This past weekend, my husband and I spent the day exploring Cleveland, Ohio. While I had quite a list of attractions to visit, the Cleveland Botanical Garden was not one of them. I’d actually planned to spend a few hours at the art museum, which happened to be closed. And expert traveler that I am, I did not bother to double check the hours or I would have known that there was a movie crew filming in the facility. Oh well, I guess that’s one mistake I can learn from.
So, that left some time with nothing for us to do. We decided to drive along University Circle to see if anything caught our eye and it did. The Glasshouse in the Cleveland Botanical Garden was hard to miss and looked like something we would enjoy. So we parked, waited for the garden to open and paid for our tickets so we could explore as much as we could in a half hour, since I had already reserved a tour at the Lake View Cemetery.
A half hour is not a lot of time to explore the grounds so we focused solely on the Glasshouse- which showcases the desert of Madagascar and the rain forest of Costa Rica. And we loved it. In fact, I enjoyed it so much, that I’m already planning a return visit. I’ll share more of my thoughts next time around, and for now, I’ll leave you with some photos of the day.
This guy was crawling along a branch overhead and was fascinating to watch. I kept expecting him to make a leap to the other side but he seemed to be happy, perched on the very end of that twig.
I thought this plant was beautiful.
There were several tortoises lounging in the sun.
I could have stayed inside the rain forest all day, watching the butterflies, but it was a tad bit humid.
It’s a good thing there was a waterfall to cool off under.
Butterflies were everywhere in the simulated Costa Rican environment and everyday at 2 pm, they release new butterflies. I was sad that we couldn’t stick around to see it.
I can’t wait to visit the Glasshouse again, and next time I’ll plan ample time to visit the grounds of the Cleveland Botanical Garden as well.
This post is linked to Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Travelers Sandbox, Friday Daydreamin’ with R We There Yet, Mom? and Photo Friday with Delicious Baby.
© 2013 – 2015, Tonya Prater. All rights reserved.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} says
I like your close up photography. That first one with the lizard is my favorite. Looks like you serendipitously stumbled across an interesting place to visit.
Tonya says
I had to stand on a bench to get the picture of that lizard! My husband thought I was crazy. 🙂 Our ticket was good for the entire day so originally we had discussed returning when our other tour was over but my husband decided that he was done sightseeing by that point. I was happy to leave it alone and agree because in my head I was already planning our next trip to Cleveland.
Muza-chan says
Great photos:)
[email protected] says
What an amazing way to be in Madagascar and Costa Rica in a day. Such a wonderful botanical garden. I’ll make sure to check it out next time I get to Cleveland. Lovely photos, especially the butterfly.
Tonya says
Thank you, Marisol. Those butterflies were quick! It took me forever to get that picture!
Danielle says
Thanks for sharing your photos. We’re also a very short drive from Cleveland and have never been to the gardens. Were there many kids around? I know my daughter would love to see the butterflies being released.
Now I just need to find a free weekend to make the trip. : )
Tonya says
There were actually more couples than families with kids, but we were there as soon as it opened (like waiting at the doors for them to unlock them) and I have a feeling that changes later in the day. Plus the botanical garden has some great gardens for kids- including a children’s garden.
I don’t get to Cleveland nearly as often as I’d like too. I’m hoping to plan a trip later this summer and definitely want to return to the garden to see everything I missed and to spend more time in the glasshouse.
Nancie says
Great photos! I love visiting these kinds of gardens. There’s always something to photograph. I love the butterfly shot.
noel says
I love that botanical garden, it’s one of my favorite spots in Cleveland (visiting family) its quite impressive with all the beautiful details, signage and family friendly displays, thanks for sharing.
Sophie says
I don’t often hear about Cleveland, so this was interesting. Love standing underneath – or behind – waterfalls.
Tonya says
My family doesn’t get to Cleveland as often as I’d like, and it’s a short drive. 🙁 There’s really a lot to see and do so I’m looking forward to spending some more time exploring.
Lisa Goodmurphy says
Great photos – love the tortoise especially! Would love to see the butterflies released – worth returning for that alone!
Tonya says
Isn’t the tortoise cute? Maybe I just have a thing for turtles. I’m hoping to return with my two year old nephew. He would love the butterflies.
Jackie Smith says
Love the close up shots, especially the one of that wonderful tortoise! Will definitely have to keep this place in mind!
Tonya says
Thanks, Jackie. There is so much to see in Cleveland. My husband and I had a wonderful time. I really wish we could’ve stuck around at the botanical garden longer.