plantation home tours nashville

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!

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Nashville's Best Historical Homes

TripSavvy / Jackson Vance 

No trip to Nashville would be complete without a visit to one of its many historical homes. From log cabins to castles to plantation mansions, you'll learn a lot about how people lived during earlier times. Architecture buffs will be fascinated by different styles such as Greek Revival, Italianate, and Moorish-Gothic. You can even see the home of a U.S. president: The Hermitage, owned by President Andrew Jackson. The following is a list of some of the best historical homes and mansions that Middle Tennessee has to offer, all within an hour's drive of Nashville.

Belle Meade Plantation

TripSavvy / Jackson Vance

110 Leake Ave. Nashville, TN 37205

Belle Meade Plantation, founded in 1807 by John Harding, started with just one log cabin on 250 acres. In 1845, he commissioned the building of the Greek Revival mansion, which was home to five generations. The grounds now cover 5,400 acres and, in addition to the mansion, ​including a horse farm, dairy, mausoleum, gardens, and carriage house. After the tour, enjoy a free wine tasting, get a bite in the restaurant, and visit the gift shop.

Ambrose House

122 S. 12th St. Nashville, TN 37206

The beautiful Ambrose House is a Victorian charmer with crown molding, brick, copper, warm woods, and 12-foot ceilings. Architect Hugh Cathcart Thompson designed the house and is most famous for designing the historic Ryman Auditorium, which opened as a church in 1892 but in 1943 became the home of country music's Grand Ole Opry radio show.

Athenaeum Rectory

808 Athenaeum St. Columbia, TN 38401

Located in Columbia, Athenaeum Rectory was completed in about 1837 and is known for its Moorish-Gothic architecture. It served as the rectory for the family of Rev. Franklin Gillette Smith, headmaster of a girls' school. After the last member of the Smith family to live there died in the 1970s, the home was donated for use as a museum.

Belmont Mansion

1900 Belmont Blvd. Nashville, TN 37212

The Belmont Mansion, built in Italianate style, was completed in 1853 and served as a temporary headquarters for the Union Army during the Civil War, as well as an all-girls college and seminary. With 19,000 square feet and 36 rooms, the house is Tennessee's largest house museum and one of the most elaborate Southern antebellum homes.

Bowen Plantation House

PapaBear/Getty Images

705 Caldwell Drive Goodlettsville, TN 37072

Also known as the Bowen–Campbell House, the Bowen Plantation House, circa 1787, is located in Goodlettsville at Mansker's Station. The two-story, Federal-style house is the oldest brick house in Middle Tennessee and was the frontier home of Capt. William Bowen, an American Revolutionary War veteran.

Buchanan Log House

2910 Elm Hill Pike Nashville, TN 37214

The Buchanan Log House is a two-story house built in 1807 from chestnut logs and has poplar floors and limestone fireplaces. James Buchanan built the home and lived here with his wife and 16 children. Also nearby are the Addison House, a crafts cabin, and the James Buchanan Cemetery. 

Carter House

1140 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064

Just a mile and a half from Carnton Plantation, the brick Carter House was built in 1830 and was occupied successively by three generations of the Carter Family. In 1864 during the Civil War, a Union Army general took possession of the house to be used as his headquarters during the bloody Battle of Franklin.

3831 Whites Creek Pike Nashville, TN  37207

Cedarwood is a beautiful antebellum farmhouse built in 1835 that now serves as a wedding venue. The 50-acre estate is in the countryside just eight miles north of downtown Nashville .

Cragfont State Historic Site

200  Cragfont Road Castalian Springs, TN 37031

In 1786, Gen. James Winchester, a veteran of the War of 1812, began work on this log cabin. He named it Cragfont because of its location on a high, rocky bluff with a spring at its base. The home wasn't completed until 1802, and once it was, it was considered one of the grandest homes on the Tennessee frontier. Built in the late Georgian style, the house was built from limestone and poplar, walnut, ash, and cherry woods. It even had a second-floor ballroom.

Croft House at Nashville Zoo

3777 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211

The Croft House, built around 1810 by Col. Michael C. Dunn, is on the Grassmere Historic Farm and Nashville Zoo  property. Originally built in the Federal style, it was converted to Italianate after its renovation following the Civil War. This is when the ornate front and back porches, smokehouse, kitchen, and three-tiered garden were added. This is a working farm with livestock, chicken coop, machine shed, and pastures.

