As a Nashville native, I have had years to experience the beautiful blooms Nashville has to offer come springtime. The following is a list I find either most showstopping or exciting for a unique reason. Be sure to check out these spots while the spring flowers still grow in abundance!
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Likely the most iconic location to see the city’s best flowers is none other than Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. Each year there is a curated spring exhibit, and this year’s “Cheekwood in Bloom” is definitely worth a visit. The theme “Red, White & Blooms” honors America’s 250th anniversary with “a spectacular sea of 250,000 red and white tulips, purple-blue violas and hyacinths.” Be sure to check the calendar to see Vanderbilt’s very own Blair School of Music play live jazz on select weekends. Cheekwood is the place to see the best flowers Nashville has to offer while enjoying live music and local food trucks.
Centennial Park
Just across from the Vanderbilt Bookstore, Centennial Park offers more than just the Parthenon. Spring flowers bloom along the walking paths and toward the back by the ponds. Especially early in the spring, cherry blossoms are one of the more abundant varieties. Perfect for taking a walk or run, Centennial Park is the location to go if you want to experience some blooms in close proximity to campus.
Radnor Lake
For more avid hikers, walkers or simply nature fans, Radnor Lake offers a peaceful walking trail around a beautiful lake. This Nashville spot is improved by its wildflowers throughout the spring. As a Tennessee State Park, it even offers a spring wildflower scavenger hunt to help identify the 14 wildflower varieties in the park. By downloading a free app, you can not only identify the plant but also help the Tennessee State Parks track them. Some lucky participants will even have their observations deemed research-grade.
Fort Negley
Fort Negley is a historic Nashville battleground dating back to the Civil War. If history isn’t your thing, but you still want to visit, spring is the perfect time to see another unique offering of the fort. Each year mustard plants bloom in large fields on the property. For their bright yellow color, these flowers are nicknamed “Music City gold.” Besides just visiting these beautiful flowers, Fort Negley offers a day of volunteering called Park Day to collect all the mustard plant seeds. Whether sightseeing or getting in some extra volunteering hours, the Fort is a great place to see some unique blooms.
Vanderbilt campus
Last, but certainly not least, is Vanderbilt’s campus. As an arboretum, the campus is already home to many plant species. In the spring, the diversity continues with tulips, daffodils and cherry blossoms. For those looking to experience the magic of spring without the hassle of leaving campus, a quick stroll will more than suffice. Cherry blossoms are visible near the entrance of E. Bronson Ingram College, and tulips fill the space near the Vanderbilt sign behind Kissam Center. Even just staying on campus, you can experience the beautiful flowers.
During the spring, Nashville is full of the most magnificent blooms. Whether close to campus or a little drive away, the offerings are abundant, just like the flowers.
