Explore the Gardens

The Grounds

Airlie’s historic property encompasses more than 67 acres of spectacular gardens, seasonal blooms, mighty live oaks, walking trails and historic structures. The self-guided walking experience allows visitors to explore more than a dozen gardens; including the Pergola, Minnie Evans Bottle Chapel & a seasonal Butterfly House.

See the Gardens

Birding

Recognized on the North Carolina Birding Trail as a Coastal Region site, Airlie offers some of the best birding in New Hanover County. Over 200-bird species have been observed in the garden. To see what has been spotted, check out Airlie’s HotSpot on eBird.com, a free, easy-to-use, citizen science observation database.

Birding Mornings

Filmed at Airlie

Wilmington, N.C., also known to film junkies as “Hollywood East”, is the home of EUE/Screen Gems Studios. Screen Gems is the largest domestic television and movie production facility outside of California. Airlie Gardens is happy to add Screen Gems’ most popular productions to its history.

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HEART OF THE GARDENS, 2019

Art Collection

The Garden features dozens of permanent pieces of art; including, sculptures and water features.

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Pollinator Garden

The Pollinator Garden was planted with flowering blooms that will specifically attract pollinator species year round; such as, butterflies, bees, moths, hummingbirds and more!

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Tram Service


We offer a 7-passenger tram service that is included with general admission. The tram is currently operating on an abbreviated winter schedule (January & February). Please call prior to your visit to verify schedule. Visitors are encouraged to walk the grounds in addition to riding the tram. Trams cannot be reserved and are operated on a first come, first served basis.

Tram Schedule