Cheekwood Botanical Gardens

[Unregistered]

We're visiting in November and thinking of going to the Cheekwood Botanical Gardens while in town. Few questions - how far is it from downtown and is a good place for kids (between 10 - 15)? I've read it's a great place to take photos and I'd love to get some family, fun pix - maybe even for our Christmas card this year. Any thoughts on this?

[Unregistered]

They do offer kids activities so when you know when you're going, see what's going on that day (although might be geared toward much younger children), if you're going around the holiday time, the mansion is beautifully decorated and definitely have many photo ops. Also, you can have lunch there or even bring your own - bring a blanket and have lunch outside.

[Ginger]

Right now they have scarecrows all over the gardens for fall. There is the museum of art - so not sure if that interests your kids or not. Nice collection which is all American artwork. On Saturdays, there is an activity planned every week from 10am - noon - but it's for ages 6 and up, so might be too young for your 15yo. The gardens are beautiful all year round - there's a Japanese garden, wild flower garden, dogwood garden, all season gardens...etc. If you will be in town for the Christmas holidays, the mansion will be decorated to the nines!

Cheekwood Botanical Gardens is a few miles from downtown Nashville. Maybe a 15 minute drive. It's pretty easy to get there - just follow these simple directions: Get on Broadway and head west (you'll be traveling AWAY from the river). Broadway becomes West End and then turns into Harding Road. You will want to be on the look out for Belle Meade Blvd - there are two bronze horse statues in the median - which is your landmark to Belle Meade Blvd. Also, before you get to Belle Meade Blvd - you'll pass St. Thomas hospital on your right. Take a left onto Bellle Meade Blvd. and go to the stop sign - this street is Page Road (note: do NOT continue straight into the park - that is not Cheekwood!!) Take a right on Page Rd. and your very first street (which comes up very quickly) is Forrest Park. Take a left on Forrest Park and you will see Cheekwood Botanical Gardens. Enjoy your visit!