Earlier this year I took some time to drive across the state of Florida from my home in Sarasota to see some friends staying in Boynton Beach. Although we’d kept in touch via phone, text messages and even Zooms, it had been years since we’d seen each other in person, and I was looking forward to our time together.
Along with the fabulous conversation, we enjoyed seeing the sun rise and set together. We laughed and reveled in perfect patio dining at Sazio Italian in Del Ray and enjoyed an oceanside brunch at The Dune Deck in Lantana. We drove to Palm Beach and window-shopped the upscale stores as we casually strolled down Worth Avenue. We drove A1A, soaking in the sunshine and salt-water air of the Atlantic Ocean.
But my favorite part of the trip was an enchanting garden oasis.
As described on its website, The Four Arts Garden is a “lush and tropical paradise” — and I couldn’t agree more. Separated into a variety of themes, the garden walks you through several different types of plants, trees and greenery as part of the Society of the Four Arts near the marina. Representing Chinese culture, Spanish gardens and several other botanical motifs, you can also admire numerous sculptures within the gardens. These sculptures, some created by Florida residents, truly enhance the majesty of the already fascinating and lovely area.
I greatly enjoyed our free walking tour that lasted no more than 30 minutes. It truly felt as if we entered into a quiet portal that flowed with peace and tranquility, lifting any residual burdens one might’ve unknowingly brought in with them.
Perhaps it reminded me of my mom’s ever-expanding flower gardens outside my parent’s home back in Kansas. Or I might’ve been lost in amazement at the size of the elephant ears on display. Or maybe it was the quiet atmosphere that somehow pushed away any noisy traffic from the adjacent street. Regardless of the reason, the peaceful nature of the gardens along with the beauty of my surroundings left a grand impact on me.
I suddenly started taking as many photos as I could from different angles. I snapped quick shots of my friends and allowed them to get a few candid shots of me. I stopped and voluntarily stood still, simply to breathe.
We quietly left the gardens, and I instantly wished we could’ve stayed longer — however, I also remembered Sarasota has a well-known botanical garden I’ve yet to experience (perhaps a future blog will showcase my visit). And instead of feeling loss because it was over, I decided to hold the joy and beauty of the moment.
My ability to choose joy over loss is one of the more conscientious decisions I’ve come to explore each day I arise in this life I now lead. My brief stroll through an enchanting garden oasis now earnestly reminds me being in the right place with the right people at the right time is a gift to treasure . . . and that a garden with clarity is more rewarding than a mind full of noise, any day of the week.
— Carrie Cox, account executive
Read This Next
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Nov 21, 2024Hotel Saint Augustine to Open in Houston’s Museum District Neighborhood
Hotel Saint Augustine, expected to open in Houston this December, is a design-savvy boutique hotel from Austin-based hospitality group Bunkhouse.
Sponsored Content
United Airlines First to Purchase Sustainable Aviation Fuel for ORD
Chicago O’Hare International Airport will soon receive sustainable aviation fuel, all thanks to United Airlines, which became the first airline to purchase SAF for use at the airport, one of the largest in the United States. Neste, a producer of SAF, will provide up to 1 million gallons of its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel. The first supply arrived in August.
November 2024
Nov 21, 2024Immerse in an Invigorating Thermal Journey at Scandinave Spa Whistler
The glittering green pines and burst of jasmine lake beyond almost made me forget about the aches in my legs that slowly developed after the promised hour-long hike ran into the third hour. And, oh, there were my hips, showing up to remind me I was no longer in my 20s. I didn’t mind, though, because the vision that surrounded me during our guided walk through Garibaldi Park to Cheakamus Lake in Whistler, British Columbia, with Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures proved worthy of a thousand postcards.
Daily
Nov 21, 20245 Can’t-Miss Black Friday, Cyber Monday Hotel Deals
Plan to shop on Black Friday and Cyber Monday? Add these deals from hotels around the country to your shopping list.
Sponsored Content
Discover the Pristine Beauty of the Sporades Islands
Nestled in the northwest Aegean Sea, the Sporades Islands are a hidden gem of Greece, offering breathtaking natural beauty and unique experiences for every traveler. Comprised of four main islands — Skiathos, Skopelos, Alonissos and Skyros — this island cluster is renowned for its lush pine forests, crystal-clear waters and idyllic beaches.
Daily
Nov 21, 2024Belmond Unveils First Luxury Sleeper Train in England and Wales
The first luxury sleeper train officially debuts in England and Wales next July thanks to the new Britannic Explorer, A Belmond Train. This pioneering train seamlessly blends timeless rail heritage with contemporary British cuisine, culture and style. Guests will enjoy fine-dining experiences designed by Chef Simon Rogan and an on-board wellness suite offering therapies to relax and revive.
Château des Fleurs Review
eFlyer Reviews
Nov 20, 2024Save Up to 50 Percent Off HX Expeditions
eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024eFlyer Deals
Nov 20, 2024Xanterra Launches Thankful for Travel Sale
Xanterra Travel Collection’s Thankful for Travel Sale is finally here! This travel company’s sale, through Dec. 2, offers the biggest savings on national park stays, yacht-style cruises, historic train rides, legendary resorts, and walking and biking tours.
Sponsored Content
Pick Your Paradise: Experience Bali at 3 Incredible Hotels
Bali is a name synonymous with island bliss. But there is more than just one side to this incredible place. Get a sense for the variety of experiences Bali offers by learning about three hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with distinctive opportunities for adventure and relaxation. With the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card, earn points for free nights at each of these properties.
eFlyer News
Nov 20, 2024Orient Express Reveals World’s Largest Sailing Yacht
Orient Express just unveiled the design of its first yacht and the world’s largest sailing yacht, Orient Express Corinthian. Set to hit the waves in summer 2026, this yacht will sail across the Mediterranean, Adriatic and Caribbean.
ShareThis