The Most Beautiful Gardens in Nashville

Back in the 1880s, Christopher Cheek ran a Nashville-based grocery business that was hugely successful; the enterprise was all in the family, and its offshoots – such as Maxwell House coffee founded by his cousin – eventually formed a lucrative conglomerate, which sold for millions a few generations later in 1928. After the sale, Christopher Cheek’s son Leslie purchased 100 acres (40ha) in West Nashville to erect a grand country estate. The colonial-revival mansion, a Georgian-style limestone home with formal gardens, was completed in 1932. Today, the estate is open to the public, attracting around a quarter of a million visitors annually. The big attraction is the garden, with iridescent crepe myrtle blossoms, big round boxwoods, rows of perky daffodils and Southern natives such as redbud shrubs and purple trilliums. Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

While its residents spent most of the year on their Louisiana plantation, their antebellum mega-home – totaling 36 rooms, comprising 19,000 square feet (1,765 sq. m.) – spared no expense for their summer residence. Inspired by Italian villas, the Acklen clan mansion included extensive gardens, an aviary – even a zoo. When constructed in the 19th century, the mansion was a bit off the beaten path. Today, however, as Nashville has developed, the grounds sit right on the city’s outskirts. So it’s a great escape near town. Saunter through this historically preserved locale to take a gander at the many flowers, gazebos and sculptures along its footpaths. Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

The work of the Nashville Tree Foundation isn’t in one place – since 1986, the organization has planted more than 10,000 trees across 26 designated arboretum sites throughout Davidson County. They focus on planting fully developed native and heirloom species to flourish for many generations to come. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso

This arboretum (a botanical collection made exclusively of trees) includes 360 trees spanning 152 species. Tours of these gardens, led by the owners, Randy Allen and wife Carolyn Martin Allen, are free. The site is notable for its extensive varieties of bamboo, and for its popularity among local wildlife – including mink, deer, muskrats and raccoons. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso