Finding Green in Music City
I chase spaces that breathe. Music festivals, art museums, and bustling markets all have their magic, but there’s something profoundly grounding about stepping into a park or garden. Cities can overwhelm; green spaces reset you.
On one of my most memorable visits to Nashville, I carved out time to explore its parks and gardens—not just the famous ones, but also the corners where locals picnic, jog, or simply sit under a tree with a book. The crown jewel for me was, without question, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. But I also ventured into Centennial Park and Shelby Bottoms Greenway, while taking note of three other green escapes worth recommending.
This guide is my full reflection—three I experienced myself in depth, and three more I’d recommend to fellow travelers. I’ll share my honest impressions, from transport logistics to ticket costs, the beauty (and sometimes frustrations) of the experience, and my very human reactions along the way.
Part I: Parks and Gardens I Explored Personally
- Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
• Location: 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205
• Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed Mondays)
• Tickets: Adults $24, Seniors $22, Youth (3–17) $17, Children under 2 free
• Booking: cheekwood.org (advance booking recommended, especially during seasonal events)
My Experience
The first time I drove up the long, winding road toward Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, I felt a shift. The noise of the city melted away, and what stretched out in front of me looked like a scene from an English countryside estate. The 1930s mansion, once the home of the Cheek family (who made their fortune from Maxwell House Coffee), now sits as the centerpiece of this sprawling 55-acre botanical garden and art museum.
What struck me most was how immersive the gardens were. Each section had its own mood: a serene Japanese garden with raked gravel and koi ponds, an explosion of tulips in spring that looked like living brushstrokes, a sculpture trail where bronze and stone figures peeked through the greenery.
I wandered the Ann & Monroe Carell Jr. Family Sculpture Trail first, where art lives in conversation with nature. One massive bronze seed pod sculpture drew me in; I ran my hands along its curves, marveling at how organic it felt. Later, in the Japanese Garden, I sat quietly watching the koi glide through the water, their orange and white scales catching sunlight like lanterns.
Inside the mansion, the Cheekwood Galleries displayed American paintings and decorative arts. I lingered over a Bierstadt landscape—his portrayal of the Rockies had a sweep of grandeur that made me sigh audibly. The fact that such art sits just minutes outside Nashville felt like a secret gift.
Services, Pros & Cons
• Pros:
o Wide variety: gardens, art, history, sculpture, seasonal events
o Family-friendly with tram rides for those who can’t walk long distances
o Seasonal festivals (Holiday LIGHTS, Cheekwood in Bloom) are magical
• Cons:
o Food options are limited—just a café with sandwiches and drinks
o It’s pricier compared to other Nashville green spaces
o Without a car, it’s harder to reach
Getting There
• From BNA Airport: 25–30 minutes by Uber/Lyft ($35–$45)
• From Greyhound Station: Around 25 minutes by car
• Public Transit: Not ideal; buses don’t run directly. Best option is rideshare.
My Personal Takeaway
Walking through Cheekwood felt like slipping into another dimension—somewhere gentler, slower, more beautiful. I lost hours wandering, and for once, I didn’t mind losing time. If I had to rate it, I’d give it a 9.5/10. Only the limited food keeps me from a perfect score.
- Centennial Park
• Location: 2500 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
• Opening Hours: Daily, dawn to 11 p.m.
• Tickets: Free entry
• Booking: No reservation required
My Experience
If Cheekwood is elegance, Centennial Park is Nashville’s heart. This 132-acre park sits right near Vanderbilt University and is home to the city’s most photographed oddity: a full-scale replica of the Parthenon.
The first time I saw it, I laughed out loud. A Greek temple? In Tennessee? But standing before it, with its Doric columns towering over the park, I couldn’t help but admire the ambition. Inside, there’s even a 42-foot golden statue of Athena. (Entry to the museum inside is $10, worth it just for the sheer spectacle.)
But beyond the Parthenon, Centennial is a place where life happens. I walked around Lake Watauga, where ducks skimmed the surface and families spread blankets for picnics. A local jazz band played under the shade of trees, and joggers looped past with the kind of ease that made me wish I had packed running shoes.
I stumbled upon the Sunken Garden, a small formal garden tucked into the park. With its symmetrical hedges and fountains, it felt like a little oasis in the middle of the city.
