In order to break up the long trip between my home and the state where my parents and sister and her family live, I planned a trip of botanical gardens to visit along the way. This would be my first solo road trip in a long time and a chance to enjoy some gardens without having to worry about whether a travel companion was getting impatient as I chase yet another bumble bee.
My first stop was Cheekwood Estate & Gardens in Nashville, Tennessee which is about a three hour drive from our home. I had requested a timed ticket for when they opened at 9 which meant an early morning but was very worth it as the temperatures climbed. The high that day in Nashville was supposed to be 99*F with a dew point close to 80*F. Even though it was morning so hadn't reached those temperatures yet, I would be lying if I said it wasn't hot and sticky!
I didn't get tickets to the mansion as that is something my husband would really enjoy and we will be back to Nashville but the gardens surrounding the mansion are absolutely breathtaking. I'll let my photos do the rest of the talking.
Artist Sean Kenney had created these lego animals that were found throughout the garden - a special exhibit this summer. |
Rabbits made out of legos - part of the exhibit by Sean Kenney |
The Japanese Gardens were really designed well with views from quite a few angles. include from above on a small hill |