Chesapeake Arboretum

The Chesapeake Arboretum! What a cool place to be on a spring day. Not literally -- it was pretty hot and muggy when we took our walk -- but despite that the arboretum was a wonderful place to experience nature.

If you look at the arboretum on the map it is surrounded by neighborhood on all sides. So we expected it to be pretty manicured. Instead, we found a pleasantly maintained mulched path and jumble of wild greenery. Whenever we did catch sight of a house through the leaves it was almost a surprise to see it there.

We took the longest path option which is about two miles of flat and easy terrain, even for Gus's little legs. There are shorter routes available, too. (Find the map here). When we went, back in early April, some of the sections of trail were under construction and a couple of the bridges were out of commission or missing guardrails. So it might be best to check with arboretum staff to make sure the routes still lead where they are supposed to before setting out! We had an issue with a bridge leading to nowhere but it was easily solved by walking out to the neighborhood while James went back for the car and picked us up.

Anouk's favorite part of the walk was climbing on every tree and fallen long she could find and there were tons. There was also so much wildlife to see on this trip! On our two hour hike we saw rabbits, frogs, turtles, butterflies, all kinds of birds, and even a couple of SNAKES. If you're into that, keep your eyes peeled. (If you're not, same).

We plan to go back when the farmhouse is open and when the leaves turn in the fall!