Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in April

Question

The hubs and I have decided to spend a week in the area in mid-April and I had a question about this garden. I know you can access it until much further into the season but I was wondering if it's possible to walk around outside the wall of the garden in the off season? I'd love to get some photos of the gates closed. Bonnie, do you if the area outside the garden is accessible in the off season?

Answer

Visiting the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Garden in mid-April sounds like a wonderful idea! The garden itself is typically open from late May to early October, so during the off-season, the gates will generally be closed to visitors. However, the good news is that the garden’s beautiful surroundings and its outer wall are still accessible even during the off-season, so you’ll be able to take photos of the garden gates from the outside.

The area surrounding the garden, including its entrance and the walls, is generally open for public access year-round. While the interior of the garden will be closed off for the season, you can certainly walk around the perimeter of the property and take in the views of the architecture and gates. It's a lovely spot for some peaceful off-season photos, especially with the gates closed, which can create a dramatic and serene scene.

Walking Around the Perimeter: You can walk along the paths outside the garden wall and capture photos of the gates, the hedges, and the surrounding landscape. The landscape may not be in full bloom yet, but you can still enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.
Nearby Views: If you’re planning to visit other parts of the area, nearby Bar Harbor has some beautiful scenic spots, such as the Shore Path or Cadillac Mountain, where you can also enjoy coastal views and great photo opportunities.
Best Time for Photos: If you want to get some nice shots, consider visiting early in the morning or closer to sunset, when the light is softer, and the surrounding scenery is more picturesque.

Overall, while the garden itself may not be open for tours in April, you can still enjoy the beauty of the area around it and get some lovely photos of the gates and surrounding nature. Make sure to check the local visitor information for any specific restrictions or updates closer to your visit.