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Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center is a 250 plus acre outdoor oasis in Orange, Texas, located along the waterways of Adams Bayou that combines botanical gardens and an education nature center in a unique way.
What wonderful way to usher in the spring season with the annual series, Sip and Stroll, on Thursday, March 21. In collaboration with Free State Cellars, patrons can experience the golden hour in the gardens during a special, after-hours participation from 5-8 p.m. Admission is free.
At Sip and Stroll, visitors can expect to stroll through the lush gardens featuring vibrant spring blooms, all while enjoying a selection of wines from Free State Cellars. This event is sure to be a delight with a special appearance by The Ever Afters Band, who will be performing live music.
“We are excited to bring back this fan-favorite event series each third Thursday during March through May. This golden hour experience provides an opportunity to take in the sounds and sights of nature, as well as live music, at a time of day that the gardens are normally closed,” said Angie Mason, executive director of Shangri La Botanical Gardens and Nature Center.
A limited supply of picnic boxes and à la carte food items will be available for purchase on site. Visitors are also encouraged to reserve their picnic by pre-ordering from Free State Cellars in advance online at freestatecellars.com. Each picnic box includes charcuterie bites, New Orleans-style muffaletta half-sandwich; a garden-fresh veggie salad; a sweet treat; and bottled water. You can pick up your pre-ordered picnic boxes and bottles of wine at Crescent Moon Concessions.
Pair your picnic with Free State pre-order artisanal small-batch summer wines by the bottle with their featured wine, Gruner Veltliner, a spicy and more exotic version of Sauvignon Blanc with light bright citrus notes of lemon, lime, and grapefruit, mellowed by juicy nectarine.
Another featured red wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, a robust, lush wine with the rich tastes of black cherry, blackberry, and woodsy highlights of cedar and herbs.
A third featured wine is Blueberry, which is produced from the highest quality locally grown berries, fresh from the fields.
A wider selection of wines, sangria, and lemonade by the glass only will be available at the Gin Atomic Traveling Cocktails camper as well as Crescent Moon Concessions. A limited supply of extra picnic boxes and a la carte food items will be available for purchase at Crescent Moon Concessions as well.
“This unique event provides the perfect setting for a girls’ night or date night experience. We encourage you to share your experience with loved ones as you unwind, connect with nature and savor the brilliance of spring in the garden together,” said Mason.
Visitors are welcome to bring a blanket to sit on while they picnic. Please note that outside food and beverages will not be permitted into the venue. The last entry is at 7:30 p.m. Save the dates as additional Sip and Stroll events will be held Thursday, April 18 and Thursday, May 16.
Shangri La Gardens and Nature Center is located at 2111 West Park Ave. in Orange. For more information, please visit shangrilagardens.org or call (409) 670-9113.