Services, Pros & Cons
• Pros:
o Free entry
o Central location, easy to access
o Combination of cultural (Parthenon) and recreational activities
• Cons:
o Can get crowded, especially weekends
o Some areas (like bathrooms) could be better maintained
Getting There
• From BNA Airport: 20 minutes by car ($25–$30)
• From Greyhound Station: About 15 minutes by car, or bus route #3 will take you close
My Personal Takeaway
Centennial Park reminded me why parks matter to cities: they’re democratic spaces, where locals and travelers both find joy. My favorite moment? Watching a little girl chase bubbles under the Parthenon’s shadow. For me, it’s a solid 8.5/10.
- Shelby Bottoms Greenway & Nature Park
• Location: 1900 Davidson St, Nashville, TN 37206
• Opening Hours: Daily, dawn to dusk
• Tickets: Free entry
• Booking: No reservation required
My Experience
After days of city exploring, I craved something wilder, and Shelby Bottoms Greenway delivered. This 960-acre park, with 5 miles of paved trails and more unpaved ones, stretches along the Cumberland River.
I rented a bike nearby and pedaled along the smooth trail, passing families, birdwatchers, and runners. The air smelled of damp leaves and river water. At one point, I stopped at an overlook where the river curved, reflecting the blue sky like a mirror.
The Nature Center was a highlight: interactive exhibits about local wildlife and ecology, plus helpful rangers eager to answer questions. A ranger pointed out where I might spot herons—and sure enough, 20 minutes later I saw one glide across the water.
Services, Pros & Cons
• Pros:
o Free, spacious, and less crowded than downtown parks
o Great for cycling, jogging, birdwatching
o Nature Center is educational and family-friendly
• Cons:
o Limited amenities (bring water and snacks)
o Trails can feel isolated in parts—go with a buddy if possible
Getting There
• From BNA Airport: 15–20 minutes by car ($20–$25)
• From Greyhound Station: About 15 minutes by car; bus service limited
My Personal Takeaway
Shelby Bottoms gave me something I rarely find in cities: silence. The kind that’s broken only by bird calls and the crunch of leaves underfoot. If you love the outdoors, this is a must. I’d rate it 9/10.
Part II: Three More Parks & Gardens I Recommend
- Radnor Lake State Park
• Location: 1160 Otter Creek Rd, Nashville, TN 37220
• Why Visit: Perfect for hiking and wildlife spotting
• Tickets: Free entry
• Booking: tnstateparks.com
Radnor Lake is where you’ll find locals escaping for a hike. The trails range from easy strolls to more challenging climbs. It’s famous for wildlife: I’ve heard friends rave about spotting deer, owls, and even the occasional mink.
• Pros: Pristine nature, excellent for photographers
• Cons: No bikes or dogs allowed, and parking fills up fast
- Warner Parks (Percy and Edwin Warner Parks)
• Location: 7311 TN-100, Nashville, TN 37221
• Why Visit: Over 3,000 acres of trails, picnic spots, and nature
• Tickets: Free entry
Warner Parks are massive and beloved by Nashville residents. If you enjoy hiking, horseback riding, or simply sitting at an overlook with city views, this is your place.
• Pros: Variety of trails, picnic shelters, horseback riding
• Cons: Trails can be rugged; not ideal for very young kids
- Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
• Location: 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243
• Why Visit: History meets green space
• Tickets: Free entry
Located downtown near the Farmers Market, this park is part open-air museum, part gathering place. Granite maps, historical timelines, and monuments make it both educational and beautiful.
• Pros: Central location, great for combining with other attractions
• Cons: Less shade in summer; bring sunscreen
Booking Platforms and Tips
• Cheekwood: Book directly at cheekwood.org. Seasonal events sell out, so reserve early.
• Radnor Lake & Warner Parks: Free entry—no booking required. Check tnstateparks.com for updates.
• Centennial & Bicentennial Parks: Always open, always free—just show up.
Why Parks Complete the Nashville Experience
When I think of Nashville, I’ll always hear music first—the strum of guitars, the hum of voices spilling from Broadway bars. But what deepened my love for this city were its green spaces.
• At Cheekwood, I felt refined, surrounded by curated beauty.
• At Centennial, I saw the heartbeat of local life.
• At Shelby Bottoms, I reconnected with the quiet rhythms of nature.
• And in the parks I recommend—Radnor, Warner, Bicentennial—you’ll find whatever kind of peace you’re searching for.
For me, parks are the counter-melody to Nashville’s music. They let you breathe between the notes, reminding you that cities, like songs, need pauses.
If you’re planning a trip to Nashville, don’t just pack your cowboy boots. Pack walking shoes, a picnic blanket, and an openness to sit quietly under a Tennessee sky. That’s where the city reveals its gentlest, most unforgettable side.
