Last spring break, we planned a road trip from Oak Park through Kentucky, Tennessee, and Indiana, building our itinerary around one of the most valuable member benefits we offer: reciprocal admission. Thanks to our FOPCON membership, we were able to visit several gardens and cultural institutions for free along the way.
Our first stop was Nashville, TN. In Nashville, we visited Cheekwood Estate & Gardens during its Daffodil Show and their spring annual festival of flowers, Cheekwood in Bloom. Thousands of bulbs were in bloom across the historic estate, filling formal garden rooms with vibrant color. We used our Premier FOPCON membership to make online reservations in advance, for free. While in Nashville, we also explored local coffee shops, street murals, and Broadway’s live music energy, a fun contrast to the quiet landscapes in the gardens at Cheekwood.
Crossing into Kentucky, we visited Mammoth Cave National Park, a national park free to all, and home to the longest cave system in the world. The guided cave tour was a highlight, and the above ground trails offered opportunities to explore nature at our own pace.
Another highlight of our trip was our visit to Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Kentucky. Spanning more than 16,000 acres, Bernheim blends conservation, arboretum collections, and immersive woodland landscapes. Rolling hills and long forest drives give you space to breathe. For families, the Forest Giants sculptures are unforgettable, part art installation, part scavenger hunt. Tip: Use your FOPCON membership to cover the parking fee. This park has free admission for all visitors, and a suggested parking fee that is waived with your FOPCON membership card.
On the drive home, we stopped at Newfields in Indianapolis, where art and gardens are beautifully integrated across the campus. Newfields combines an art museum with beautifully designed gardens and outdoor spaces. This visit was peaceful ending to a week of exploration, especially in early spring when everything is just beginning to wake up. To gain access for free with the reciprocal admission, we called in advance, and presented our digital cards at the Customer Service desk on the day of our visit. See their reciprocal benefit page here for more details.
Did You Know?
One of the main benefits of your FOPCON membership is having access to the American Horticultural Society network of reciprocal gardens.
That means your membership can provide free or reduced admission to almost 400 participating gardens across the country. Before you travel, check the AHS page to see which institutions participate and review any restrictions. We also recommend contacting the institution before your visit.
By: Karen Avila, Operations Coordinator at FOPCON
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