Autumn at the Arboretum

Fall is my favorite time of the year. I love the change of colors, the cool air -- especially after a long, hot North Texas summer. But I really love the beautiful fall flowers like mums, pansies and flowering kale.

If you love fall and all the vibrant colors, then you'll love the Dallas Arboretum. Autumn at the Arboretum is a beautiful transition of the garden from bright spring colors to radiant fall colors. In 2012, it runs from September 22 - November 21. It's definitely the most beautiful fall garden in Dallas.

Kicking off this year's fall festival is the enchanting nationally-acclaimed Pumpkin Village. Tour through four themed topiary houses all constructed of pumpkins, gourds and squash in the theme of Cinderella’s Ballroom, Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother’s tiny house, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Dr. Pompo’s Nose. Each house is decorated with about 1,200 pumpkins and gourds of every color and shape imaginable. They really are quite unique and the fall colors make a wonderful background for photos. My personal favorite is Dr. Pompo's Nose!

The 66-acre garden is filled with more than 40,000 decorative pumpkins and gourds and over 150,000 colorful fall plants and flowers including chrysanthemums, salvia, coleus, ornamental grasses and impatiens. Remind the kids to bring their Halloween costumes and snap some family photos. You can even let the kids pick out their own pumpkin. Thousands of pumpkins are on sale in all sizes, shapes, colors and costs. So pick a pumpkin, grab a gourd or secure a squash.

Discount tickets to Autumn at the Arboretum are available at all local Tom Thumb stores.

The Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is located at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. 214-515-6500. The Arboretum is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

General Admission for 2012 is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors 65 and older, $9 for children 3-12, and free for Arboretum members and children two and under. Parking is $7. The Arboretum is wheelchair accessible and tram service is available for the mobility impaired. Group discounts are available with advance registration.

An elaborate art exhibition by Dale Chihuly is on display currently at the Dallas Arboretum. It's a collection of beautiful glass sculptures made even more vibrant and fascinating when viewed at night.

Attendance has been incredible for Chihuly Nights -- with most selling out weeks in advance. The good news is that it was just extended to run through the end of 2012. In November and December, enjoy the special Chihuly Nights when the garden is open to the public Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. and every night from Wednesday, December 26 - Sunday, December 30 excluding November 21 and December 24. Separate admission is required for Chihuly Nights at $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and $10 children ages 12 - 3. Advanced tickets are required for all evening events and available exclusively online.

Now that the weather's cooled off, you can once again enjoy the great outdoors. The Arboretum is the perfect place to enjoy fall in Dallas and beautiful White Rock Lake. Plan the picnic that you wanted to go on all summer long but it was too hot. Pack a picnic basket full of snacks, a blanket, a bottle of wine and enjoy Autumn at the Arboretum. This is one place where it's OK to BYOB. Beer and alcohol is allowed (even glass bottles). You don't have to sneak it in! But you cannot bring chairs, pets, candles and barbecue grills.

The Dallas Arboretum is located at 8525 Garland Road, Dallas, TX 75218. 214-515-6500.