In the thick of COVID, when life felt heavy and uncertain, Rich and I decided to take a day trip to Nashville to get out of the house and find some peace in nature. We decided to visit Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, one of our favorite places to visit. We were especially excited because not only was it time for Cheekwood Harvest, but they were also hosting the highly anticipated Chihuly blown glass exhibit. It felt like the perfect way to spend a fall day.

Cheekwood Harvest: Pumpkins Galore
As soon as we arrived, we were greeted by an explosion of fall colors and pumpkins everywhere. There were adorable pumpkin houses that looked straight out of a fairy tale, so charming! The gardens were filled with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows that made everything feel so warm and cozy. We walked through the displays, soaking up all the seasonal vibes. It felt so good to be outside, surrounded by beauty, during such a challenging time.



























































Chihuly Exhibit: Art Meets Nature
The Chihuly exhibit was absolutely breathtaking. Dale Chihuly’s blown glass sculptures were scattered throughout the gardens, and they added such a unique flair to the natural surroundings. The way the colorful glass seemed to blend effortlessly with the flowers and trees was magical. We couldn’t stop taking pictures, it was just that stunning. There’s something about seeing art in nature that feels so peaceful and inspiring. It was exactly what we needed.




























































































































Homemade Lunch Break
After exploring Cheekwood for a while, we took a break for lunch in our car. I had packed some homemade chicken salad (one of our favorites), and it was such a simple but comforting meal. Sitting there together, enjoying our food while in nature, felt like a little moment of calm in the middle of everything going on in the world.



Radnor Lake: A Quiet Retreat
Next on our agenda was Radnor Lake State Park, another favorite spot of ours in Nashville. The lake was so serene, the water was still, reflecting the trees and sky like a mirror, and there was just enough breeze to make it feel perfect outside. We walked around for a bit, soaking up the tranquility and appreciating how quiet and peaceful it was. It felt like nature was giving us a big hug.












Starbucks & Homemade Treats
To wrap up our day trip, we met up with a dear friend at Starbucks for a quick coffee date. It was so nice to see him and catch up for a little while. We even exchanged homemade treats. I gave him some of my chicken salad and he gave us some of his homemade salsa (which was delicious!). It’s funny how something as simple as sharing food can make you feel connected.
A Memorable Day in Nashville
Looking back on that day, it stands out as one of those simple yet meaningful experiences that brought us joy during such an uncertain time. Cheekwood’s beauty, Chihuly’s art, Radnor Lake’s calm waters, and spending time with a friend reminded us that even when life feels overwhelming, there are still moments of peace and connection to be found. Nashville gave us exactly what we needed, a little escape filled with nature, art, good food, and friendship.



