
TRAILS & GARDENS
Knoxville’s iconic Dogwood Trails date back to 1955 and today cover more than 90 miles in 13 neighborhoods throughout the city. Take a drive, a walk, or a bike ride and enjoy the scenic natural beauty of our region! As the foundation of our organization, our Trails & Gardens program celebrates the vibrancy and beauty of the Historic Dogwood Trails every year thanks to the commitment of the homeowners who live along the trails working tirelessly to prepare their neighborhoods for the spring season. But the program has also expanded to include other initiatives that celebrate the natural beauty of our area, share private gardens in other parts of our city, and ensure that the Dogwood blooms remain plentiful throughout East TN.
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History: What began as a neighborhood beautification project in 1955 has blossomed into one of the longest-running nonprofit organizations in our region. Our story began in 1947 when a journalist visited and wrote, “Knoxville is the ugliest city I ever saw in America, with the possible exception of some mill town in New England. Its main street is called Gay Street; this seemed to me to be a misnomer.” Upon reading his account, the Knoxville Garden Club led by Betsy Creekmore, Martha Ashe, and Betsy Goodson decided they would prove him wrong and showcase the natural beauty of the city they loved so much. Thus, the seeds of the very first Dogwood Trail were planted.
Thank you to the 2023 Trails & Gardens Sponsors:
DOGWOOD TRAILS & GARDENS GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION:
Wednesday, March 29th from 5-7PM
2800 Gibbs Drive, Knoxville, TN 379918
Join us on Historic Gibbs Drive for the Dogwood Trails & Gardens Opening Celebration! Come out and help us cut the ribbon and celebrate the opening of the Dogwood Trails as we welcome another blooming East TN Spring! Gibbs Drive (from the Broadway entrance to Stanton Drive) will be full of entertainment for the entire family from 5-7PM. Don't miss: food trucks, live music, kid's activities, and more. Huge thank you to the Fountain City community and our Trails & Gardens Committee members who have worked so tirelessly to make this event happen!
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Ribbon-Cutting at 5:30PM
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Music: Fountain City Ramblers
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Treats & Coffee: Wrenhouse Bakery & Cultivate Coffee
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Food Trucks: Top Bun & Uncle Mike's Cafe
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Flowers & Plants: Flourish Flower Truck & Plant Curators
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Kid's Activities: Fountain City Library