September is the season for bright yellow goldenrod, star-shaped asters, and quiet gazebo reflections at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Virginia. One of the great things about Meadowlark is the breadth and diversity of its horticultural collections. Among them are the Butterly Garden, planted to attract fluttering creatures; the Bold Garden, where the staff experiments with fun, surprising flora; and the small bonsai pavilion.
But perhaps the most unique is the Korean Bell Garden, the only bell garden of its type in the Western Hemisphere. A three-ton bell is housed in a beautiful pavilion. The structure has been constructed without nails using Korean traditional architecture techniques and decorated with carvings. This centerpiece is surrounded by jangseung—totem poles built to guard villages—as well as other protective statues. The entire area is a feat of craftsmanship. (Admission to Meadowlark is $9 for adults aged 18-59, $5 for adults over 60 and children aged 6-17.)
Depending on what time you head to the gardens, there are options for a meal before or after. From morning to early afternoon, Bagel Station makes hand-rolled rounds, vehicles for creative cream cheese flavors such as spicy Mala chili crisp, elote-style corn, yuzu kosho, and guava. For an all-day option, Caboose Tavern is a casual brewpub serving weekend brunch, sandwiches and salads, and a kid’s menu.
Looking for more day trip ideas? Check out our Perfect Saturdays series.
Lifestyle Editor
Daniella Byck joined Washingtonian in 2022. She was previously with Outside Magazine and lives in Takoma.
Comments are closed.