plantation tours tennessee

These 13 Historic Tennessee Plantations Will Send You Back in Time

Tennessee's preserved plantation homes offer a glimpse into the past with their stunning architecture and historical significance.

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One of the most endearing, pressing artifacts of the south happen to be quite livable - to an extent. Tennessee has preserved a number of plantation homes, boasting gorgeous architecture and dark, dark secrets. Chances are there's one not too far from you - take a look!

13. Ashwood Hall

Unfortunately, Ashwood Hall is no longer standing. The structure was so beautiful, however, the property of Colonel William Polk, that we simply had to include a photo of it before the home burnt to ash in 1874.

12. Belle Meade Plantation

A popular spot for weddings and now a functioning museum, Belle Meade Plantation makes it extremely easy for you to pay the past a visit.

11. Belmont Mansion

Located in the heart of Nashville, Belmont Mansion lies smack dab in the center of Belmont University.

10. Brabson's Ferry Plantation

Built in 1856, this Boyd's Creek home is located a bit northwest of Sevierville in East Tennessee.

9. Carnton Plantation

Home to the largest Confederate graveyard, Carnton Plantation gives Franklin, Tennessee a solid historical depth that stands tall and strong.

8. Isaac Franklin Plantation

Although no longer considered a historic landmark from the state, this Gallatin gem is sure to get you in a historic state of mind.

7. Northcutt Plantation

Built around 1840, this large house has been on the historic registrar since May 12, 1975.

6. Rattle and Snap

This Columbia mansion is known for its stunning Greek Revival design. Also - did you know that all the brick used for the home was created on the property? Interesting stuff!

5. Rippavilla Plantation

Now a historic museum, you can visit the stunning Rippavilla Plantation on your own to take a chunk out of Tennessee history.

4. The Hermitage

The former home of President Andrew Jackson is open for tours and is a popular tourist and field trip destination.

3. Travellers Rest

This Nashville stunner is absolutely perfect as a wedding venue or for any other kind of event, plus you get a sweet injection of history on the side.

2. Walnut Grove

This gorgeous Mt. Pleasant plantation may look foreboding, but it's truly a sight to behold.

1. Wheatlands

This Sevierville plantation is considered "the best example of a Federal-style building remaining in Sevier County." What a legacy!

Thoughts and thoughts? We'd love to hear them!

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Here Are The Best Times And Places To View Tennessee’s Fall Foliage In 2024

When the summer heat starts to fade and the crisp air starts to roll in, there is always one question on everyone’s mind: when do leaves change color in Tennessee? We know it is inevitable, and soon the fiery array of fall colors will be seen all across our state, but navigating it can be tricky. Our good friends at the Smoky Mountains have set up a super helpful fall foliage map to pinpoint the perfect peak foliage in Tennessee to see your favorite overlooks or scenic drives.

Tennessee is a very interesting state when it comes to fall colors. We tend to experience fall later on in the season than most of our northern neighbors, and the change happens more gradually.

That being said, higher elevations will see the colors change first. Some spots near the Smokies might start seeing patchy foliage as early as mid-September. Near the early part of October is where eastern Tennessee should be seeing lots more change. One of the first places you should visit is up to Roan Mountain . Hike the balds for fantastic fall foliage views of what seems like an endless mountain range.

For 2024, the first three weeks of October are looking to be the perfect time to visit the Smokies.

This national park is always beautiful, but in the fall, the park transforms into the perfect picture of fall foliage. If you arrive early in October, then The Foothills Parkway is where you will want to take a scenic drive. The Parkway overlooks the mountains which should be producing some incredible scenery at that time of the month.

If you happen to be in the Smokies closer to the second or third week in October, Cades Cove would be your best bet to see fall colors.

Being in a valley, you will find that the leaves change a little later, but when that time finally comes, it's a ravishing spectacle to behold. This is also a great place to watch for wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for bears, deer, and the myriad creatures that call this park home.

If you're in middle Tennessee, expect a peak in fall colors sometime near the end of October.

During this time, make your way to your favorite spot anywhere on the Cumberland Plateau for phenomenal views of the autumn leaves. Places like South Cumberland State Park or Savage Gulf State Park will offer sweeping views of the mountains with a fiery array of colors. Or hike through the woods and find a lovely waterfall to spend the day chasing. Finally, another great option is to take a day driving The Natchez Trace for a slower way to savor the season's splendor.

There are so many scenic places to enjoy the fall colors in Tennessee that it would be impossible to name them all.

West Tennessee will experience "peak" fall foliage last.

This is forecasted to happen between the first and second weeks of November. A great spot to see the leaves change in this region would be at Reelfoot Lake State Park . The leaves changing on the cypress trees are a sight like no other.

Now you know the answer to your burning question: When do leaves change color in Tennessee?

Planning a trip to take full advantage of the fall foliage? I highly suggest you do! It’s time to get outside and start seeing this amazing natural cycle happen right before your very eyes. So no matter where you call home in our wonderful state, make sure to check out the Smoky Mountains fall foliage predictions and plan for an epic autumn adventure.

Need a place to stay during your autumn travels? Check out these hotels for a cozy place to rest on your journey.

We Found This Magnificent Natural Wonder In Tennessee That’s Located Only .2 Miles From The Parking Lot

One beautiful summer day we did the Sewanee Natural Bridge hike and it was easy to see why many people have said this is a must-see natural wonder. The town itself was a charming little community and this hidden gem in Tennessee located in the forest was just the cherry on top. When you are looking for short and easy hikes in Tennessee this is a tough one to beat with very little work and a huge payoff.

We first started our journey by driving around town. Cruising up and down the streets of a small town can be a good indicator of the culture of the community. Sewanee residents are a proud group of folks who display their love for the college just about everywhere you look.

Sewanee’s University of the South was high on my list of places to see. The campus is filled with castle-like buildings and is honestly one of the prettiest colleges I have ever visited. I felt like I was stepping into a fantasy novel or walking the halls of Hogwarts. It was truly a magical place.

