Cheekwood Gardens – A Center of History, Art, and Natural Beauty in Nashville
Cheekwood Gardens is one of Nashvilleโs most iconic spots. This massive estate and gardens is rich with history, art, and of course, its beautiful gardens. Long known as one of the most beautiful spots in all of the Southeast, Cheekwood Gardens stands as a monument to the natural beauty of nature and the beauty that humans can create using imagination and heart.
On my recent visit to Nashville, I made it a point to explore Cheekwood Gardens, and it was a memorable experience, indeed. The Cheekwood Harvest was happening.
Chihuly at Cheekwood
But, being able to witness the works of Dave Chihuly in person, and after dark was a must-do.
Fall is such a perfect time to explore Cheekwood Gardens. As the sun goes down, you might get that little nip in the air and you know itโs fall. And all the fall decor. Thousands of pumpkins everywhere, and most are for sale.
For admission requirements, including making a reservation for Cheekwood Harvest, visit here โ CHEEKWOOD GARDENS HARVEST
A Brief History of Cheekwood Gardens
Cheekwood began in 1896, when Leslie Cheek and Mabel Wood married in Clarksville, Tennessee. After marrying, the couple settled in Nashville, where Leslie worked at his familyโs company, C.T. Cheek & Sons, the largest wholesale grocery distribution conglomerate in the Southeast at the time.
Later, the Cheek family created one of the nationโs most well-known coffees, Maxwell House. Its huge success launched the local business to nationwide production. In 1928, the Postum Company purchased the Cheek-Neal Coffee Company for $45 million, quickly expanding both Leslieโs fortune and his plans for Cheekwood.
IN 1932, the Cheeks moved into Cheekwood. After its construction was completed, the propertyโs lavish mansion served as a social hub, where huge, headline-worthy parties were held regularly. Over time, the property became one of the most famous place in the region.
In 1957, Huldah and Walter Sharp, grandchildren of the Cheeks who had been left the property as inheritance, offered the property to the public as a public garden and fine arts center. Over the years, the property has come to be what we now know as the modern-day Cheekwood Gardens experience.
Things to See at Cheekwood
Cheekwood is equal parts history, fine art, and natural beauty. The mansion itself is rich with the history of the family and the region, while the surrounding grounds are exploding with gorgeous flora of the area, offering blooms and greenery that canโt be matched. In addition to these, Cheekwood Gardens is also home to some of the best art exhibits in the region, showcasing a variety of artistic works for the public to enjoy.
Chihuly at Cheekwood
On my trip, I made sure to visit one of their most intriguing exhibits currently offered, the Chihuly exhibit. Iโve always loved his work, and the exhibit combines beautiful art pieces along with telling the story of Chihuly, his, art, and his vision. Itโs an immersive experience that anyone should see if theyโre in the area.
We arrived just a little before the sun was going down, so several was witnesses as they were lit up. It appears the lights are inside the exhibits, but they are actually lit by spot lights. Just breathtaking.
And remember, these are all glass. I even wondered about the logistics of being able to ship and set up these magnificent pieces, without breaking.
One of my favorite photos, it is almost like a flame coming from the trees just before sunset.
Just a few more shots to tease you
Chiluly at Night will be open through January 10, 2021. So if you miss Harvest Time, go for a double dose of lights during Holiday Lights, beginning November 10 and running through January 10 as well.
A Holiday Tradition at Cheekwood
Cheekwood also has a famous Christmas lights display that attracts visitors from far and wide along with locals. The holidays at Cheekwood Gardens feature over one million lights, the Reindeer Village, Childrenโs Wonderland, Dancing Lights of Trains, Nutcrackers in the Mansion, Holiday Workshops, and more. This year, theyโre combining their beautiful Christmas lights with Chihuly installations. Chihuly Nights Meets Holiday LIghts features 13 outdoor art installations lit up alongside the beautiful Christmas lights that Cheekwood is famous for.
Thereโs so many other opportunities, many you need a ticket or register for. CHEEKWOOD GARDENS CALENDAR
Make Cheekwood Gardens a Stop
on Your Next Trip to Nashville
Cheekwood Gardens is so full of history, natural beauty, and beautiful artworks. Anyone visiting the area should be sure they visit this iconic spot in Nashville and take in all it has to offer. From gorgeous grounds to the magnificent mansion and so much more, Cheekwood Gardens is a must-see for anyone.
