Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is known as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Nashville, and every spring the grounds show their true colors - literally. Check out a trip to Cheekwood during the ever-beautiful spring season, and you may never leave.
Cheekwood brings in over 150,000 tulips every spring to plant in their beautiful, expansive gardens.
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The Bradford Robertson Color Garden is home to one of the most impressive displays, featuring arches covered in flowering vines and a plethora of floral colors.
The Robinson Family Water Garden is where most of the seasonal flowers are planted. Walking along the ponds in spring, when the tulips are in bloom will make you feel like you've been swept away to the lowlands of the Netherlands!
While the tulips are a big draw, the gardens feature countless other floral favorites, including snowdrops, daffodils, magnolias, dogwoods, and redbuds.
Cheekwood's annual "Cheekwood in Bloom" event lasts from late March to late April and features activities, music, and tours on the weekends. This is the perfect chance to take the family out and enjoy the warmer weather in a beautiful place!
Normally, admission to the gardens is $20, but keep in mind that parking is an additional $5. But, May 12th, 2017 is National Public Gardens Day, and Cheekwood is offering free admission that day!
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The gardens open at 9 am, but the crowds start coming fast. To beat the heat and the crowds, plan on getting there early. Parking is limited near the entrance, and you can end up having to park further down the road when it's busy.
Tennessee definitely doesn't rank on the same plane as New England when it comes to fall foliage, but we still know how to make our hills and valleys explode with color come autumn! The south tends to stay warmer than most other areas in the United States, but we still know how to appreciate fall and get the most out of our fleeting time. These seven spots are fabulous places for fall foliage in Nashville, and we think you'll fall in love with each and every one of them.
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1. Warner Parks
Percy and Edwin Warner Parks are well known and easily traversed amongst locals in middle Tennessee, and are known as two of the major public parks in the state. They also operate as a nature sanctuary, so you'll see all sorts of wildlife while ogling the trees this fall in Nashville.
2. Long Hunter State Park
Long Hunter State Park is one of the more popular state parks in the middle Tennessee area, and it's made up of almost 3,000 acres of gorgeous forested land. If you can imagine, those trees GLOW come autumn.
3. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
Located right outside of downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is the best "urban" park of sorts for you to experience stunning autumn colors. It's great for a picnic or a quick meal at the Farmers' Market, and the wide open spaces are fun for kids to run around.
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4. Harpeth River State Park
Harpeth River State Park is known for its fantastic foray into riverfront water sports, and its location between both Cheatham and Davidson Counties makes it easy for folks to hike the historic trails that crisscross the park. This is a great place to visit in Nashville in fall.
5. Montgomery Bell State Park
Located in Burns, Tennessee, Montgomery Bell State Park is almost 4,000 acres and it makes for an incredible hiking and fall foliage experience. Hiking here is one of the best things to do near Nashville in fall.
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6. Peeler Park
Located just outside of Nashville in Madison, Peeler Park is a fantastic spot for hiking and waterfront views. The Cumberland River snakes through it, and there's even a boat ramp if you're looking to really indulge.
7. Radnor Lake
Radnor Lake is tucked away in south Nashville and is one of the best spots to find lush fall foliage just outside of the city. You can walk the Lake Loop or go trail running, and the nature center is a great spot for kids.
Where do like to see fall foliage in Nashville? Let us know! And if you plan on hiking near Nashville in the fall, download the AllTrails+ app to guide you on the trails!
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You can continue to explore the stunning beauty of our state with a visit to this gorgeous waterfall in Tennessee - it's seriously so incredible!
Did you know there was a Sunken Garden in Nashville hidden away in the most popular park in the city? Centennial Park is one of the most oft-visited parks in the city of Nashville and for good reason. It's historically relevant, beautifully designed for families and singles, and the perfect place to enjoy everything from Musicians in the Park events to your own picnics on the expansive lawn. This is also the park that houses the famous replica of the Parthenon, so if you are familiar with the area you know its unparalleled beauty. Most folks don't know about the Sunken Garden, however, it is tucked away from the main thoroughfare and a perfect addition to the city's most popular park.
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Looking at Sunken Garden in Nashville pictures don't even do it justice. This garden is stunningly beautiful and located right in the heart of Music City. Guests will be blown away by the Parthenon but there is still more than just this gorgeous replica.
Centennial Park is an urban park located just outside of Nashville, Tennessee's downtown area. The famed Vanderbilt University is right across the street and the bustling Midtown neighborhood is just a hop, skip, and a jump down the road. It's the perfect place to enjoy a walk after a heavy brunch or perhaps study under a large, leafy tree.
The park includes a mile-long multipurpose trail that circles a man-made pond named "Lake Watauga" after its full-sized sibling on the eastern side of the state. Which if you happen to be in the east then make sure you head out to Watauga Lake, we think it is one of the most scenic lakes in Tennessee. Keep your eyes peeled for the wartime memorabilia, including a portion of the prow from the USS Tennessee and a historic steam locomotive display.
You'll find the Sunken Garden actually just near the train display, off 27th Avenue North. It's a popular spot for meditation, and folks have even gotten engaged amidst its lush expanse. We have a lot of great gardens in Tennessee but we would count this one among some of the greats in our state for its easy accessibility and undeniable beauty.
Cross the darling little bridge to reach the gardens, and you'll feel as if you've stepped right out of a fairy tale. There are events held in the covered space just across 27th Avenue, so make sure you keep your eyes peeled on the Centennial Park community schedule. The bridge was actually built in 1906.
Don't the Sunken Gardens look gorgeous? It's a blink-and-you'll-miss-it kind of place, but one that blooms like crazy come springtime. Beautifully maintained and nourished by grounds staff, Centennial Park is truly hiding a treasure.
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The Sunken Gardens were actually once a pond called Lily Lake, and from 1922 to 1949 it was a Japanese Water Garden that featured an array of aquatic plants. How wild! You can now hold your own events on-site after inquiry.
Have you ever been to the Sunken Gardens in Centennial Park? Do you think you'll pay it a visit the next time you're in the area?
What are your thoughts on the Sunken Garden in Nashville? We think this is the perfect addition to our capital city which allows a stunning greenspace for people to explore. So if you are looking for a simple stroll around the park or a picnic lunch with your family keep in mind this lovely slice of paradise right in the heart of Music City. You can learn more about this place by visiting the Centennial Park website or learn about the upcoming events at Centennial Park.
New to Music City and don't know where to start? Book a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of Nashville which will take you to famous spots like the Parthenon, Ryman Auditorium, and The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.