Just down the road from the beautiful spires of the college campus was the Sewanee Natural Bridge. We knew this hidden gem was waiting for us so we continued down the street. From the trailhead, you will walk down a set of stairs to this incredible arch.

My favorite part was that the trail leads directly to the top of the bridge! We were able to hike right over the thin section that spans 50 feet long and 25 feet above the ground.

I am pretty surefooted when it comes to large drop-offs and dare to approach ledges at death-defying heights... so I know I don’t speak for everyone when I say the narrow passageway over the arch was not scary. However, my wife -- who is much less comfortable with heights -- was cautiously optimistic and said it didn’t bother her either.

Once we were down below there were caves to explore carved out of the limestone and we had plenty of rocks to climb on. I just stood in awe of this massive structure while my kids jumped around the rocks.

It was a quick stop and we had plenty of other adventures planned that day but we took our time to fully soak in this glorious spot. Making time to slow down during an adventure day is a life-giving experience as we just listen to the birds chirping and the light blow of the breeze through the canopy above. This is the pace at which you notice little things like the sun peeking over the surface of the bridge or a brilliantly colored mushroom popping up throufh the rock crevices.

We were blessed to be able to stop at this location and is a very short hike I would highly recommend. This trail is technically located in the South Cumberland State Park and is the only natural bridge in South Cumberland State Park.

The Sewanee Natural Bridge hike was a blast for my family and me. With a short walk down the stairs, you can barely call this a "hike" -- and the pay-off is huge! Walking over the bridge was a big highlight for me and certainly is a memorable experience here in the Volunteer State. To see more about the trail to the Sewanee Natural Bridge make sure to download AllTrails for helpful and up-to-date user input. If you would like to see our full journey to this hidden natural wonder in Tennessee make sure to check out this Adventuring In The Moment video:

All Stories

The breathtaking small town state park in texas that we can’t stop thinking about.

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10 Tennessee Plantations You Should Visit

Nothing stirs more emotion than visiting the peaceful plantations in Tennessee . In addition to the attractive and elegant mansions, you get to visit places where confederate women cooked meals for Union leaders, generals planned Civil War strategies, and where the mortally wounded soldiers took their final breaths. In each of these plantations, you will get to learn different stories and expand your knowledge of the historic properties in that era. With favorites like the Belle Meade Plantation and Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, we will take a closer look at the 10 Tennessee Plantations that you should explore .

10. Cherry Mansion (located in Savannah, Tennessee)

The Cherry Mansion, situated in Savannah, Tennessee, was originally constructed by David Robinson and later given as a wedding gift to her newly married daughter, W.H. Cherry, in 1830. During the Civil War era, the Union General, Ulysses S. Grant, used the plantation as his headquarters in the Battle of Shiloh. By visiting the Cherry mansion, you learn more about the Civil War heritage and relive the historic moments and experiences in the Civil War historic sites.

9. The Belmont Mansion (located in Nashville, Tennessee )

The Belmont Mansion is a 19th-century plantation owned by Adelicia Hayes Franklin Acklen Cheatham. She was born in 1817 to a wealthy family, married, and has several children. Later on, her husband passed away, and she inherited the Belmont mansion. As of 1846, she had a net worth of approximately $1 million. In 1853, she married again and built the Belmont mansion together with 16 rooms. There are guided private tours to the Belmont Mansion, and the mansion is open daily except for major holidays.

8. Davies Manor Plantation (located in Bartlett, Tennessee)

The Davies Manor Plantation is located in Bartlett, Tennessee. Although it is still unknown who originally built this mansion, Joel W. Royster redesigned the log cabin when he bought it between 1831 and 1837. Later in the 1860s, Royster added a dining room, a breezeway, and a two-story bedroom area. A self-guided tour is usually available on the plantation; thus, you can view the slave cabins and commissary.

7. Carter House (locate in Franklin, Tennessee)

The Carter House is a start-of-the-art brick mansion whose overall stature significantly represents the Civil War’s landmark battles. This is mainly because, in 1864, Carter House was the Union army field headquarters and was commandeered by General Jacob Cox for the Battle of Franklin. This battle is remembered to date as it took thousands of lives of Confederate soldiers. During this war, the Carter family and their neighbors took shelter in the mansion’s basement.

6. Sam Davis Home and Plantation (located in Smyrna, Tennessee)

This Southern plantation mansion located in Smyrna was initially built in the 1850s and settled on a 160-acre farm that grows cotton to date. It was the home of the Confederate boy soldier, Sam Davis, who worked behind enemy lines by disrupting communication between Union troops and retrieving vital Union information. Davis was later captured and sentenced to death after refusing to betray the Confederate spy who passed him information on the Union troops’ movements. The Sam Davis Home and Plantation is an appealing white-period mansion with decent glimpses of authentic craftsmanship from the doors, floors, and woodwork. Additionally, this 19-th century plantation serves as a monument to the African-American slavery era.

5. Historic Travelers Rest Historic House (located in Nashville, Tennessee)

The Travelers Rest Plantation is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and was originally constructed in 1799 by Judge John Overton. Overton decided to name this 2,500-acres of land “Travelers Rest” as he had great affection for his home after making long, tedious horseback rides while serving as a judge. Visitors to the plantation can now explore the mansion and the house by themselves or on a guided tour. The Travelers Rest plantation is the ideal place to visit to learn over 50 individual stories of the enslaved African Americans who worked on the plantation.

4. Ramsey House Plantation (located in Knoxville, Tennessee)

The Ramsey House Plantation is a 101.5-acre mansion situated in Knoxville , Tennessee. It was originally built by Thomas Hope for Francis Alexander Ramsey, a member of one of the first few families in Knoxville back in 1797. This mansion displays excellent woodwork craftsmanship on almost everything found in the home. There is also a preserved pianoforte.

3. Bowen-Campbell House (located in Nashville, Tennessee)

The Bowen-Campbell House was initially constructed in 1788 by the American Revolutionary War Veteran, Captain William Bowen. The mansion’s original grounds were highly utilized in the Civil War era, which is now transformed to the Moss-Wright Park. Moreover, the Bowen-Campbell house is known as the oldest brick mansion in the middle Tennessee region that features a fort to protect the frontier settlers from Native American attacks. The plantation is usually open for daily tours.

