Have you noticed? Birds are building their nests, bunnies are…doing what bunnies do…, and flowers are starting to bloom across our fair state. After all those hours indoors over the winter, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the renewal that Spring brings. Here are a few local beauty spots where you can stroll and see what’s blooming.
1. CENTENNIAL PARK, NASHVILLE
Image: Centennial Park Conservancy
One of Nashville’s premier parks, Centennial Park features 132 acres of things to see and do, including a beautiful sunken garden, a one-mile walking trail, the Parthenon, and more. While you’re there, check out “If Trees Could Sing,” 18 videos of Nashville music artists talking (and sometimes singing) about trees. Look for the tree signs with QR codes and scan them to hear tree stories. Read more about the If Trees Could Sing project.
2. CHEEKWOOD ESTATE & GARDENS
Image: Cheekwood Gardens
A three-time USA Today Top 10 Botanical Garden, any search of garden + middle Tennessee results in multiple hits for Cheekwood. It’s no wonder, given how many beautiful gardens are included in this one space! If you’d like to bring a little Cheekwood to your garden, check out their native plant sale on April 15 (tickets required). Or bring your little ones for a bunny hunt during The Great Spring Art Hop (April 7-8) when bunnies are hidden throughout the gardens.
3. NASHVILLE MUSIC GARDEN
Image: Nashville Music Garden Facebook
It doesn’t get much more Nashville than this! Nestled between 4th and 5th avenues in front of the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Nashville Music Garden features roses with a music theme. According to the Nashville Rose Society, the roses are all named for country music performers or country music songs. Will your favorites look as good in bloom as they sound? Go find out!
4. GARDEN CONSERVATORY AT GAYLORD OPRYLAND
Image: Gaylord Opryland
April showers are a thing, y’all, but that doesn’t mean you have to get wet, even on a rainy day. The Gaylord Opryland has three atriums under a glass ceiling, filled with fruit trees and thousands of tropical plants. There are even waterfalls and a river (complete with fish), which you can enjoy from your seat on the riverboat tour. Kept at a constant temperature of 71 degrees, this is the perfect destination on those days when Spring doesn’t feel very spring-like.
5. SHELBY BOTTOMS
Image: Friends of Shelby Park
Home to several gardens, beehives and a children’s Nature Play area, the Shelby Bottoms Nature Center is a place to learn about Nashville’s natural and urban ecology. It’s a perfect place for a walk; there are approximately five miles of paved ADA accessible trails and 5 miles of primitive trails that take you through the wetlands and forest of the Shelby Bottoms Natural Area. Admission is free. Learn more.
6. YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Image: Francine Sreca, Pixabay
Sure, you can drive to a garden but maybe all you need to do is step outside your own front door. Go for a nature walk around your neighborhood and see what signs of spring are popping up in your area. You may even meet a neighbor or pick up landscaping ideas for your yard.
However you decide to celebrate Spring, we hope yours is a happy one!
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