Best and worst places at the Arboretum to take a little break and fan yourself cuz dang, it’s hot -

I was recently SHOCKED to realize that I have never written an entire column about the U of I Arboretum, despite the fact that the Arboretum is indisputably among the top 10 places to hang out in Chambana. Thus I recently visited the Arboretum for a little stroll. However the day I was there it was HOT and HUMID beyond the comprehension of fragile human constitutions. As such, in this column, I’ll be breaking down the best, and worst, places at the Arboretum to take a little break from your walk, sit down, and fan yourself.

First off, let’s run down some of the worst places to stop for a quick fan. Any spot in full direct sunlight is just terrible. For instance you’d have to be a Grade-A nincompoop to pause here on this white hot stone compass.

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is sitting with legs splayed on a slab of concrete in the center of a garden. He is holding a fan and has a water bottle next to him. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

For that matter, there are many benches which are made of stone and also positioned in full sunlight. Note that these will burn your bum, and any other bit of your body you happen to set on them.

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is sitting on a stone bench in a garden, with a water bottle and fan, and his face is scrunched in disgust. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

You’d think having a sit on a nice grassy knoll would be better… and it is… marginally, but this is an arboretum for god’s sake, go find some shade!

In the distance, A man is sitting on a small grassy hill. There are large trees behind him. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

Ahh, that’s much better.

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is standing next to a large tree holding a water bottle. He is resting his hand on the tree and looking up. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

Even though leanin’ isn’t nearly as good as sittin’, it’s still hard to beat taking a break against a friendly old tree. The Arboretum has lots of friendly trees, as you might expect.

The Idea Garden has some of the most whimsical sittin’ spots in the whole Arboretum. Having a seat in the big gazebo is a solid choice. Great views of the Idea Garden, plus it’s big and open enough to catch a breeze (if there is one).

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is standing in the center of a gazebo, holding a water bottle and fanning himself with a small fan. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

If you’re somewhat shorter than me, you might enjoy a respite in the “Children’s Garden.”

Wait, that’s not me.

A small, painted ladybug sits on a wooden beam. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

There we go.

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is sitting on a wooden bench and there are wooden beams overhead. He is surrounded by a garden of flowers. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

Two spots in the Idea Garden I would NOT recommend unless you’re feeling particularly whimsical are the flower cone, and the butterfly bench.

Though the flower cone does provide some shade, it’s actually hotter inside than outside. However, being inside the cone does make you feel like a weird little toad or gnome.

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is crouched under a small canopy of flowers and vines. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

Butterfly bench is in full sunlight (boo) and made of metal (ouch!) but, if you want to be completely surrounded by bees, butterflies and other helpful pollinators, this is the place!

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is sitting on a red metal bench holding a fan and water bottle. He is surrounded by a flower garden with colorful bird houses. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

Ok, just one more exception to the “no full sunlight” rule. The bridge over the ponds is not a great place to rest on a sweltering day.

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is standing on a wooden bridge, facing away from the camera, looking into a pond. Leafy green trees surround the pond. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

But it IS a great place to say hello to some turtles, and that has to count for something.

A close up of two turtles swimming in a shallow pond. Photo by Tom Ackerman. — *Photo by Tom Ackerman.*

I found this other gazebo nestled near the Japan House. Even though I may look extremely comfortable, this bench wasn’t the most ergonomic, and the Japan House actually blocked the breeze. Not ideal!

A man in a white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is sitting on a wooden bench under a wooden gazebo. In the foreground are round green bushes. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

I bet you thought I’d pick the Nick Offerman gazebo as the best sittin’ and fannin’ spot didn’t you? While you’re right it is a lovely spot with a great view of the pond. The bench is simply not great for lounging.

A man in a white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is siting on a sculpted wooden bench under a wooden gazebo fanning himself. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

Similarly, the Oak Grove, and “American Hosta Society National Display Garden” area has tons of places to sit, but they’re not the most comfortable. However, if you absolutely have to get out of the sun, this is the most shaded part of the whole Arboretum. Though that also means the breeze can’t always find you.

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is sitting on a stone bench in the middle of a grove of trees, fanning himself. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts sits on a stone bench sipping from a bottle of water. A planked pathway runs in front of him. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

These benches however, are surprisingly comfortable!

A man in a beige hat, white t-shirt, blue collared shirt, and red shorts is sitting in the shade on a black metal bench on a concrete slab. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

You can find many of them in the “Romweber & Santogrossi Families Linden Allée.” That’s a bit of a mouthful so I usually just call this area “The Allée.” Since I’m cultured, I didn’t have to look it up, but for the benefit of you readers, know that an allée is “an alley in a formal garden or park, bordered by trees or bushes.” The more you know!

Close up of a man in a white t-shirt and blue collared shirt sipping a water bottle and fanning himself. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

So, what’s my #1 favorite spot to stop and fan myself on a real scorcher of a day? As we all well know, the Miles C. Hartley Selections Garden is one of the crown jewels of the Arboretum. There’s benches around the entire perimeter, so some of them are bound to be shaded at any given time. The benches are wooden and large enough for you to spread out.

Oh yeah, now this is what comfort looks like.

And you can’t beat these views!

A view of a man in a beige hat and blue shirt, from behind, sitting on a bench and gazing onto a large grassy area with concrete pathways, lined with trees. Photo by Andrea Black. — *Photo by Andrea Black.*

Anyhow, there are hundreds of other possible sitting/fanning locations I didn’t even mention. I guess my main point is, next time it’s absolutely sweltering, maybe instead of staying inside all day, take a stroll around the Arboretum, get drenched in sweat, and say hello to some turtles. I may look close to death in some of these photos, but really I was having a great time!

(PLEASE REMEMBER TO STAY HYDRATED)

Smile Politely

Smile Politely

Best and worst places at the Arboretum to take a little break and fan yourself cuz dang, it’s hot

Top photo by Andrea Black.

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