Shangri La Botanical Gardens Reopens

Located in Orange, Texas, just a few miles shy of the Louisiana border, Shangri La Botanical Gardens welcomed visitors this spring for the first time in 50 years. The brainchild of H.J. Lutcher Stark, this world class nature facility first welcomed visitors in the 1930s, but sadly it had to close in 1958 when a snowstorm devastated the grounds. Then in 2002, the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation decided to rebuild the gardens and restore the site to its former glory.

Today the new facility features nine theme gardens, four sculpture rooms and more than 300 species of plants; while the Visitors Center features a café, gift shop, theater, exhibit hall and greenhouses.

Access was taken into consideration when constructing the new facility, with barrier-free pathways to all areas including the trails around the gardens and even an accessible bird blind. There is level access to the visitors center and wheelchair access to all of the interpretive exhibits. And of course, accessible restrooms are available.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens is open daily except Mondays. For more information, including hours of operation and admission prices, visit www.shangrilagardens.org.

Shangri La Botanical Gardens makes an excellent side trip when visiting Beaumont, Texas. Located just a few miles down the road, Beaumont is the site of the historic Spindletop gusher, which jump-started the Texas oil rush in 1901. It's a fun place to explore the past and learn about the wildcatters and the boomtowns that dotted the area.

For general tourist information about Beaumont, visit www.beaumontcvb.com

And for detailed access information about historic attractions, entertainment venues and lodging options in Beaumont, check out the Spring 2008 of Emerging Horizons.