Elm Springs

740 Mooresville Pike Columbia, TN 38401

Elm Springs, located near Columbia, is a two-story, brick house built in 1837 in the Greek Revival style by brothers James and Nathaniel Dick, wealthy cotton merchants from New Orleans. It was later the home of Confederate Lt. Col. Abram M. Looney during the Civil War and was set to be destroyed by fire by Union troops. Fires were started, but Confederate Brig. Gen. Frank C. Armstrong sent troops to put out the flames. The house is currently the headquarters for the Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Falcon Rest Mansion & Gardens

2645 Faulkner Springs Road McMinnville, TN 37110

Falcon Rest is a 10,000-square foot Victorian mansion in McMinnville built in 1896 by Gorilla Pants manufacturer Clay Faulkner. The brick house features electricity, central heat, and indoor plumbing, causing PBS to liken it to the impressive Biltmore Estate in North Carolina . The house was used as a hospital from the 1940s until 1968. Today it features a Victorian Tea Room and gift shop. 

Carnton Plantation

Pat Canova/Getty Images

1345 Eastern Flank Circle Franklin, TN 37064 615-794-0903

Carnton Plantation was built in 1826 by Randal McGavock, a former mayor of Nashville, and was one of the area's premier farms. In 1864 during the Civil War's Battle of Franklin, the home became a field hospital where hundreds of wounded soldiers were taken. The land near the family's cemetery became the final resting place for 1,500 Confederate soldiers killed during the battle. It's the country's largest privately owned military cemetery.

Gordon House

205 Old Spencer Mill Road Burns, TN 37029

Gordon House, built in 1818, was one of the first brick homes built within a 30-mile radius of Natchez Trace near Williamsport. The Georgian-style structure was built on Chickasaw land and was the main house on a 1,500-acre plantation featuring a trading post and ferry over Duck River. Its owner, Capt. John Gordon served under Confederate Gen. Andrew Jackson and was known to be a fierce Indian fighter. He was also Nashville's first postmaster.

Hundred Oaks Castle

101-, 199 Hundred Oaks Pl Winchester, TN 37398

Tour reservations are required and limited to groups of 20 or more. Directions to the castle are given when reservations are made.

Hundred Oaks Castle, located in Winchester, is one of only 13 remaining historic castles in the United States and is considered one of the world's most romantic. Built as a plantation farmhouse by railroad tycoon Benjamin Decherd in the 1830s, the castle was once home to  Albert Marks, a governor of Tennessee and a relative to Thomas Jefferson. For more than 50 years, it was a monastery. In 1990, a fire thought to be set by an arsonist ripped through the castle. You can tour 30 of the castle's rooms and two of its towers.

Lotz House Museum

1111 Columbia Ave. Franklin, TN 37064

Lotz House Museum, built in 1858 by German carpenter and piano maker Johann Albert Lotz, lies where the 1864 Battle of Franklin took place during the Civil War. The home was a way for Lotz to showcase his beautiful handiwork to attract potential clients.

The house is now a museum of the material culture of Union and Confederate soldiers who fought in the Civil War. It has the largest and most comprehensive collection of War Between the States and Old West artifacts in the Mid-South.

Oaklands Mansion

900 N. Maney Ave. Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Oaklands Mansion, circa 1818, just north of Murfreesboro, was built by Sallie Murfree, daughter of Col. Hardee Murfree, and her husband Dr. Maney. Originally a two-room, brick house, later additions in both Federal and Italianate styles made this one of the most elegant homes in Middle Tennessee. The land served as a cotton and tobacco plantation. Guests included Confederate President Jefferson Davis and First Lady Sarah Childress Polk, wife of President James Polk.

President James K. Polk House & Museum

ProhibitOnions/Flickr/GNU Free Documentation License

301 W. 7th St. Columbia, TN 38401

The James K. Polk House, a brick Federal-style house, was built in 1816 for James K. Polk's father, Samuel, and is the only surviving home of America's eleventh president. James K. Polk lived here with his parents from after his college graduation in 1818 until his marriage to Sarah Childress in 1824. Polk's possessions at the house include furniture, paintings, clothing, and White House china. Before becoming president, Polk was a U.S. Congressman, Speaker of the House, and governor of Tennessee.

Rattle and Snap Plantation

National Park Service photographer/Public Domain

Andrew Jackson Highway (TN 43) Mount Pleasant, TN 38474

Rattle and Snap Plantation, circa 1845, is one of the country's best examples of residential Greek Revival architecture. The property was named Rattle and Snap after William Polk won the land from the North Carolina governor in a game called rattle and snap. The home features beautiful craftsmanship featuring limestone bricks, 10 portico columns, four porches, and 10 Corinthian columns. Talented slave artisans built the house.

