Deep in the heart of the enchanted forest lies a magical sanctuary. It is a place of wonder and awe, where nature comes alive and mystical creatures roam freely. The air is filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the gentle rustle of leaves dancing in the wind. **The magical sanctuary** is a haven for both humans and animals alike. Here, they coexist in harmony, respecting and cherishing the beauty that surrounds them. This sanctuary is a refuge from the chaos and responsibilities of daily life, a place where one can reconnect with their inner spirit and find solace in the tranquility of nature.
Meanwhile, the hero’s psychological journey—his sense of himself as a hero, with a heroic destiny before him—stands in for any investigation of what heroism actually entails. It’s telling that some of the most popular “hero” franchises turn on surprise discoveries of parentage or of relationships with one’s children (e.g., the parental sacrifice at the beginning of Harry Potter or the reveal of Luke Skywalker’s paternity). The heroic journey is, at its core, a story of psychological fulfillment. The world may be saved, but the trauma being healed is always personal.
But it is also the promise of our wider politics of aesthetics of the Trump and post-Trump age, in which political will is primarily harnessed via spectacle. This is the narrative promised by online reactionary groups, by heroic narratives like Star Wars, and by games like Bioshock Infinite yet another redemption story where world salvation is subordinate to personal epiphany that of self-actualization as an inherent good.
This sanctuary is a refuge from the chaos and responsibilities of daily life, a place where one can reconnect with their inner spirit and find solace in the tranquility of nature. Within the sanctuary, there are hidden glades and secret clearings, each with its own unique charm and mystery. As you wander through the moss-covered paths, you may stumble upon majestic waterfalls cascading down into crystal-clear pools.
Magic Awaits.
Returning for its ninth season, our annual celebration will feature new walking routes and paths to explore, as well as some new vistas and old friends (hello, Wade the Moose!). With more than 750,000 LED lights woven through 14 acres of central gardens, the Gardens is amplifying the brightest light display in Maine with new designs and sustainability initiatives. Join us to experience illuminated trails, nature-inspired sculptures, themed areas, and swaths of light and undulating effects all conspiring to create an immersive experience.
Need a Jump Start on Holiday Shopping?
Gardenshop online has hundreds of items to peruse and add to your shopping cart.
Our curated collection of items make great gifts for family and friends of all ages, and every purchase in our store is powerful: each sale directly supports our mission to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants and nature.
Live on the Boothbay Peninsula?
Be sure to enter this year’s Gardens Aglow Community Lighting Contest.
If your home or business is located on the Boothbay peninsula in the towns of Edgecomb, Boothbay, East Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor or Southport, and your property is visible from a public roadway, you are eligible to win.
FAQs
Discover the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about Gardens Aglow. Questions specific to members can be found below.
How much do tickets cost?
Admission Rates for 2023 are as follows:
Adult: $19
Senior (65+):$17
Veteran: $17
Child: $10
Family (2 adults/2 children): $48
Member Adult: $15
Member Child: $8
Advance tickets are required. Admission times are 4 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:30 p.m.
How should I prepare for the event?
Gardens Aglow is an outdoor, walking event. Keep in mind that weather conditions vary greatly along the Maine coast in the winter and Gardens Aglow is primarily an outdoor event. Dress in layers and be aware of the risks of snowy and icy weather.
How long is the event?
The G ardens A glow route is approximately 1 mile of beautifully lighted pathways through our central garden areas , and we find that most guests spend between one and a half to two hours at Gardens Aglow . Extend your visit to the region by exploring the Boothbay Region during Boothbay Lights , and seeing the entries in our Community Lighting Contest , where participants have festively lit up their homes and businesses.
You’re sold out online for the time I want to come – can I come anyway?
No; tickets must be purchased in advance, and you will be unable to buy tickets onsite. Non-ticketholders will be turned away.
How many lights do you use?
Gardens Aglow is illuminated by more than 750,000 energy-efficient LED bulbs—that’s roughly 65 miles of lights!
