Cheekwood is Easily the Most Colorful Place You’ll Find in Tennessee

There’s a lot to love about Tennessee, but one of my favorite things is that it experiences all four seasons. We are quickly approaching one of my favorite seasons: springtime! The days are already starting to get longer, and before we know it, flowers across the state will be blooming, and the landscape will transform into explosions of color everywhere you look. Be sure to add Cheekwood to your springtime adventures because it’s one of the most colorful places in Tennessee. It’s simply spectacular in the spring. 

Why This Is the Most Colorful Place in Tennessee

Located on the western edge of Nashville, Cheekwood’s 55-acre estate attracts visitors year-round, but especially in the spring. The botanical garden and arboretum showcase an endless range of beautiful blooms throughout its rolling hills. 

From the Wills Perennial Garden to the Bradford Robertson Color Garden, nature lovers of all ages will enjoy strolling through each of Cheekwood’s 13 distinct gardens. Take a meditative journey through the idyllic Japanese Garden, reflect on your thoughts at the serene water garden, and wander underneath the iconic dogwoods… No matter where you end up in Cheekwood, you’ll be mesmerized by Mother Nature’s beauty. 

The Story Behind Cheekwood’s Colorful Look

Cheekwood is more than just a garden. It was formerly the residence of Leslie and Mabel Cheek, who originally built the home in 1929. It was converted into an art museum and botanical garden in 1960. Today, visitors to Cheekwood can choose to explore just the gardens and arboretum, or add the mansion to their itinerary to explore the estate's history and its incredible art collection.

When to Visit for the Best Color and Light

There’s always an upcoming event at Cheekwood to look forward to, and that will give you an idea of when the best time to visit is. March through May is traditionally when flowers will begin to bloom, though if there’s one thing about Mother Nature, it’s that she’s unpredictable. This winter has been all over the place, and it may affect when we can expect peak blooms. 

Cheekwood’s annual Festival of Flowers takes place from March 7, 2026, to April 12, 2026. During this time, expect plenty of events at Cheekwood celebrating the season, from Pi Day to all things Daffodils. See what’s on the horizon and mark your calendars.

The good news is that Cheekwood stays up to date on what's in bloom, and you can follow along either on their website or Facebook page. Stay flexible once springtime gets closer, and you'll be able to visit when everything is in bloom!

Admission to Cheekwood varies depending on whether you plan to visit the gardens or add the estate to your itinerary. Visit the official website for Cheekwood to learn more and stay up to date on what’s in bloom so you can time your visit perfectly. Try using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner to plan your own trip! We’ve got an incredible guide to spring in Tennessee to inspire your seasonal adventures!