Cheekwood Estate

1200 Forrest Park Drive Nashville, TN 37205

Cheekwood is a limestone mansion completed in 1932 by the Cheek Family. The family's fortune came from investments in the Maxwell House coffee brand. The house is a great example of an American Country Place Era Estate. Its 55 acres are now home to a botanical garden and art museum. Popular times to visit are during the spring when more than 100,000 tulips are in bloom and at Christmas when many holiday events are scheduled.

Rippavilla Plantation

5700 Main St. Spring Hill, TN 37174

The two-story brick mansion at Rippavilla Plantation was completed in 1855 by Nathaniel F. Cheairs IV. Every wall in the house is three bricks thick. In 1920, electricity and plumbing were installed and the kitchen and smokehouse were attached to the home.

During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate generals used the mansion as their headquarters, and this is where Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood drew up his plan for the bloody Battle of Franklin in 1864. In 1985, the Saturn car company leased the property. The city of Spring Hill now owns Rippavilla.

Riverwood Mansion

1833 Welcome Lane Nashville, TN 37216

Riverwood Mansion was built by Irish immigrant Alexander Porter, who owned a lot of commercial property in the area. Built in the late 1790s and at 9,200 square feet, this Greek Revival-style house is one of Nashville's oldest and largest. The home has hosted seven U.S. presidents. Today it's a wedding venue.

Rock Castle

139 Rock Castle Lane Hendersonville, TN 37075

Rock Castle is a limestone Federal-style structure on 18 acres next to Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tenn. It was built by Revolutionary War Gen. Daniel Smith in the late 1700s. Smith, a surveyor from Virginia, was a two-time senator and also named the state of Tennessee.

810 S. Water Ave. Gallatin, TN 37066

Rose Mont was established as a 500-acre thoroughbred horse and longhorn cattle farm. Built between 1836 and 1842 by Josephus Conn Guild, the mansion features a blend of Creole and Palladian design. The Creole influence can be seen in its large windows, open-air halls, separate wings, extended roof, and wide porches. The main facade is Italian Palladian design. Its name comes from the property's rose gardens. Today Rose Mont consists of only six remaining acres, is surrounded by a residential neighborhood, and is owned by the city of Gallatin.

Sam Davis Home

1399 Sam Davis Road Smyrna, TN 37167

The Sam Davis Home was built between 1810 and 1820 by the father of Confederate Civil War hero Sam Davis. The two-story house lies on a cotton plantation and is characteristic of a Southern, upper-middle-class family. The home has nine rooms, its original kitchen, a smokehouse, office, and privy. Four slave cabins were relocated to the property to teach about life as a slave on Southern plantations. Located in Smyrna, the house is on 168 acres along the banks of Stewarts Creek.

Smith-Trahern Mansion

101 McClure St. Clarksville, TN 37040

Smith-Trahern Mansion is located north of Nashville in Clarksville where it has overlooked the Cumberland River since 1859. Built by Christopher Smith, a wealthy tobacconist, the house is both a Greek Revival and Italianate design. Highlights include grand hallways, a curved staircase, and a widow's walk on the roof. Slave quarters are the only remaining outbuildings. During World War II, the house served as temporary housing for soldiers. The mansion is rumored to be haunted by one its original owners, Mrs. Smith.

Spring Haven Mansion

1 Spring Haven Court Hendersonville, TN 37075

Spring Haven Mansion is a circa 1825 plantation home that sits on a beautiful three-acre property in Sumner County. It includes a log cabin, smokehouse, springhouse, screened-in porch, patio, and barn. It was built at about the same time as President Andrew Jackson's The Hermitage, and many items in both houses are similar.

Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum

636 Farrell Parkway Nashville, TN 37220

Travellers Rest Plantation, circa 1799, was the former home of Judge John Overton and his family for more than 140 years. The mansion served as the headquarters for Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood just prior to the Battle of Nashville during the Civil War. Today the museum includes exhibits covering the history of the Cumberland Basin area, Native American settlements, the Civil War, and slavery.

