Segway Tours Glide Along

At the North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum boasts colorful and fragrant floral beds, now viewable by Segway.*

By Thomas R. and Deborah A. Fletcher

The quickest way to gain an overview of the 434-acre North Carolina Arboretum is on a recently introduced Segway Personal Transporter tour. The Segway is a two-wheeled, electronically powered, form of transportation that quickly and quietly glides visitors through the gardens. It's also environmentally friendly, according to the arboretum.

The three-hour Segway program includes a 45-minute training session on the operation of the human transporter. The model used in the program is the fat-tire XT model, which has been designed for use on steep or rough terrain.

Visitors who take a Segway tour must be at least 14 years old. They must also weigh between 80 and 250 pounds. Those under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

“A Glide through Nature” tours start at $45. That fee is in addition to $6 for parking. There is no charge to enter the Arboretum itself. Tours must be booked and prepaid. Call 828-665-2493 for more information or to book a tour.

The North Carolina Arboretum is located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way, Asheville, NC. Contact 828-665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org.

Thomas R. & Deborah A. Fletcher are travel writers concentrating on culture, cuisine, and adventure. A professional photographer as well, Thomas is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. The couple has contributed articles to AAA Going Places, BBC Wildlife, Caribbean Travel & Life, the Charleston Gazette-Mail, Country Discoveries Magazine, Home & Away, Islands, Latitudes, the Roanoke Times, Sierra Magazine, Spa Magazine, Town & Country Travel and Travel & Leisure, to name just a few publications.

*Photo is owned, copyrighted and used with permission of the North Carolina Arboretum. All rights reserved. Please do not link to nor copy this photo. Thank you.