Allen Centennial Gardens sits on the corner of Babcock Road and Observatory Drive. Surrounding a Victorian mansion that sits on the National Register of Historic Places, this 2.5 acre Shangri la is one of my favorite Madison attractions. The gardener in me appreciates the 21 individually themed gardens and thousands of different perennials, annuals, shrubs and trees that grace the gardens. I've learned a great deal about incorporating texture, color, sound and focal points into my own garden designs from my many visits to ACS. I also enjoy how the garden is constantly evolving; it changes from day-to-day, month-to-month and year-to-year. I see something new each time I visit.
The non-gardener in me appreciates the peaceful setting where I can meditate with little or no distractions. It also is where my wife and I were married on a perfect September afternoon many years ago. That alone is grounds for a five star rating.