Serenity, sweet blooms, and simple pleasures all await at Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles.

Special Projects Manager Jan Ferris describes the area she's poured her heart and soul into. "There's a lot of natural areas at Fernwood where people come for peace and quiet, beautiful gardens. There's lots of nature trails for people to walk on."

Fernwood offers a peaceful escape from the buzz and bustle of daily life, with 105 acres of lush greens, trees bending with the weight of fruit and fragrant flowers, and artwork hiding behind every bend in the grounds paths.

Many describe it as majestic. Some even choose to celebrate the most important moments of their life, such as weddings, there.

And set back into the grounds, behind a path of tall grasses, is an area that's nothing short of a child's wonderland.

The Railway Garden was installed three years ago. Motorized trains weave in and out of elaborately designed tracks.

It's an area young Ray Perkins says he always looks forward to visiting. "I've been coming here a lot lately. I mean like twice a month," Perkins explained with a smile.

Fernwood is a place old and young come to connect with nature and ultimately, with each other.

Fernwood will also be expanding the Railway Garden soon by adding more areas for children.

For more information including hours and admission, click on the Big Red Bar.