We love how the seasons change here at CJ’s, and there isn’t one that we think isn’t beautiful. However, we realize that while we know how our venue looks and feels at different times of the year, you may not! Let us give you a little insight.

APRIL

Spring is the true start of our busy time here at CJ’s Off the Square. April is the first month that we allow access to our gardens after the winter thaw. The azaleas come into bloom typically the second weekend of the April and last for two to three weeks. Several clients have booked these weekends over the years so they can take advantage of these beautiful, fluffy, white flowers! Our gorgeous dogwood tree also blooms in late April – one of my favorites. The canopy of our trees doesn’t fully grown in until the end of April,  so if you like lots of light and blossoms on the trees, that’s your month! Keep in mind that CJ’s never holds events on the weekend of the Franklin Main Street Festival (typically the last weekend of April) due to immense traffic and carnival noise.

MAY- SEPTEMBER

Once our canopy of leaves (including maple, walnut, hackberry and pecan trees, plus our evergreen pines and magnolias) has grown in by the first week of May, the Gardens stay relatively unchanged for the next five months. Green, lush, and shady throughout this time, our venue feels very private and secluded – a quiet oasis in the midst of bustling Downtown Franklin. You will see and hear our feathered friends, especially robins, cardinals, and even the occasional cedar waxwing. Favorite visitors are the lightning bugs, mainly in late May and early June – nothing like looking out into the Garden and seeing scores of twinkling lights! Also, our koi fish are especially active in the early summer months – lots of splashing and playing!

OCTOBER

October is the most changeable month of the year here, and is the favorite month of both myself and CJ – it starts off with all the green of Summer, but ends with the bright colors of Fall. Generally we see the change begin about the third weekend of the month, and it builds gradually as we head into November. Fall colors in our Gardens are primarily gold and purple, with a few touches of red and orange.

NOVEMBER

If bold colors and falling leaves is what you’re looking for, CJ’s is in November is the place for you! Our Japanese maple is a vibrant plum and the dogwood is a deep burgundy, and the upper canopy becomes a mix of bright yellow and mustard gold. The Gardens close after the Thanksgiving holiday once all the leaves have been shed and the air becomes much colder.

DECEMBER-MARCH
Winter use of CJ’s is restricted to our beautiful event Pavilion (enclosed and heated) and historic Home, and as such winter bookings always have a lower price. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, our Holiday decor is in full effect, perfect for company parties and winter weddings. With the many creative lighting skills offered by Nashville Event Lighting, even January-March events can look spectacular in the Pavilion! Our fireplaces will be roaring and warm bevvies like Hot White Chocolate and Spiced Cider will make for the most romantic atmosphere!

We’ll even show you CJ’s in the snow. Brr!

I hope you’ve enjoyed this look at CJ’s through the seasons and are picking your favorite date to host your next event or plan that big day!