2. Belle Meade Plantation (located in Nashville, Tennessee)

The Belle Meade Plantation is a lovely country mansion that is located just outside of downtown Nashville. It was John Harding’s home back in 1820 but was later redesigned by Williams Giles Harding to feature limestone pillars, a cherry wood, cantilevered staircase, and a ruby glass transom placed above the front door. The plantation is also home to Nashville’s first Winery –The Belle Meade Winery, which was established in 2009 and offers a wide array of amazing experiences like wine and food tasting. Although it is free to walk around the eye-catching plantation grounds, you will be required to pay an additional charge if you want to learn more about the African American slave experience.

1. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage (located in Nashville, Tennessee)

One of Nashville’s best-known plantations is The Hermitage, which was also the home of the seventh President Andrew Jackson. Before Jackson owned the mansion, it belonged to Nathaniel Hays in 1780, who later sold it to the future president—Andrew Jackson. Jackson and his family transformed this mansion into a 1,000-acre plantation and built a Federal-style home between 1819 and 1821. Thanks to Jackson’s wealth earned during his time in government, he built a museum, farm office, copper gutters, library, and a two-floor entrance portico with Doric columns on-site. Tours of the property are self-guided, but an extra fee is charged for tours at the mansion. The Hermitage also features a gift shop for visitors. The mansion is usually open daily, except for major holidays.

With so many amazing Tennessee plantations to choose from, it can prove to be difficult when deciding on which plantation to visit. Luckily, this guide will help you make a uniform decision on what plantation to visit.

You can also read:

• The 10 Best Rural Places to Live in Tennessee
• The 20 Weirdest Laws to Come from Tennessee
• The 20 Best Places to Live in Tennessee
• 20 Plantations You Should Visit in the United States

Liz Flynn has worked as a full-time writer since 2010 after leaving a career in education. She finds almost all topics she writes about interesting, but her favorite subjects are travel and food. Liz loves the process of researching information, learning new things, and putting into words what others who share her interests might like to read. Although she spends most of her time writing, she also enjoys spending time with her husband and four children, watching films, cooking, dining out, reading, motorsports, gaming, and walking along the beach next to her house with her dog.

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Tennessee Antebellum Trail

The Tennessee Antebellum Trail is a 90 mile looped trail of historic antebellum homes in the heart of middle Tennessee. The homes on the Tennessee Antebellum Trail are open daily for tours.

The Trail begins just outside of Nashville and winds through the heart of middle Tennessee, encompassing five communities and eight beautiful antebellum homes and plantations.

• The Hermitage
• Travellers Rest Plantation
• Belle Meade Plantation
• Belmont Mansion
• Carnton Plantation
• Rippavilla Plantation
• James K. Polk Home
• Rattle and Snap Plantation

Spend your days and nights on the Tennessee Antebellum Trail enjoying historical homes, food and shopping. The Tennessee Antebellum Trail is a self-guided tour where you can choose your own itinerary and travel at your leisure.

Antebellum Tennessee

The outcome of the American Revolution wasn’t close to being settled when a group of pioneers crossed the Cumberland River and settled Nashville on Christmas Eve 1770.

The Tennessee Territory of North Carolina was exploding with westward expansion. Counties and townships were taking shape and soon log cabins were being replaced by grander plantation-style homes.

The first half of the nineteenth century saw increased prosperity for Tennessee, and the families who built the eight mansions featured on the Tennessee Antebellum Trail were certainly no exception.

It was a time of chivalry, Southern hospitality and gracious living with elegant furnishings and imported textiles. It was a time of Southern belles and balls.

The Civil War Comes to Tennessee

However, darker days were looming as tensions grew between the North and South. The War of Northern Aggression , as it was often called, was literally fought on the lawns of most of these mansions.

Today, many still bear the scars of those long-ago battles. At Carnton Plantation, 1500 Confederate soldiers rest in the private cemetery – a sober reminder of the thousands who lost their lives during the battles of Franklin and Nashville.

The spirit that led the pioneers to settle Tennessee in the eighteenth century is the same spirit that guided the families of the nineteenth century to persevere.

Tennessee Antebellum Trail Tours

We invite you to come visit the Tennessee plantation homes from yesteryear and make sure you allow yourself ample time to enjoy your trip. The Tennessee Antebellum Trail is a completely self-guided and self-paced tour so you can visit all the homes and sights on the trail at your leisure.

The following sample itineraries are just a guide to help you plan your trip. One of the favorites on the Tennessee Antebellum Trail is the Two Day Tennessee Antebellum Trail Experience , where you tour eight beautiful Antebellum plantation homes while taking a relaxing drive through the beautiful Tennessee countryside.

For history loving Civil War enthusiasts, the Tennessee Antebellum Trail Civil War Tour sample itinerary will help guide you along as you go from plantation to battlefield and from cemetery to monument.

For all the thrill seeking spooky history fans and fanatics, there is a tour made just for you – the one of a kind Tennessee Antebellum Trail Ghost Tour ! Walk The Hermitage mansion and cemetery grounds by lantern. Conduct a paranormal investigation at Rippavilla. Take a candlelit evening cemetery tour in Franklin. If you want ghosts, you can find plenty of them on the Tennessee Antebellum Trail!

11 Remarkable Southern Plantation Tours in the US

With their architecture and remarkable gardens, historic Southern plantation homes are full of old-world charm and beauty. But more importantly, they have rich stories to tell because they played significant roles in our nation’s history. Today, it’s hard to believe, but more than 50,000 plantations operated during the antebellum period.

The economy of the 17th- and 18th-century American South was due to an insatiable demand for cotton, indigo, rice, and tobacco. Though most of them folded after the abolition of slavery, many of these magnificent properties on which this economy was built still exist and are rich in history.

