Dogs and Dogwoods. Courtesy of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Seasonal blooms, scenic walks and treats to entertain humans and dogs alike
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is going to the dogs, as four-legged friends and their families are invited to celebrate Cheekwood’s Nationally Accredited Cornus CollectionTM and the spring season. A dog-friendly weekend features food trucks, local dog-focused vendors, musical performances, and plenty of tail-wagging fun. Dogs and Dogwoods will be held April 20-21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Guests can bring their pups for a stroll through Cheekwood’s scenic gardens and admire the one-of-a-kind Dogwood collection. A total of 238 trees, including 14 species and 7 hybrids, are incorporated into the landscape weaving together a series of distinct gardens – including the Carell Dogwood Garden. In 2018, former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam proclaimed April 21 as Tennessee Dogwood Day to emphasize the importance of Dogwoods to the state.
Water refill and doggie bag stations will be provided. Visitors are asked to BYOB – bring your own bowl – to ensure their dogs stay hydrated. All canine companions must be on a leash and are not allowed inside any buildings including the Historic Mansion and Museum.
Vendors
Humans can feast on delicious fare from various local food trucks in the Beer Garden and Lot B from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. both days, and shop for all-natural treats, bandanas, and other accessories for their furry friends at dog-themed vendors set up in the same areas.
Musical Performances in the Beer Garden
The Charles Treadway Organ Trio will perform on April 20, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Legendary drummer Chester Thompson will be accompanied by a jazz quartet on April 21, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Ticket information
Dogs and Dogwoods is free for members and children two years old and younger, but tickets need to be reserved at cheekwood.org. Ticket prices for not-yet-members | Gardens – Adult: $22, Youth 3-27: $15.
Ticket prices for not-yet-members | Gardens and Mansion – Adult: $28, Youth 3-17: $21
Activities for Kids
TOTS! Offers fun for the little ones in the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, kids can enjoy hands-on activities with a Dogwood theme, Storytime, and Turtle Talks.
Dogs and Dogwoods is sponsored by Mars Petcare.
About Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
With its intact and picturesque vistas, Cheekwood is distinguished as one of the leading Country Place Era estates in the nation. Formerly the family home of Mabel and Leslie Cheek, the 1930s estate, with its 30,000-square-foot Mansion and 55-acres of gardens, today serves the public as a botanical garden, arboretum and art museum with furnished period rooms and permanent collection galleries devoted to American art from the 18th to mid-20th centuries. The property includes 13 distinct gardens including the Blevins Japanese Garden and the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, as well as a 1.5-mile woodland trail featuring outdoor monumental sculpture.
Each year, Cheekwood hosts seasonal festivals including Cheekwood in Bloom, Summertime at Cheekwood, Cheekwood Harvest and Holiday LIGHTS. Cheekwood is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and nationally as a Level II Arboretum. It is a three-time voted USA Today Top 10 Botanical Garden and in 2021 was recognized by Fodor’s as one of the 12 Most Beautiful Gardens in the American South. Cheekwood is located eight miles southwest of downtown Nashville at 1200 Forrest Park Drive. It is open Tuesday through Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., with extended days and hours of operation depending on the season. Check cheekwood.org for current hours and to purchase advance tickets required for admission.
