During our travels as National Park Service Volunteers, we had about a month in Henderson Nevada waiting to travel south to Ajo Arizona to report for volunteer duty. While there we took advantage of seeing as many sights as we could! One enjoyable visit, was the Ethel M Chocolates Botanical Cactus Garden. My husband in particular loved this place, as chocolate is his flavor of choice for anything sweet, dessert or treat inspired! Henderson Nevada, sitting right beside Las Vegas offers a quiet spot to stay while exploring all the Las Vegas area has to offer.
The Ethel M Chocolate Botanical Cactus Gardens
2 Cactus Drive
Henderson Nevada 89104
Tickets: $3.00 (as of this post)
When we visited the gardens about eight years ago, there was no fee. However even then I was surprised, as the gardens are given a great deal of care. This is a three acre botanical garden with many different varieties of cacti, many of which are rare. I am no cactus expert, but it very interesting to see the different cacti during our stroll over the grounds. And the flowering cactus are beautiful. This botanical garden experience was the introduction to the beauty of the desert ecology that I would be a part of for the next few months as a volunteer.
In addition the gardens have different lighted displays along the path for the holidays. We just happened to be in Henderson in December so were treated to the Christmas display. However current information states they also have a Valentine's Day display. We actually visited twice, once during the day which these photos show. As well as one evening to take in the Christmas light show. Unfortunately I did not get photos from our second visit.
The chocolate factory is also fun to visit! And oh yes, it does smell like heaven as you walk around visiting! The wall of chocolate while not real, was quite realistic! But all the other chocolate on display, offered for sale and being processed is! And my husband's favorite for the photo above. As you proceed through the chocolate factory there are products to purchase if desired. If you live local or are passing through, I hope you give this lovely tribute to Ethel M, a visit!
Thank
you so much for dropping by Blue Collar Travel Adventures! We hope to
see you often, and if you have any questions, feel free to drop us a
line.
PS:
You may also know us through Scratch Made Food! & DIY Homemade Household, because when we are not
out traveling, we live on our shared homestead property in rural East Texas.
Cooking from scratch, planting a garden, tending to the chickens and enjoying
life, while we plan the next adventure!
What a fun place! I have a friend who lives in that area, so the next time I'm there we'll have to stop in. Visiting from the Talking About it Tuesday link party.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I hope you can take the tour next time you visit the area.
DeleteWhat a cool place to visit! I love Arizona and had never heard of this place. What a neat experience to volunteer at different National Parks!
ReplyDeletewww.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
MIrielle, volunteering offered so many benefits. Seeing this wonderful country, meeting new folks. being of service and of course being able to find out of the way places to visit like this cactus garden. I hope the next time you are close, you get the opportunity to stop by.
DeleteI remember hearing about this place. We were supposed to stop there on our Hoover Dam tour... but I can't remember why we didn't.I think the timing was off or something like that as only my husband and I had signed up to the take the tour that day so the bus didn't have to stop at any other hotels on the strip. We basically had our own private tour and the guide offered to take us to a few other places instead and give us more time at the dam.
ReplyDeleteJoanne, we also went to Hoover Dam, it was especially interesting as the railroad rails were used to build the boarder fence at the park we later volunteered at in Ajo AZ.
DeleteWow. What a beautiful botanical garden, but I doubt I'll ever go there. Cactus are my least favorite plants, but chocolate is my favorite treat. Thanks for sharing at TFT#782. I'm there too. Happy Thurs. and be well. Nancy Andres @ Colors 4 Health.
ReplyDeleteThe year we visited Ethel M Chocolates was my first time ever in a desert. I found it so much more beautiful than I ever thought a desert could be. There had been a large rainfall earlier that year and all the cactus were in bloom. Thanks so much for dropping by, I appreciate it.
DeleteBeautiful cactus plants; love the mother-in-law's seat (barrel cactus)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing at SSPS #433! Your support means so much, and I’m so happy to have you as part of our SSPS family!
Esme, we really enjoyed visiting Ethel M Chocolates. I am glad you enjoyed this post!
DeleteDear friend, back again, to say you're one of my features on Monday
ReplyDeleteEsme, thanks so much!
DeleteHow fun that must have been. Love the chocolate display and those amazing botanical garden photos. I am happy to feature your post at Love Your Creativity.
ReplyDelete