Dunaway Gardens

Enjoy the majesty and splendor of Dunaway Gardens, one of the South's largest natural rock-and-floral gardens, just as the garden's original creator, Hetty Jane Dunaway, intended. Dunaway Gardens was a theatrical training ground for producers, directors and performers of the arts during the golden years of the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. Hetty Jane Dunaway was a talented vivacious actress from Arkansas, who rose to fame as one of the most popular actresses on the Chautauqua Circuit. She was the creator of the theatrical training center and floral rock gardens that now bear her name.

The gardens have played host to ballet troupes, indoor and outdoor theater, as well as Walt and Roy Disney and Minnie Pearl. For nearly half a century, the gardens were not open or in bloom, but they are now open to the public and available for special events. Stroll along the original amphitheatre where live performances were staged. View the Hanging Gardens, discover the hidden Great Pool and take a walk beneath the massive branches of the old Wedding Tree.