As one of the country’s most historic cities, Nashville, Tennessee, has no shortage of sites to visit, including the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Art Museum. Originally owned by Leslie and Mabel Cheek, the 1930s-era house has 36 rooms, a hidden staircase, and a library. In 1960, the property was converted into a botanical garden and art museum and opened to the public, allowing guests to stroll through 12 magnificent gardens, peruse both traveling and permanent art collections, and attend seasonal festivities. To help you narrow down your list of things to do, download our free Nashville Travel Guide and learn about all the city has to offer!
3 Reasons You Need to Visit Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
The Gardens
Both the Georgian-style mansion and elaborate gardens were designed by acclaimed New York architect Bryant Fleming in 1928. With 12 gardens spread over 55 sprawling acres of land, you could spend the entire day just walking the grounds. Start off in one of visitors’ favorite areas, the Howe Garden. It’s a cutting-edge rain garden with a quaint toolhouse. Then, stroll through the Sigourney Cheek Literary Garden complete with a small amphitheater built for intimate poetry and book readings. Witness bright blooms in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden or learn about a variety of herbs in the Herb Study Garden. And of course, be sure to visit the four-part Shomu-en Japanese Garden with a crooked path called the roji, a dark bamboo forest, and beautiful maple trees.
The Art Collection
With frequent visiting exhibits, the art collection at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens never gets old. The classic estate has been converted into an art gallery with paintings, prints, and more! Among the permanent collection you’ll find pieces by famous artists Andy Warhol and Robert Rauschenberg, and rotating exhibits keep the gallery fresh. Check the schedule to see current and upcoming exhibits.
After perusing work inside the mansion, tour the one-mile Carell Woodland Sculpture Trail through the forest with unique, contemporary pieces, including a site-specific installation by Sophie Ryder.
Seasonal Festivities
Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is fun to visit year-round with festivals and events for each change of the seasons.
Winter: During the winter, visit the gardens to witness an enchanting display of more than one million lights! Other holiday activities include photos with Santa, cookie decorating, a concert series, and a fire pit.
Spring: Celebrate the beginning of spring from mid-March through April during Cheekwood in Bloom, when more than 100,000 tulips paint a colorful scene across the grounds!
Summer: Throughout the summer enjoy activities including everything from scavenger hunts and treehouse climbing to nighttime garden strolls. Every week in June, July, and August, you can drop by Thursday Night Out! With food trucks galore, live music, and kid-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone!
Fall: Throw on a flannel and get in the fall spirit during Cheekwood Harvest from September through October with a pumpkin patch, festive beer garden, a scarecrow collection, and even a Halloween Pooch Parade! Don’t forget to check out the gardens this time of year when more than 5,000 autumn-hued chrysanthemums are planted.
Stay Close to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
Ready to explore the grounds of Cheekwood Botanical Gardens? Book a Playlist Properties vacation rental nearby for quick, easy access! With properties both in and just outside of downtown Nashville, you’re sure to find the perfect home-away-from-home. All of our properties include chic, modern decor and are equipped to accommodate both small and large groups. Choose from properties with a hot tub and rooftop views, or select a rental right on Music Row.