Two Rivers Mansion

3130 McGavock Pike Nashville, TN 37214

The stately Italianate Two Rivers Mansion built in 1859 by David McGavock has been restored to reflect the splendor of the 1870s. The 14-acre property also includes a small Federal-style brick home built in 1802. At one time, it was home to livestock, a dairy operation, fox hunting, and a horse-breeding facility. Many of the estate's 50 outbuildings were destroyed by a tornado in 1933. Now owned by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County, you'll also find two schools, a golf course, water park, skate park, and picnic areas here.

The Hermitage

4580 Rachel’s Lane Hermitage, TN 37076

The Hermitage mansion was the home of President Andrew Jackson, who lived here from 1804 until his death in 1845. In 1889, it opened as a museum and has become one of the most visited presidential museums with more than 15 million visitors.

This National Historic Landmark on 1,120 acres was once a cotton plantation that relied entirely on the labor of African slaves. At the time of Jackson's death, he had owned 150 slaves. He is buried on the grounds alongside his wife, Rachel, who died in 1828.

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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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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.

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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.

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• 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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Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Two Rivers Mansion is a beautiful 1859 antebellum mansion located in Nashville, Tennessee. Take a virtual tour of this unique and distinctive piece of local history.

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Mansion History & Restoration

Two Rivers Mansion, one of the last of the elaborate antebellum country homes built in the Nashville area and one of the earliest and best preserved of the ornate Italianate houses in Middle Tennessee, was once part of an 1100-acre plantation located on fertile, rolling land between the Stones and Cumberland rivers.

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10 Most Beautiful Historic Southern Plantation Homes You Can Visit

Southern charm: 10 of the most historical southern plantation homes.

With their historic architecture and stunning gardens, historical Southern plantation homes are full of old-world charm and beauty. More importantly, they have rich stories to tell because they played significant roles in our nation’s history.  If experiencing the storied history and architectural beauty of a southern plantation home is in your future, then these charming historical Southern plantations should not be missed:

Pebble Hill Plantation

Located in Thomasville, Georgia, this antebellum plantation and museum was first established when Thomas Jefferson Johnson purchased the land in 1825. Johnson first raised cotton and then introduced rice, a profitable crop in Georgia during the 19th century.

After Johnson’s death, the plantation was inherited by his daughter, Julia Ann. In 1850, a lovely plantation home was built upon the property by English architect John Wind.

Julia and her husband struggled with the property during Reconstruction in the South, and the property was purchased by Thomas Melville Hanna in 1896. After his death, Pebble Hill passed to his daughter, Kate, who turned it into a hunting estate, which were popular during the mid-1880s.

Kate’s daughter, Elisabeth, inherited the plantation after her mother’s death in 1936 and decided to turn the plantation into a museum for all to enjoy. Today, the grounds are well-maintained and feature beautiful gardens that are worth exploring.

Evergreen Plantation

If Evergreen Plantation seems familiar, you might have seen it featured in Quentin Tarantino’s 2012 film, “Django Unchained” . The stunning Greek Revival style building and plantation grounds were used as a backdrop to shoot some of the film’s scenes.

Located in Edgar, Louisiana, just outside New Orleans, the plantation is considered the most intact plantation in the South and still produces sugar cane to this day. As you explore the grounds, be sure to check out the 22 intact slave cabins, which are arranged in a double row along its oak alley.

Whitney Plantation

Whitney Plantation, located in Wallace, Louisiana, was also featured in “Django Unchained” — but this isn’t your typical historical Southern plantation. In 2014, the 2,000-acre property was converted into the first slavery museum in America.

Unlike other plantations, Whitney Plantation doesn’t sugarcoat the lives of enslaved Africans who worked the former indigo and sugar farm. Jim Cummings, the owner of Whitney Plantation, has spent millions on the museum’s artifacts and restoration to give visitors a true sense of life in the antebellum South.

Shirley Plantation

Dating back to 1614, Shirley Plantation is the oldest plantation in America . Located in Charles City County, Virginia, the plantation once produced tobacco that was sent around the colonies and shipped to England.

Although the land was originally settled in 1613, a portion of the land was granted to Edward Hill in 1638. Anne Hill Carter, who was born on the plantation, was the mother of Confederate General Robert E. Lee.

In fact, Hill’s direct descendants continue to own and operate the plantation to this day, making it the oldest family-owned business in North America.

Nottoway Plantation

Nottoway Plantation in White Castle, Louisiana, is home to the South’s largest antebellum mansion. The ornate, Greek and Italianate style mansion is bursting with opulence and demonstrates the vast wealth of prestigious sugarcane planter John Hampden Randolph.