Most of the plantations you can visit today are located in the Deep South, including South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi. The ones open to visitors tend to be more impressive and often managed by state historical societies or parks programs. If experiencing the storied history and architectural beauty of a southern plantation home is in your future, then these 11 Significant Southern Plantation Tours in America should not be missed!

Oak Alley Plantation, Vacherie, LA

This plantation was first a sugar cane plantation started by Valcour Aime, who purchased the property in 1830. He established an enslaved community that worked the plantation. But in 1836, Jacques Roman bought the Oak Alley property and began to build his own home on the lot.

Accomplished entirely by slave labor, his house was built in Greek Revival style using bricks made on-site and marble shipped in by steamboat. The self-guided tour at Oak Alley centers on the lives and living conditions of those who were owned and kept on this plantation.

While visiting, learn about life after emancipation and stop by the Blacksmith Shop, which pays tribute to Louisiana artisans and the history of forging metalwork. This plantation can be found in the 1993 film, Interview With a Vampire and Beyoncé’s 2006 music video for Deja Vu.

Belle Meade Plantation, Belle Meade, TN

What started as a simple log cabin is now a plantation outside of Nashville that serves as an educational source. Established by John Harding in 1807, “Belle Meade” translates to mean beautiful meadow in old English and French. What started as a 250-acre property would become a 5,300-acre farm that raised thoroughbred horses.

Besides a Greek Revival Mansion, it had a train station and a rock quarry and raised five generations of owners with their enslaved workers. Today the site maintains 34 acres of the original property, including the mansion and original home. It is dedicated to the conservation of Tennessee’s Victorian architecture and equestrian history.

Visitors can enjoy a tour of the property led by trained and costumed guides, who share the mansion’s history and other historic buildings like a carriage house, horse stable, and log cabin. Free wine tasting is offered at the location’s winery after tours, and there is a gift shop and restaurant for visitors.

Shirley Plantation, Charles City, VA

This location remains a working plantation and privately-owned home to this day. This is the country’s first plantation built in 1613, only six years after English settlers founded Jamestown. The “Great House” was styled initially in Anglo-Dutch architecture through continuous efforts and additions with mixed styles, creating a charismatic aesthetic.

The Hill family has been living on the property for 11 generations, keeping the estate in beautiful, restored condition. You can learn about the amazing women who kept the farm operating during the Civil War and saved it from falling by caring for wounded Union soldiers.

Tours highlight the history of the plantation, including the role of religion in colonial America, colonial education, the history of the Hill family, and the effects of the Civil War and Civil Rights against the plantation. A new slavery exhibit has also been built in the original 18th-century outbuilding.

Nottoway Plantation, White Castle, LA

This is the south’s biggest antebellum mansion. Located northwest of New Orleans and southwest of Baton Rouge, Nottoway is a Greek and Italian-style mansion full of luxurious features and details. Over the years, Nottoway Plantation went through several different owners and years of decline but managed to survive the Civil War.

It was completed in 1859 by prestigious sugar planter John Hampton Randolph. As a wealthy businessman, he wanted no expense spared when it came to the home’s design. The 53,000sqft mansion has 64 rooms with 22 massive exterior columns, 12 hand-carved Italian marble fireplaces, 15ft ceilings, and a lavish pure white oval ballroom. He also installed modern bathrooms with running water and gas lighting throughout the home.

He wanted a home that would be seen by river boaters on the Mississippi River or riders on a horse-drawn carriage traveling on Great River Road. When you visit today, costumed tour guides take you through the mansion, sharing details of the property’s history.

Sherwood Forest, Charles City, VA

This location is unique because it’s the only private home to be owned by two presidents. William Henry Harrison purchased the house under the name “Walnut Grove.” After his death, his successor John Tyler purchased the plantation in 1842, renaming it Sherwood Forest to show his outlaw position in the Whig party. He lived in the house from the time he left the office until he died in 1862.

The Tyler family has continued living here since then, keeping the house in excellent condition. The property is open for tours daily between 9 am and 5 pm. Only 30 minutes from Williamsburg, Sherwood Forest is a Greek Revivalist wonder with 25 acres of gardens, woodlands, and outbuildings both original and reconstructed.

Visit the gardens once used by Civil War troops and even learn about the ghost, the “Gray Lady,” who has allegedly haunted the Gray Room for the past 200 years, rocking back and forth in her rocking chair.

Pebble Hill Plantation, Thomasville, GA

Melville Hanna, who obtained the property in 1896, gave the estate to his daughter, Kate, in 1901, and she immediately began construction on Pebble Hill, being actively involved in its design process. She first built a log cabin that served as a school and a playroom for her children.

She then continued with neo-classical brick structures like the Plantation Store, the Waldorf, the Pump House, and the Stables Complex. Kate being a humanitarian, provided many benefits to the 40 employees who worked on the plantation. The Visiting Nurse Association offered medical services for employees and their families, and two schools were built and maintained for employees’ children.

After Kate died in 1936, her daughter Elisabeth inherited the plantation and turned it into a museum. Finally, in 1956 the Pebble Hill Foundation made the property open to the public, and they maintain and manage the estate today.

Whitney Plantation, Edgard, LA

This historical complex, which includes 12 structures, was initially called the Habitation Haydel. The Spanish Creole-style main dwelling and its surrounding buildings were built by slaves under the owner, German immigrant Ambrose Heidel, in 1752.

This plantation stands as a memorial to the slaves sacrificed on the property and others like it. The Field of Angels especially is a section of the slave memorial site, dedicated to 2,200 Louisiana slave children who died before they were three. Ultimately, thirty-nine children died at Whitney between 1823-1863, only six of which made it to five years old.

Also dedicated to the slaves of Whitney, you’ll find the Slave Quarters site. You won’t find the original buildings here because the previous owners advocated for their removal in an attempt to raise property values. The ones that stand were moved from other plantations, supporting the authenticity and educational value of the site.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Hermitage, TN

The President and his wife lived here for years, living off profits made from the crops that slaves worked daily. When he initially bought The Hermitage in 1804, Jackson owned nine African American slaves, and by the time he passed away in 1845, he owned 150 slaves who lived and worked on the property.