How should I buy tickets?
Tickets will be onsale to the general public on September 25 and should be purchased online or over the phone, 207-633-8000.
When I buy tickets, will they be mailed?
No, they will not be mailed. An email will be sent to the email address you provide when purchasing your ticket, and there will be printable tickets included in that email.
Should I print my tickets?
We recommend printing your tickets and having them in-hand when you arrive. We can also scan your tickets directly from your mobile phone, just ensure that you have the ticket PDF open on your device with the barcodes visible, and turn your screen brightness all the way up.
Are you closed when it rains?
We’re open rain or (moon)shine! If it’s raining, our displays showcase an extra sparkle. As a general rule, we only close during major, unsafe weather events (see the next FAQ).
What if a night of Gardens Aglow is cancelled?
We’ll post on our website and our Facebook page by 1 p.m. on the day of the event if we need to close because of the weather, and it will be on local news closure lists. If you had purchased tickets for a night that we close, we will email you at the email address used during checkout with news of the closure and remind you to contact us for a full refund. Since we do not store your credit card information, you must contact us for your refund or for help rescheduling your visit for an open night of the event. You may also apply the cost of your tickets towards a Gardens membership, or use them as admission during our regular season, April-October.
What if there’s bad weather? / What can I do with my tickets if I can’t come?
Tickets are non-refundable and valid only for their specified time/date. If circumstances prevent you from using your tickets at the date and time planned, you can transfer your reservation to a different time/date for a $5 fee, or apply its cost towards a Gardens membership. You can also use your Gardens Aglow tickets as admission during our regular season, April-October of 2024.
Are you open on holidays?
We are closed on some major holidays, including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Da y . Otherwise, we’re open Thursday-Sunday, plus daily December 26 through 31 .
Can I come early to walk around the Gardens?
No. The Gardens is closed for safety reasons before and after the event. The gate opens at 3:30 p.m., and we close promptly at 9 p.m.
Will food options be available?
There will be some food available along the route. Visit BoothbayLights.com for more information on where to eat in the region.
Where should we go to eat / to stay overnight? What else is there to do in town?
Check out the Boothbay Lights website or Facebook page to see a full listing of what restaurants, hotels and shops are open, as well as what other events are happening around town during the Boothbay Lights celebration.
Will the Gardenshop be open?
Yes! Plus, you can shop online at shop.mainegardens.org. Our online shop has great gifts for loved ones from artisans, local makers, and environmentally-conscious merchants, and every purchase–even online–is powerful: every sale directly supports our mission to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through education, horticulture, and research.
Are Gardens Aglow tickets eligible for resale?
With the exception of approved CMBG affiliates (typically local inns, hotels, or other businesses), resale of Gardens Aglow tickets is not permitted. Please call us (207-633-8000) if you’re interested in hearing more about our affiliate program.
Member FAQ
Do I still have to buy tickets to Gardens Aglow if I’m a member?
Yes, members do need to buy tickets for Gardens Aglow. The Gardens close for the regular season on October 22, and Gardens Aglow is a special ticketed event. Tickets for members are at the special discounted rate of $15 for adults and $8 for children. Members have the special opportunity to buy tickets during the member presale week, ahead of the general public, starting September 18.
How do I access the presale week tickets from September 18?
During presale week, September 18-24, only members can access tickets. Members will need to log in using their member email address to unlock these tickets on our website.
Can I use the guest passes that come with my membership for the event?
No, Gardens Aglow is a special event outside of the Garden’s regular operating hours. Guest passes may not be used for any special events outside of regular hours.
How many member priced tickets can I purchase for Gardens Aglow?
We want you to bring your family and friends to this event! Current members may bring additional guests with them during Gardens Aglow. Members may purchase up to 4 additional adult tickets and unlimited children at the member price. The guests must accompany the member.
Can I lend my membership card to a friend or family member?
