The annual Niles Wildflower and Arts Festival in Historic Downtown Niles finds the Niles downtown will be awash with color, music, activities, and excitement and features an Open Garden Tour taking place throughout the neighborhood. Local students from elementary school to high school age design and paint dozens of banners to adorn the streetlights of Niles Boulevard. Pick your favorite banner, because a silent auction will be held during the day and you’ll have a chance to take one home. Each year there is a variety of lively shows at center stage including local folk musicians, children’s dance groups, and other diversions for the whole family. An array of local artisans always display their work. The Master Gardner’s club will be on hand to diagnose your faulty foliage. Just bring in a few sick leaves and they’ll give you some ideas for improving their health. And you can improve your own health by visiting our Taste of Niles booth to sample some delicious food and beverages as prepared by local restaurants. As part of the Wildflower and Arts Festival, visitors may purchase a ticket to tour beautiful Niles Gardens. It’s your chance to view some of the gardens that perhaps you've been curious to get a glimpse of. Included is the historical Belvoir Springs Hotel. This residential hotel dating from 1884 has been restored and has 11 fully furnished rooms. It is nestled in a garden setting on 21 areas of unspoiled hillside land. Tour the hotel as well as the grounds. It is said that Charlie Chaplin hung out there and perhaps even shot some scenes for his movies there; the Belvoir is a must to see. The Thai Temple will also be on the tour. This is such a beautiful, tranquil place to visit. The Monks are proud of the gardens and the temple. A lot of love has been put forth to make it a special sanctuary. You’ll also find many different styles of gardens on tour including traditional gardens and those in the charming Old English style. Beautiful Niles flowers, roses, Koi ponds and vegetable gardens also await. Come enjoy a festival with fresh ideas at every turn. | 
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