Tours here cover over 1,000 acres of farmland that used to be The Hermitage Plantation. It was a self-sustaining property, relying on slave labor to produce cotton. Although slaves could not legally wed, Jackson encouraged them to form family units to discourage slaves from escaping since it would be more difficult for an entire family to flee safely.

Take a tour of the Hermitage and walk through the mansion and its grounds, where President Jackson and his wife are buried. Costumed tour guides share a detailed history of the Jackson family, the plantation, its buildings, and original belongings that have survived on the property.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, SC

In 1676, Thomas Drayton, with his wife Ann, the first in the Magnolia family line that lasted for more than 300 years, established the Magnolia Plantation along the Ashley River. During the Colonial era, the plantation saw immense growth due to the cultivation of rice.

But once the American Revolution began, troops occupied the land, and Drayton and his sons became soldiers fighting the British. The American Civil War threatened the welfare of the Drayton family, the house, and the gardens, but the plantation recovered and saw additional growth of the gardens, which became the focus.

The property was saved from ruin by opening to the public and now offers guided tours taking visitors through the Drayton family home and gives a glimpse of what plantation life was like in the 19th century. This includes ten rooms that are open to the public, furnished with antiques, quilts, and Drayton family heirlooms.

Destrehan Plantation, Destrehan, LA

This Plantation in Louisiana was built in 1787 and is located 25 miles away from downtown New Orleans. It was home to successful sugar producers Marie Celeste Robin de Logny and Jean Noel Destrehan. By 1804, fifty-nine enslaved workers lived on the property, producing over 203,000 pounds of sugar.

This plantation is where one of the three trials after the 1811 Slave Revolt took place. Led by Charles Deslondes, it was one of the most significant slave revolts in US history. Visitors can tour the restored plantation, encircled by lush greenery, that looks over the Mississippi River.

Stories of the Destrehan family and those enslaved are shared through guided tours, which also feature historical exhibits and opportunities to participate in period demonstrations. Tours also include access to the Jefferson Room, displaying an authentic document signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

James Madison’s Montpelier, Montpelier Station, VA

Ambrose Madison, a slaveholder in Virginia, and his wife Frances and children arrived in 1732 at a plantation they named Mount Pleasant. James, the grandson of Ambrose, spent his early childhood here while construction on a brick Georgian house began that would later become the center of James Madison’s Montpelier.

This is the land where James Madison thought up ideas and shaped the US as the country’s 4th president. With 2,650 acres of rolling hills, horse pastures, and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Montpelier offers insight into the Madison family history and provides a deeper look into Madison’s presidency. Exhibits on the grounds include the 1910 Train Depot, exploring the African American struggle for civil rights.

There’s also The Mere Distinction of Colour, allowing visitors to hear the stories of enslaved people at Montpelier, as told by their descendants. It recounts the events at Madison’s home and the South Yard of the land, where slaves lived and worked. The exhibition even explores how the legacy of slavery impacts race and human rights in modern America.

Speaking of tours in the US… There are plenty of them and we have some awesome estate tours to show!

Ricarda is our very definition of a wanderer. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, she’s on a race to see and experience as much of the world as possible. She packed up her life one day and has been traveling by RV ever since, scouring the states to discover the many stunning views the US has to offer! Lucky for us, she’s also one of our senior writers so we get access to a lot of worth-telling insights about her amazing adventures.

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All Ticket Options

Your options at belle meade.

Bringing a few friends or family? For those with less than 15 guests, these experiences are an exceptional way to experience Belle Meade. From Historic Tours to Wine and Food Pairings, there are many ways to experience our legendary hospitality.

For Groups of 15 or more, please visit our Group Experiences.

Historic Tours in Nashville

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A Taste of History Awaits You

We offer a variety of tours for you to discover the story of Belle Meade.

The Mansion Tour tells the century-long history of Belle Meade through the stories and experiences of the Harding and Jackson families, as well as the women, men, and children who labored here.

The Journey to Jubilee Tour invites discussion and explores the stories of the enslaved African Americans who were brought to and born at Belle Meade from 1807 through the years following Emancipation.

To learn more about Belle Meade’s  history , please visit our  timeline , biography , and African American Studies pages.

• User All Ages
• Hour Glass 45 minutes

Mansion Tour

Discover history with a guided tour of our 1853 Greek Revival Mansion. After the tour, enjoy a complimentary wine tasting and explore our 30+ acres!

• User Ages 12+
• Hour Glass 60 minutes

Journey to Jubilee

Learn more about enslavement in the American South, contract labor after emancipation, and also the Black Heritage and legacy in thoroughbred horse racing.

• User Ages 7+
• Hour Glass 1 hour

Battle at Belle Meade

On this dynamic outdoor walking tour about the Civil War, follow the footsteps of the soldiers who skirmished at Belle Meade and interact with an authentic battlefield artifact. Learn about the occupation of the mansion, the fall of Nashville to the Union, and the aftermath of the end of the War

Grounds Only Admission

Visit the Belle Meade Mansion! The grounds only admission does not include a guided tour. However, you will be able to access our grounds and outbuildings, outdoor game court, walking trail, gift shops, and our on-site restaurant!

Family Tours

• Hour Glass 90 minutes

Enhance your visit with programs created specifically for families with children under age 12.

• User Ages 5-12
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Adventure Backpack

Explore the history of Belle Meade Historic Site hands-on with an Adventure Backpack! Backpack rentals include craft supplies, a Belle Meade coloring book, and a key that unlocks 6 treasure chests around the property.

Wine & Bourbon Experiences in Nashville

Welcome to nashville’s oldest winery.

Belle Meade Winery is located in the heart of Belle Meade Historic Site. The winery offers a variety of wine, food pairings, and bourbon tastings while preserving the art of southern hospitality.

• TASTE 5 LOCAL WINES
• User Ages 21+

Wine & Food Pairing

Let our sommeliers guide you through a selection of five wines perfectly paired by gourmet hors d’oeuvres. Our Executive Chef curates these menus seasonally, ensuring a unique and delicious experience every time.

