A WINNING COMBO OF PLANTS & ART

If - like us - you're into art & gardens, are anywhere near Chapel Hill, NC in the next month & like to pay zero for an attraction, then the 23rd Annual 'Sculpture In the Garden' is for you.

Ok, I know October isn't the best month to see a garden in bloom. But the 800 acre UNC Botanical Garden does have some fall color:

There are enough water lilies to make Monet happy.

Plenty of tall, shady trees.

And even a few meat eaters to make things interesting.

Plus there's the herb garden, fern collection, 3 habitats (Sandhill, Coastal Plain & Mountain), poisonous plant area, raised walkways, ponds, bridges, Paul Green's cabin, miles of hiking paths & a giant chess set to play a game or 2.

And now through November 19, there are 53 sculptures on display throughout the garden.

A lot of the art is kid friendly.

There are even some sculptures that encourage you to take a load off (there are 800 acres to cover after all).

And you might even strike up an interesting conversation with a new found friend.