bloom when we went late September, the beautiful trees and the sound of nature more than makes up for it. I'm sure when the flowers are in season, this place is even more gorgeous. We really enjoyed the little trail close to the lake area. Come visit when you're in the area!"
"A smaller scale garden, quite lovely and peaceful at any time of year, but it shines in the spring due to all of the rhododendrons and azaleas. It's so very Zen to sit at the lakeside as the sun goes down and gaze at the mountains. When the occasional boat passes, the gently lapping waves are delightful to hear."
"We visited for Mother's Day and only about half the rhododendrons were still in bloom. I hate that we missed the window for viewing them all in bloom at the same time, but it was beautiful nonetheless. Lake views are gorgeous. The trails are a short walk- it's not really a visit you can 'make a day out of'- but it's still worth a visit if you're in the area. The weather was perfect when we went and even though there were a lot of people it was still peaceful."
"We visited at the end of the flowering season, there were still a few pretty mountain Laurels and rhodedendrons in bloom. We'll definitely visit earlier next spring. It was still a nice little walk through the gardens and enjoyed the water wheel."
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