Belle Meade Bourbon Experience

Relax in our historic Ice House and hear the history of bourbon in Nashville while learning how to sip bourbon. Try delicious cocktails and even craft your own signature beverage with the guidance of our stewards.

Wine, Bourbon and Food Pairing Experience

Where the worlds of wine and bourbon intertwine in an one-hour dual pairing experience. Indulge your senses and elevate your palate to new heights.

VIP Options

Private | From $150 | Allow 3-4 hours

Upcoming Events

For all of our upcoming events, click here .

Language of Flowers

Join us on Sunday October 6th from 2:00-3:30 PM for a 90 minute session of learning about the history of sending secret messages out in the open and the beauty and meaning behind your favorite blooms. We will conclude with building our own message bearing bouquet from fresh seasonal blooms brought by Apple and Dove Flower Co.

• Hour Glass 2.5 hours

Chicken x Caviar Dinner Experience

Celebrate fall in the South at the Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery on October 9th with a dinner celebrating elevated Southern favorites. Dine on classic fried chicken from Nashville.

Flight Around the World: Carriage House Conversation with Bob Henderson

Discover the story behind the first flight around the world was completed by a team of Americans in 1924. Belle Meade’s own John “Jack” Harding Jr. served as a mechanical engineer on the crew! Hear an amazing story on this iconic trip presented by Bob Henderson.

The Nashville Sightseeing Pass

This is only for Sightseeing Pass holders. It can be used for different historic tours depending on availability. Pass is applicable to the Mansion Tour Monday through Thursday and Journey to Jubilee every day.

Music City Total Access Pass

This is only for Total Access Pass holders. It can be used for the Mansion Tour Admission and Journey to Jubilee Tours any day of the week.

Houses and Plantation – tennessee

Step into Tennessee’s rich history through its historic houses and plantations. From elegant antebellum estates and rustic frontier homes to the tales of families, enslaved people, and pioneers who shaped the Volunteer State, explore the legacy of Tennessee’s past.

Dickson Williams Mansion History

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Self-Guided tours are available Tuesday- Friday. Reservations are recommended but walk ins are accepted. Check the calendar below for weekend availability.

Children 5 and under admitted FREE.

We recommend guests allow 45 minutes to 1 hour for the self-guided tour. Visitors are welcome to wear masks or other PPE.

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Turn Back Time by Touring These Tennessee Historic Sites

Hear the stories of the people who lived in these Civil War-era homes.

Nothing stirs emotion quite like visiting a Civil War-era home – where generals planned strategies, Confederate women prepared meals for Union leaders, and soldiers, mortally wounded, breathed their final breaths. These homes in Tennessee allow a brief moment of time travel; the stories unfold as you walk explore.

EAST Tennessee

Blount mansion - knoxville .

Blount Mansion  in Knoxville was built by William Blount, North Carolina's House of Commons member and delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787. The house is made of sawn lumber per the request of his wife, Mary Blount. She wanted a "proper" wood home. The kitchen, though recreated, is on the original site. The governor's office is a replica of a typical 1790s office. 

Ramsey House Plantation - Knoxville 

Ramsey House Plantation  is set on 101.5 acres in Knoxville . It was built by Thomas Hope for Francis Alexander Ramsey, a member of one of the first families to settle in Knoxville, in 1797. Admire the woodwork details found throughout the home, a preserved piano forte and period-piece dolls.

Middle Tennessee

Sam davis home and plantation- smyrna.

Smyrna is famous for the Sam Davis Home and Plantation , the original 1850s home settled on a 160-acre farm that continues to grow cotton. Sam Davis was from an upper middle class family. He enlisted in the Civil War and became one of "Coleman's Scouts," working behind enemy lines, retrieving Union information and disrupting communication between Union troops. He was captured and charged by the Union as a spy where, ultimately, he was hanged. The Sam Davis Home and Plantation is its original 1850s structure. Get a glimpse of authentic craftsmanship from the floors, woodwork and doors.

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery - Nashville

Nashville's Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery  has a cherry wood, cantilevered staircase, limestone pillars and ruby glass transom above the front door all thanks to Williams Giles Harding who redesigned John Harding's 1820 home. Harding also had a thriving Thoroughbred stud farm and nursery with equine bloodlines still connected to famous racers today. The Belle Meade Winery, Nashville's first, was founded in 2009 and offers a variety of experiences like a wine and food pairing which features five wines with light food. Stroll to the 1820s Ice House for a Belle Meade Bourbon tasting which includes the history of the Revolution through Prohibition while you sip on mini cocktails.

Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage - Nashville

One of Nashville's well-known plantations is  The Hermitage , President Andrew Jackson's home. Before it became Jackson's, the land was bought by Nathaniel Hays in 1780 then later sold to the future president. Jackson, his wife and family transformed the property into a 1,000-acre plantation, building a Federal-style home from 1819-1821. The Hermitage contains a library, farm office, copper gutters and a two-story entrance portico with Doric columns. 

WEST Tennessee

Davies manor plantation - bartlett.

Though  Davies Manor Plantation  in Bartlett may seem modest, but it is still worth touring. It is unknown who originally built the log cabin. However, Joel W. Royster made additions when he bought the land in 1831 – 1837. He added a breezeway, two-story bedroom area and a dining room was added in the 1860s. A well house, slave cabins and commissary are available for tours on the grounds.

Cherry Mansion - Savannah

Cherry Mansion  in Savannah was originally built by David Robinson as a wedding gift to his daughter and her husband, W.H. Cherry in 1830. When the Civil War broke out, Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant used the mansion as his headquarters. It's said that Grant received information the Battle of Shiloh had begun as he was sitting down to breakfast. He rushed outside and could hear gunfire from the back porch of Cherry Mansion. For tour reservations please call 731-607-1208.

Continue your Civil War heritage tour through Tennessee on the self-guided Civil War Trails . Or, learn about other moments in the state at these historic sites . 