Watch soon about a few more things around Nashville โ my stay at Margaritaville Hotel, Country Music Hall of Fame, and the murals of Nashville.
And finally a road trip โ 10 days in Virginia. Coming soon.
I hope you enjoy my travel journeys. Hereโs just a sample.
Visit Laurel and Jones County Mississippi
Dollywood โ Luminights and Harvest Festival
Medal of Honor Museum in Chattanooga
Cheekwood Gardens is one of Nashvilleโs most iconic spots. This massive estate and gardens is rich with history, art, and of course, its beautiful gardens. Long known as one of the most beautiful spots in all of the Southeast, Cheekwood Gardens stands as a monument to the natural beauty of nature and the beauty that humans can create using imagination and heart.
On my recent visit to Nashville, I made it a point to explore Cheekwood Gardens, and it was a memorable experience, indeed.
Fall is such a perfect time to explore Cheekwood Gardens. As the sun goes down, you might get that little nip in the air and you know itโs fall. And all the fall decor.
A Brief History of Cheekwood Gardens
Cheekwood began in 1896, when Leslie Cheek and Mabel Wood married in Clarksville, Tennessee. After marrying, the couple settled in Nashville, where Leslie worked at his familyโs company, C.T. Cheek & Sons, the largest wholesale grocery distribution conglomerate in the Southeast at the time.
Later, the Cheek family created one of the nationโs most well-known coffees, Maxwell House. Its huge success launched the local business to nationwide production. In 1928, the Postum Company purchased the Cheek-Neal Coffee Company for $45 million, quickly expanding both Leslieโs fortune and his plans for Cheekwood.
IN 1932, the Cheeks moved into Cheekwood. After its construction was completed, the propertyโs lavish mansion served as a social hub, where huge, headline-worthy parties were held regularly. Over time, the property became one of the most famous place in the region.
In 1957, Huldah and Walter Sharp, grandchildren of the Cheeks who had been left the property as inheritance, offered the property to the public as a public garden and fine arts center. Over the years, the property has come to be what we now know as the modern-day Cheekwood Gardens experience.
Things to See at Cheekwood
Cheekwood is equal parts history, fine art, and natural beauty. The mansion itself is rich with the history of the family and the region, while the surrounding grounds are exploding with gorgeous flora of the area, offering blooms and greenery that canโt be matched. In addition to these, Cheekwood Gardens is also home to some of the best art exhibits in the region, showcasing a variety of artistic works for the public to enjoy.
On my trip, I made sure to visit one of their most intriguing exhibits currently offered, the Chihuly exhibit. Iโve always loved his work, and the exhibit combines beautiful art pieces along with telling the story of Chihuly, his, art, and his vision. Itโs an immersive experience that anyone should see if theyโre in the area.
One of my favorite pictures I took,
A Holiday Tradition at Cheekwood
Cheekwood also has a famous Christmas lights display that attracts visitors from far and wide along with locals. The holidays at Cheekwood Gardens feature over one million lights, the Reindeer Village, Childrenโs Wonderland, Dancing Lights of Trains, Nutcrackers in the Mansion, Holiday Workshops, and more. This year, theyโre combining their beautiful Christmas lights with Chihuly installations. Chihuly Nights Meets Holiday LIghts features 13 outdoor art installations lit up alongside the beautiful Christmas lights that Cheekwood is famous for.
Make Cheekwood Gardens a Stop
on Your Next Trip to Nashville
Cheekwood Gardens is so full of history, natural beauty, and beautiful artworks. Anyone visiting the area should be sure they visit this iconic spot in Nashville and take in all it has to offer. From gorgeous grounds to the magnificent mansion and so much more, Cheekwood Gardens is a must-see for anyone.
Another must visit while in Nashville is THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME
I can recommend THE MARGARITAVILLE HOTEL for staying, or even enjoying the rooftop bar.
Iโve included affiliate links to Amazon for you to find some products easier. I may receive a small commission, but the price is the same for you. It just helps my blog out.
Happy Travels,
Rosemary