Built in 1859, the jaw-dropping mansion has three floors and a total of 64 rooms, 165 doors, 12 hand-carved Italian marble fireplaces and 200 windows. The spectacular home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a resort destination.

Belle Meade Plantation

Located in Belle Meade, Tennessee, the Belle Meade Plantation is a beautiful Greek Revival mansion that now operates as a museum. The land was originally purchased by John Harding in 1806 and used to produce cotton.

Harding quickly became one of the largest slave holders in the Nashville area. With his new fortune, he built a brick house on a small hill, which he called “Belle Meadow.”

What started as a 250-acre property would become a 5,300-acre farm that raised thoroughbred horses. The farm survived the Civil War and was passed down through generations of the Harding family until they ran into serious debt in 1893. The plantation was sold in 1906 and was converted into an educational non-profit organization in 1953.

Magnolia Plantation

Founded in 1676 by Thomas Drayton, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is renowned for its beautiful gardens and rich history. Located along the banks of the Ashley River near Historic Charleston, S.C., the 464-acre property has survived natural disasters, as well as both the American Revolution and Civil War.

There is much to see and do at Magnolia, so be sure to carve out a couple hours to walk through all the gardens, take a tour of the magnificent plantation home and let the kids enjoy the petting zoo.

If you’re visiting the wonderful city of Charleston, you can’t miss Boone Hall. Located across the Cooper River in Mount Pleasant, S.C., Boone Hall is America’s oldest working plantation and the most photographed in the country.

People from across the world come to Boone Hall to see its famous Avenue of Oaks, explore the working plantation and Georgian-style home and experience the only live presentation of Gullah culture at The Gullah Theater. Educational and awe-inspiring, it’s easy to see why this historical Southern plantation draws thousands of visitors each year.

Destrehan Plantation

Established in 1787, Destrehan Plantation was originally a thriving indigo plantation and sugarcane farm. Situated 25 miles from New Orleans, this antebellum mansion is noted for its French Colonial style architecture, which was later modified with Greek Revival style elements.

Destrehan Plantation has a fascinating history that starts with the plantation’s second owner, Jean-Noel Destrehan, who was deeply involved in the state’s politics, serving on the Orleans Territorial Council and as a U.S. senator until he resigned after a month.

Destrehan paved the way for the Creole system of slave labor, in which head slaves were appointed to oversee tasks on sugarcane plantations. Although the history is dark, the plantation’s costumed historical interpreters do an excellent job of telling the rich stories of the Destrehan family and the slaves who worked there.

Belle Grove Plantation

A trip to Belle Grove Plantation gives visitors the opportunity to venture into the past and see what life was like for early settlers in Shenandoah Valley. Located near Middletown, Virginia, the 1797 antebellum plantation is still farmed today and features a large limestone manor house in Federal style architecture.

The impressive manor was built by Major Isaac Hite and his wife, Nelly Madison Hite, the sister of President James Madison. The home was originally named after Nelly’s grandmother’s home in Port Conway, Virginia, which is the site where James Madison was born.

Now a historic house museum, visitors can tour the large manor, an 1815 icehouse and smokehouse, a slave cemetery and a heritage apple orchard — all set against a stunning mountain backdrop.

Full of History and Charm

Before the outbreak of the Civil War, there were more than 500,000 plantations and farms in the South. Although many did not survive reconstruction, those Southern plantation homes that have remained well-preserved now offer an invaluable glimpse into our country’s storied past.

*************************************** About The Author:    Traci Magnus was raised on the Charleston Coast and attended the College of Charleston before moving to New York City in the mid 1990s. Her first job in the Big Apple was with the renowned NYC real estate brokerage Douglas Elliman. For the next decade, she honed her marketing skills at some of Madison Avenue’s top advertising agencies. In 2006, she returned to Charleston along with her husband Glenn and their son Max. She joined the  Dunes Properties  team in early 2008 as Director of Marketing. ***************************************

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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.

Written by  

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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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:

The One Spot In Tennessee That’s Basically Heaven On Earth

Big South Fork National River in Tennessee offers unforgettable natural beauty and scenic vistas.

Big South Fork National River is a stunning ode to natural creation, a crown on the tippy top of Tennessee's illustrious list of pretty vistas. If you haven't been, this is a trip through the wild expanse of the Volunteer State that you'll never forget. We loved this area when we visited and have to say it is one of the most beautiful places in Tennessee.

Located on the Cumberland Plateau, Big South Fork National River Park sits on 125,000 acres in its entirety. This massive recreation area is high on our list of pretty places in Tennessee. It is easy to see why.