No. Memberships are nontransferable and are valid only for the person whose name appears on the card.
Is my member discount in the Gardenshop still valid during Gardens Aglow?
Yes, you will still receive a 10% member discount in Gardenshop during the event.
Sponsor Gardens Aglow 2023:
With more than 120,000 visitors, your partnership not only supports our mission to connect people, plants, and nature, but it can also align with your marketing goals.
To learn more about our sponsorship opportunities for Gardens Aglow 2023, please get in touch with Betsy Hills, Annual Fund & Membership Manager, at [email protected].
The mission of Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is to inspire meaningful connections among people, plants, and nature through horticulture, education, and research.
Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens
105 Botanical Gardens DriveBoothbay, ME 04537
P.O. Box 234
Boothbay, ME 04537
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P.O. Box 234
Boothbay, ME 04537
The sound of water tumbling over rocks is both soothing and invigorating, washing away worries and filling the soul with a sense of peace. **The magical sanctuary** is also home to a myriad of magical creatures, from fairies to unicorns and everything in between. These mystical beings add an element of enchantment that permeates the air. They bring with them a sense of whimsy and joy, reminding all who witness their presence that magic is real and alive. Among the towering trees, ancient oaks stand tall, their branches reaching out like welcoming arms to embrace visitors. Time seems to stand still here, allowing one to pause and reflect on the wonders of the world. The sanctuary is a place where dreams are nurtured and cherished, and where the impossible becomes possible. **The magical sanctuary** is not just a physical place; it is a state of mind. It is a reminder that, no matter how difficult life may seem, there is always a place of refuge where one can find solace and be reminded of the beauty and magic that exists in the world. It serves as a gentle reminder to take a step back from the chaos of everyday life and find joy in the simple pleasures that surround us. As you leave the sanctuary, you carry with you a renewed sense of wonder and awe. The magic of this place stays with you, reminding you to seek out and create moments of enchantment in your own life. For **the magical sanctuary** is not just a physical place; it is a state of being, a reminder that magic is real and lies within each and every one of us..
Reviews for "Capturing the Essence of the Magical Sanctuary: Photography Tips for Nature Lovers"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to read "The Magical Sanctuary" because I love fantasy novels, but I was left disappointed. The plot was confusing, with too many subplots that weren't fully developed. The characters lacked depth and I didn't connect with any of them. The writing style felt flat and uninspiring, making it difficult to engage with the story. Overall, I struggled to finish this book and wouldn't recommend it to others.
2. David - 1 star - "The Magical Sanctuary" was a major letdown for me. The world-building was inconsistent and lacked detail, leaving me feeling lost and uninterested in the magical elements of the story. The pacing was slow, and the plot seemed to drag on without any clear direction. The dialogue was also stilted and unnatural, making it hard to believe in the interactions between characters. I couldn't find any redeeming qualities in this book and would advise others to skip it.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "The Magical Sanctuary" to be a disappointing read. The story lacked originality and felt like a predictable mixture of clichés from other fantasy novels. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development or growth throughout the book. The writing style was also lacking, with repetitive phrases and excessive description of minor details. Overall, this book didn't captivate my attention and failed to deliver a unique or engaging fantasy experience.
4. John - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "The Magical Sanctuary," but it fell short of my expectations. The pacing was inconsistent, with slow periods that made it difficult to stay engaged. The world-building felt superficial, and I never really felt immersed in the magical aspects of the story. The plot twists were also predictable and didn't offer any surprises. While the premise had potential, the execution left much to be desired. I would recommend looking elsewhere for a more captivating fantasy read.
5. Jessica - 1 star - I found "The Magical Sanctuary" to be a complete waste of time. The story lacked coherence and the writing was riddled with grammatical errors and awkward sentence structure. The characters were forgettable and their motivations were unclear. The dialogue was also cringe-worthy, with unnatural conversations that made it difficult to believe in the interactions. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a well-written and enjoyable fantasy novel.