Places in this article

Blount Mansion

The Birthplace of Tennessee | The House with Many Eyes

Historic Ramsey House

Sam Davis Home and Plantation

Hear the story of a young Confederate hero...quoted "I would rather die a thousand deaths than betray a friend. "— Sam Davis, 1863

Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery

1853 Greek Revival Mansion at Belle Meade offering guided tours, Food & Wine Pairings, Bourbon Tastings, Gift Shops and an on-site restaurant

Davies Manor Plantation

Cherry Mansion

Circa 1830, served as headquarters for General Ulysses S. Grant during the Battle of Shiloh in the spring of 1862.

Andrew Jackson's Hermitage: Home of the People's President

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Travellers Rest

Historic house and museum.

The Oldest Historic House Open to the Public in Nashville

Travellers Rest Historic House Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the Overton home and landscape and serving as a gateway for learners of all ages to explore and experience Nashville's historic past. Our primary focus is history education and we serve more than 12,000 children and adult visitors each year. Our programs and events cover approximately 1000 years of history, from Mississippian period pre-contact settlement through the 19th century using the cultural resources of John Overton’s 1799 home.

Understanding each other through open dialogue

We believe as an historic site we have an obligation to provide a space that welcomes and facilitates open dialogue. We are working every day to more accurately tell the storiesof all former residents of Travellers Rest, including native communities who resided on this land prior to 1799, those enslaved here during the 18thand 19th centuries, and property owners and descendants. Learning from our collective history should lead to a better understanding of our present and allow for continued growth as a community, state, and country.

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Live at TR Songwriter Night

History of travellers rest, the first residents of historic travellers rest.

From as early as 1270-1316 A.D., more than 500 years before John Overton purchased the land which would later be known as Travellers Rest, the area was occupied by Native Americans during what archaeologists call the Mississippian period (circa 1000-1450 A.D.)

Nashville: From Frontier to Home of the U.S. President

The Native Americans who occupied Travellers Rest in the pre-historic Mississippian cultural period, were no longer present when white settlers began occupying Middle Tennessee. John Overton was among the very early residents of the young city.

Slavery at Travellers Rest: A Past Uncovered

Education is a key component of our mission at Travellers Rest Historic House Museum and provides a path to understand the hardships that enslaved persons endured.  Here at Travellers Rest, we strive to respectfully tell the complete story of all the inhabitants of the site.

The American Civil War: “HdQrs: 6 Miles from Nashville On Franklin Pike”

The American Civil War changed nearly everything in the South and deeply impacted the course of American history. Landscapes, farming practices, families, industries, homes, the economy and an entire way of life were radically altered and recovery, for some, would take generations.

Changes in Land & Economy Define the Emerging New South

In the late 19th century, post Reconstruction, the Overton family remained at Travellers Rest and, as did the rest of the Nashville, adapted to a nation entering a new era of industry. The city regained its economic strength and saw significant changes to its neighborhoods, way of life, and industries.

Discovering Nashville Through the Doors of Travellers Rest

Travellers Rest remained a central part of the Overton family and their descendants until 1946 when J.M. Dickinson, Judge Overton’s great-grandson, sold the property to Dr. John Youmans.

Discover Nashville Differently

Help Preserve the Past for the Future

Your tax-deductible contribution today will help preserve and maintain Travellers Rest Historic House Museum as a premier resource for history in Nashville and Middle Tennessee for generations to come.

• North America
• 10 Notable Southern Plantation Tours...

8 Most Notable Southern Plantation Tours in the United States

History buffs with an interest in the southern part of the United States will enjoy these plantation tours. They offer insight into the history of slave labor, plantation living and how the south evolved into what it is today.

Oak alley plantation, vacherie, louisiana.

Located in Louisiana, Oak Alley Plantation was first a sugar cane plantation started by Valcour Aime, who purchased the property in 1830. He established an enslaved community who worked the plantation. Then in 1836, Jacques Roman acquired the Oak Alley property and began to build his own home on the plantation. Accomplished entirely by slave labor, his home was built in Greek Revival style using bricks made on site and marble shipped in by steamboat to construct the dining-room floor. The self-guided exhibit at Oak Alley focuses on the lives and living conditions of those who were owned and kept on the plantation. Visitors learn about life after emancipation and can stop by the Blacksmith Shop, which acts as a tribute to Louisiana craftsmen and the history of forging metalwork.

Oak Alley Plantation has been the filming site of popular media works, including the 1993 film, Interview With a Vampire, and Beyoncé’s 2006 music video for the song Deja Vu.

Belle Meade Plantation, Nashville, Tennessee

Historical Landmark, Architectural Landmark

What started as a single log cabin is now a plantation located outside of Nashville, Tennessee that serves as an educational resource. Founded by John Harding in 1807, “Belle Meade” translates to mean beautiful meadow in old English and French . It began as a 250-acre property that eventually became a 5,400 thoroughbred horse farm. It had a Greek Revival Mansion, a train station and a rock quarry that supported five generations of owners and their enslaved workers. Today the site retains 34 acres of the original property, including the mansion and original homestead. It is dedicated to the preservation of Tennessee’s Victorian architecture and equestrian history.

Visitors to Belle Meade Plantation enjoy a tour of the property led by trained and costumed guides, who share the history of the mansion, as well as many other historic buildings like a horse stable, carriage house and log cabin. Free wine tasting is offered at the site’s winery after tours, and there is a gift shop and restaurant for visitors as well.

Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, Charleston, South Carolina

Historical Landmark

Back in 1676, Thomas Drayton and his wife Ann established the Magnolia Plantation along the Ashley River in South Carolina . The couple were the first in a line of Magnolia family ownership that has lasted for more than 300 years. During the Colonial era, the plantation saw immense growth due to the cultivation of rice. Once the American Revolution began, troops occupied the land and Drayton, along with his sons, became soldiers fighting the British. In 1825, Thomas Drayton’s great grandson willed the estate to his daughter’s sons, since he had no male heirs to leave the property to. One of the sons died of a gunshot wound, leaving the second brother a wealthy plantation owner at the age of 22. The American Civil War threatened the welfare of the Drayton family, the house and the gardens on the plantation. But the plantation recovered and saw additional growth of the gardens, which became the focus. The property was saved from ruin when it opened to the public in 1870. The plantation offers half-hour long guided tours taking visitors through the Drayton family home – the third in more than three centuries – and gives a glimpse of what plantation life was like in the 19th century onward. There are 10 rooms open to the public, furnished with antiques, quilts and Drayton family heirlooms. More than five years ago, Magnolia’s Cabin Project started as an effort to preserve five structures on the property that date back to 1850. The structures are former slave dwellings that are now the focal point for a 45-minute program in African American history .