With many years of history at its helm, you can camp surrounded by the beat of Tennessee's natural heart.

The park is well-known for its array of sandstone bluffs and scenic views of its natural gorges.

If you do get the camping bug, there are five grounds that you can choose from. You know, choosing the one that best suits your family is always a plus.

Both the Big South Fork and Cumberland River run through the park, and they are protected by the state. Make sure you respect the park while you visit.

Interesting fact: the park is shared by both Kentucky and Tennessee and is located in both eastern and central time zones. Just look at this place. Doesn't it look like heaven on earth in Tennessee?

Hunting is allowed in the park. There are safety zones for guests, but if you're going to be in the backcountry, you are recommended to wear bright orange at all times.

The park prides itself on being a four-season destination. There's truly something to do every day of the year.

Plus, it's absolutely stunning during autumn. Just look at this.

Have you visited one of the most beautiful places in Tennessee, Big South Fork ? Because now you'll most definitely want to head on over! This park is certainly a remote area so come prepared to be immersed in nature while you enjoy the river, hikes, and much of the natural beauty around. To fully soak in all there is to see and do, we recommend booking a stay at the Black Creek Glamping .

While we love Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, another must-see beautiful place in Tennessee, of course, is the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. This is one of our favorite places to visit in the Volunteer State, and we are not alone; this is the most visited national park in our country. You can learn more about this park by watching this OnlyInYourState video below:

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Home » North America » USA » Tennessee » Horses, History, and Wine at Belle Meade Plantation

Horses, History, and Wine at Belle Meade Plantation

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: October 24, 2021

At the end of a long driveway in Nashville’s wealthiest enclave sits a stately antebellum mansion. Flanked by massive magnolias, its porch is filled with rocking chairs ready to welcome anyone stopping by. Its stucco façade gleams a little less than it did at its construction over 150 years ago, but the chips and pockmarks are part of history. The history of this place—Belle Meade plantation and its mansion—is the history of a family and business weathering the century that included the Civil War. It was our first stop on our visit to Nashville .

Belle Meade plantation is one of the premier plantations in Tennessee and one of the top attractions in the state . It once stretched over 5400 acres and hosted celebrities, presidents, and countless southern gentlemen. Even though it is now just 24 acres, many of the important elements remain.

A tour of this Nashville plantation tells the story of the people—black and white—who lived here. They saw a place that started with a modest log cabin become the largest thoroughbred horse farm in the country.

Belle Meade Plantation History

African americans at the plantation, the mansion, visiting information.

Belle Meade plantation is the estate of the Harding and Jackson family, whom our tour guide assured us was “no relation to President Harding, Tonya Harding, Andrew Jackson, Alan Jackson, or Michael Jackson.” They were, in fact, just a group of hard-working people who became enormously wealthy and successful over the years. Until they weren’t anymore.

In 1807, Virginian John Harding purchased a log cabin and 250 acres of land—what is now the plantation. He boarded horses for neighbors such as Andrew Jackson (who lived nearby at the Hermitage ), bred thoroughbreds, and was active in horse racing with the help of his son William Giles Harding . By 1860, William Giles was one of the most successful horse racers in America. But all that came to a halt throughout the South when the Civil War began.

A die-hard Confederate, William Giles was a Brigadier General in the Tennessee State Militia. He supported the South’s position in his actions and with his substantial bank account. The richest man in Nashville at the time, Harding donated $500,000 to help the South win the war. When the Union moved into Nashville in 1862, he was imprisoned for six months before they released him on parole.

Despite losing the money he contributed to the war, General Harding weathered the conflict better than many in the South. He kept all of his thoroughbreds, even while other farms had their horses taken by soldiers on both sides. The immediate aftermath of the Civil War was also a very successful time for General Harding. While much of the nation was rebuilding, he soared.

In 1867, Harding was the first in Tennessee to auction thoroughbreds bred on his farm, which attracted attention nationwide and helped him become the most successful thoroughbred breeder and distributor in Tennessee. That same year, General Harding won more prize money with his horses than anyone in the United States.

With the help of his son-in-law, William Hicks Jackson, General Harding shifted away from racing to focus exclusively on breeding. He turned the plantation into an internationally renowned thoroughbred farm and showplace. Even after Harding’s death, the legacy continued with Belle Meade producing bloodlines that still influence racing today (the horses are immortalized on the labels of Nashville’s Belle Meade whiskey ).

But the glory, wealth, and prestige of Belle Meade couldn’t last forever. In 1893, the country slid into a financial crisis at the same time that evangelical movements caused the closure of racetracks and ended gambling. Not a good situation for people whose livelihood depended on all of those things.

By 1906, all of the 2600 acres that had belonged to Jackson were sold, including Belle Meade mansion. At its sale, Belle Meade was the oldest and largest thoroughbred farm in the United States.

The massive operation at Belle Meade required more than a few hands. During the plantation’s heyday, the Hardings didn’t lack the funds to acquire them. Enslaved people ran the blacksmith shop and the cotton gin on the property. And, when the grist mill and saw mill were added, enslaved people played a huge role in running those, too. By the time the breeding and racing operation was in full swing, enslaved people served as trainers and jockeys on the property.

Over the years, Belle Meade’s population grew steadily. John Harding became one of the largest slave owners in the area, with more than 136 enslaved people on the property by 1860. The business could not have survive without them.

As the farm became more specialized, many slaves became skilled at stonemasonry, millwork, woodworking, and blacksmithing. Each member of the Harding family also had a personal servant who often slept in their room in the mansion. They had to be available at all times. After the Civil War, most of Belle Meade’s formerly enslaved families left the farm, but 72 people remained as paid employees. .

The most well-known enslaved person was Robert “Bob” Green, whom General Harding brought to work on the plantation in 1839. As he grew up working with horses, Bob was an expert in everything related to the thoroughbreds. He was an indispensable part of the training and breeding operation.

After Emancipation, Bob was the highest paid worker on the plantation, and his expertise was acknowledged throughout the horse business around the world. When Bob died in 1906, several white men served as his pallbearers, a testament to his skill and fortitude.

In addition to Bob Green, the names and stories of some of the enslaved people are part of the Belle Meade tour. From a domestic servant named Dicey to Ben the blacksmith, Patrick the laborer, and Susanna Carter the head housekeeper, the plantation tries to tell their stories alongside those of the Harding family, despite the scant information available. The project—called the Journey to Jubilee—highlights the contributions these important people made to the plantation.

The building of the plantation began in 1820 when John Harding oversaw the construction of a brick house on his 250 acres. Building this new, Federal-style home allowed him and his wife Susannah to move out of the log cabin they had occupied for 13 years and marked the transformation of the land into a plantation.

With business on the upswing in 1853, William Giles Harding made major changes to the old home to reflect the family’s success. The house was enlarged into a Greek-Revival style mansion. The red brick was covered with stucco, and a two-story verandah was created, complete with six limestone pillars. (Some of those pillars are marked with bullet holes from the Civil War skirmish that took place in the front yard in 1864.)

The interior was just as grand as the exterior. Visitors were greeted in the entrance hall with fourteen-foot-high ceilings. Everywhere, the walls were decked with paintings of the famous thoroughbreds and portraits of the Harding family. Brilliant gas chandeliers hung from the ceiling. No expense was spared for the family while the enslaved people lived in drafty wooden cabin elsewhere on the property.

Over time, the house was modernized to include bathrooms with hot and cold running water, as well as a telephone—all well before the turn of the century.

Today’s plantation is a fraction of its original self. Most of the buildings left on the site, which is now just 24 acres, are available on a self-guided tour.

The original 1807 log cabin still stands on the property. The Hardings moved out of the cabin in 1820, and it ultimately became the home of renowned horse trainer Bob Green and his family. One room of the cabin reflects what it might have looked like when the Hardings lived there in the early 1800s, and the other room depicts the possible living arrangements of the Greens 100 years later.

A short walk away are the 1884 dairy that supplied milk, cream, cheese, and butter to the plantation and the 1826 smokehouse, which was once the largest in the South. As much as 20,000 pounds of meat were smoked there each year.

Nearby, the carriage house and stables are some of the only clues to the massive thoroughbred operation that dominated life here.

A reconstructed two-room cabin gives an idea of the living conditions of the enslaved workers on the plantation. Photos inside show them at work and at rest. Exhibits focus on religion and material culture as well as efforts to uncover the history of the enslaved people who lived here.

After the self-guided portion of the tour, a guide in period costume takes visitors through the plantation’s centerpiece—the mansion. Themes (holidays, aspects of plantation life, etc.) change periodically and give glimpses into the family who once occupied its rooms. The mansion is decorated in 1880s fashion, and most furnishings are original, from the plethora of taxidermy to the engraved pistols and ornate tea sets.