Destrehan Plantation, Louisiana

The Destrehan Plantation in Louisiana was established in 1787. It is located 25 miles from downtown New Orleans. It was the home of successful sugar producers Marie Celeste Robin de Logny and her husband, Jean Noel Destrehan. By 1804, 59 enslaved workers inhabited the property, producing over 203,ooo pounds of sugar. The Destrehan Plantation was the site where one of the three trials following the 1811 Slave Revolt took place. It was led by Charles Deslondes, and was one of the largest slave revolts in U.S. history.

Visitors can tour the restored plantation, which is surrounded by lush greenery and looks over the Mississippi River. Stories of the Destrehan family and those who were enslaved are shared through guided tours, which also feature historic exhibits and the opportunity to participate in period demonstrations. Plantation tours also include access to the Jefferson Room, which displays an authentic document signed by Thomas Jefferson and James Madison.

Nottoway Plantation, White Castle, Louisiana

The south’s largest antebellum mansion is Nottoway Plantation. Located in Louisiana northwest of New Orleans and southwest of Baton Rouge, Nottoway is a Greek and Italianate style mansion full of extravagant features and details. It was completed in 1859 and the construction was commissioned by prestigious sugar planter John Hampton Randolph. The mansion became home to John, his wife Emily Jane, and their 11 children. As a wealthy businessman, John wanted no expense spared when it came to the home’s design. The 53,000 square foot mansion has 64 rooms with features like 22 massive exterior columns, 12 hand carved Italian marble fireplaces, 15 1/2 foot ceilings and a lavish pure white oval ballroom. Modern bathrooms with running water and a gas plant that provided gas lighting throughout the home were also installed per John’s vision.

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John’s wish was for the mansion to be a place where he could entertain visitors in extravagant and elegant style. He wanted a home that would be admired by all, seen by river boaters on the Mississippi River or riders on a horse drawn carriage traveling on Great River Road. When you visit Nottoway Plantation today, costumed plantation tour guides take you through the mansion, sharing details of the property’s construction and history. Over the years, Nottoway Plantation went through several different owners and years of decline, but managed to survive the Civil War. This is a testament to the loving care that the mansion has received by those who are determined to keep its history alive.

Pebble Hill Plantation, Thomasville, Georgia

The original owner of Pebble Hill Plantation in Georgia was Melville Hanna, who acquired the property in 1896. In 1901, he gave the property to his daughter, Kate. She immediately began construction on Pebble Hill, hiring architect Abram Garfield, and was actively involved in the design process. The first building was a log cabin that served as both a school and a playroom for her children. Several of the buildings were neo-classical brick structures that include the Plantation Store, the Pump House, the Waldorf and the Stables Complex.

Kate was a humanitarian who provided many benefits to the employees who worked on the plantation. Over 40 families of employees lived in furnished cottages, the Visiting Nurse Association provided medical services for employees and their families, and two schools were built and maintained for employees’ children in grades 1-7.

After Kate’s death in 1936, her daughter Elisabeth “Pansy” inherited the plantation. She wanted it to become a museum, and in 1956 formed the Pebble Hill Foundation to make the property open to the public. After her death in 1978, the plantation became property of the Pebble Hill Foundation, which maintains and manages the estate today.

Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage, Nashville, Tennessee

Located about 10 miles east of downtown Nashville, Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage offers self-guided audio tours and interpreter led tours of the former president’s estate. General admission plantation tours cover over 1,000 acres of farmland that used to be The Hermitage Plantation. The Hermitage was a self-sustaining property that relied on slave labor to produce cotton. President Andrew Jackson and his wife Rachel lived there for several years in the late 1700s. The Jackson family survived on profits made from the crops that the slaves worked every day. When he first bought The Hermitage in 1804, he owned nine African American slaves. At the time of his death in 1845, he owned about 150 slaves who lived and worked on the property.

Although slaves could not legally marry, Jackson encouraged his to form family units. This was a way to discourage slaves from trying to escape, since it would be more difficult for an entire family to safely flee.

Take a plantation tour of the Hermitage to walk through the mansion, the exhibit gallery and the grounds, where both President Jackson and his wife are laid to rest. Costumed tour guides will share the detailed history of the Jackson family, the plantation and the buildings and original belongings that remain on the property.

James Madison’s Montpelier, Virginia

Ambrose Madison, a planter and slaveholder in Virginia, along with his wife Frances and their three children, arrived in 1732 to a plantation they called Mount Pleasant. One of Ambrose’s grandchildren, James, spent his early childhood at Mount Pleasant while construction began on a brick Georgian house that would later become the center of James Madison’s Montpelier .

It was on this very land that James Madison contemplated ideas and shaped the United States as the country’s fourth president. With 2,650 acres of horse pastures, rolling hills and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, James Madison’s Montpelier offers insight into the Madison family history, and provides a deeper look into James Madison’s presidency . Just behind Mount Pleasant is the Madison Family Cemetery, where both James and Dolley Madison are buried.

Exhibits on the property include the 1910 Train Depot, which explores the African American struggle for civil rights . It opened in 2010 and is a permanent exhibit on the plantation. There’s also The Mere Distinction of Colour, which allows visitors to hear the stories of those who were enslaved at Montpelier, as told by their descendants. It recounts the events that took place at the Madison’s home, as well as the South Yard of the property, where the slaves lived and worked. The exhibition also explores how the legacy of slavery impacts race relations and human rights in modern America.

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