The last stop on the tour is Belle Meade Winery. Because all good tours end with a wine tasting. Though the winery isn’t from the time of the Hardings and Jacksons–it’s only 10 years old–there is evidence that Muscadine grapes used for traditional sweet wine were grown on the plantation in the 1800s.

The complimentary tasting includes three types of wines made from grapes grown elsewhere in Tennessee and in California. The profits from the winery support the upkeep of the plantation.

Location : 110 Leake Avenue in Nashville, about a half-hour from downtown

Hours : 9:00am-5:00pm daily; the first tour begins at 9:30am and the last tour begins at 4:00pm

Prices : Admission is $24 for adults and $13 for those ages 6-18. Children 5 and under are free.

Tours : There are a number of specialty tours, including one that focuses on the lives of the enslaved people. Specifics can be found on the website .

Food : The on-site restaurant, Harding House, serves lunch daily and brunch on the weekends.

We were the guests of Visit Music City. All opinions of the historical and equestrian are our own.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Tammy Stillion

Monday 1st of November 2021

Truly one of my most wonderful experiences in Nashville! I will most definitely go back with my husband and do the tour again. All the information you add it in was very insightful thank you for helping fill some gaps.

Saturday 5th of August 2017

Thank you for this wonderful insight and perspective on this plantation. We will be visiting very soon!!

Hours:      Mon - Sat. 10 am to 3:30 pm   /   Sun. 11 am to 3:30 pm   /    Last admission at 3:30 pm

Stories of the Past - Conversations for the Future

Discover the largest house built in Tennesse e prior to the Civil War. Constructed between 18 50  and 1860, Belmont Mansion was the home of Adelicia and Joseph Acklen.

Visiting here is an opportunity to explore one of the few 1850s era homes still standing in Nashville while learning about the place and the people -- both free and enslaved -- who make this site worth understanding.

A majority of rooms in Belmont Mansion have been meticulously restored,

complete with original and period furniture, artwork and statuary.

Located in the heart of Nashville on the Belmont University Campus

Monday through Saturday

Open at 10 am.

Last guest admitted at 3:30

Doors close at 4:30 pm

Open at 11 am.

July 28 - Last guest admitted at 3:00

Average visit is 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Located in the middle of the Belmont University campus  behind Freeman Hall.

Adult Group Tours

Are you a tour operator, business organization, bus company, church, or a group of 15 or more guests choose this option to learn more about the variety of group tours available..

For groups of 14 or less, please check out our walk-in options  here.

Our adult group tours are exceptional. Throughout the 45-minute guided tour, a century of Belle Meade’s history is told through the eyes of the Harding and Jackson family and the skilled laborers who collectively worked to make this America’s premier thoroughbred horse farm. After the guided tour, groups will enjoy a complimentary wine tasting (age 21+) in our on-site Winery. At the conclusion of the wine tasting, groups are encouraged to enjoy a self-guided tour of the Grounds and explore our massive 1892 Carriage House and Stables, Outbuildings, Outdoor Game Court, and various Gift Shops.

For reservations, please contact our Group Sales Department at 615-356-0501 ext. 145 or e-mail us at [email protected]  

• User Ages 21+
• Hour Glass 2 hours

Group Sales: Historic Tour

Enjoy an exciting group tour at Belle Meade followed by a complimentary wine tasting in Nashville!

• Hour Glass 3 hours

Group Sales: Historic Tour & Lunch

Join a lunch tour in Nashville! Enjoy a three-course meal in our 1892 Carriage House and Stables.

Group Sales: Historic Tour & Culinary Demo

Learn all about the South through a culinary demonstration.

Group Sales: Historic Tour & Bourbon Experience

Enjoy a private tasting featuring Belle Meade Bourbon.

Group Sales: Historic Tour & Wine and Food Pairing

Hand-crafted, seasonally inspired, gourmet hors d’oeuvres paired with exclusive Belle Meade Wines.

Group Sales: Historic Tour and Archery Experience

In partnership with Music City Archery, experience the thrill of archery on our 30+ acres.

Group Sales: Historic Tour & Wine, Bourbon, and Food Pairing

Led by our dual certified sommelier and bourbon stewards , each libation is paired with a gourmet hors d’oeuvre from our Executive Chef.

Group Sales: Historic Tour and Chef-Inspired Pairing

Exclusive Belle Meade Wines paired with Chef-Prepared Southern cuisine.