civil war tour nashville tn

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Franklin’s Civil War Tour

Explore the historic sites of the Battle of Franklin

Quick Details

• Bus Vehicle Type: Mini bus
• Hour Glass Duration: 7 hours
• Map Marker Points of Interest: Carnton, Carter House and Lotz House
• Wheelchair Accessibility: ADA-compliant vehicles are available for most tours if you provide us with a 48-hour notice. After scheduling your tour, please contact our Dispatch Office at (615) 883-5555 to confirm availability.

We believe strongly in the Gray Line Tennessee sightseeing experience. If you’re dissatisfied with your tour, please contact our Customer Service office at 615-883-5555 and we’ll make it right.

A Unique Civil War Tour in Franklin!

The Battle of Franklin included the bloodiest hours of the Civil War.

You will spend time in the quaint town of Franklin to shop, eat, and view historic sites on your own. You will begin to understand how the residents of Franklin, the Civil War town of 750 people, emerged from their homes on the morning of December 1, 1864 to find over 9,500 casualties.

Learn how the Battle of Franklin unfolded and how the McGavock family watched as their home became the largest field hospital in the area.  After the war, the McGavocks were instrumental in the creation of the Confederate Cemetery where nearly 1,500 soldiers who were killed in the battle are buried.

Carter House

See where the Battle of Franklin reached its crisis point.  The Carter family found their home taken as headquarters for the U. S. Army on November 30, 1864.  Heavy fighting erupted around the house as the Confederate attack was shattered by Federal troops.  The Carters, along with the Lotz family, sheltered in the cellar of the house as the battle raged around them.

Carter House and Carnton were vividly remembered by survivors of the battle and were visited by formers soldiers for many years after the war.  The families remained residents at both places until nearly 1900.  Today they are managed by The Battle of Franklin Trust.

When the Lotz family awakened on the morning of November 30, 1864, in effect the Federal Line had been established in their front yard. Mr. Lotz, fearing that his family – his wife Margaretha, sons Paul and Augustus and daughter Matilda – would not survive the battle in their “wooden house,” they sought refuge 110 steps across the street in the brick basement of the Carter House.

When the battle ended, ten thousand Americans had been killed, wounded or missing. The Lotz House served as a hospital for the wounded soldiers on both sides until the following summer.

Admissions to Carnton, Carter House and Lotz House are included.

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• Hour Glass 4 hours
• Bus Mini bus

General Jackson Showboat Lunch/Dinner Tour

Enjoy lunch or dinner, musical performances, and the beautiful theatre on a cruise aboard the famous General Jackson Showboat! Book your tickets online and dance the night away!

Nashville Civil War Tour

Tennessee was divided during the Civil War: 167,000 men served in Confederate Gray while 31,000 in Union Blue. Nashville felt the effects of the war but fortunately was spared the devastation other southern cities faced. Trees were gone, and the land scarred by Union occupation. As with the case of church or privately held burial grounds, Spring Hill Cemetery had fallen into decay. 

Recovery from the war took many years. New people arrived, transportation and trade revived, especially with the westward expansion of the railroads. The population increased three times from the pre-war era. Life was full of optimism and Nashville became the 4th largest city in the South. 

Nashville Civil War Sites  pertaining to the Battle of Nashville and the nearby Battle of Franklin and Battle of Stones River  are around the Nashville area.

• Stones River National Battlefield : The Battle of Stones River in Mufreesboro, TN began on the last day of 1862 and was one of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War. The battle produced important military and political gains for the Union, and it changed forever the people who lived and fought here.
• Lotz House Civil War Museum : The house, which has been on the National Historic Register since 1976 is located in the heart of downtown historic Franklin, Tennessee at “ground zero” of the Battle of Franklin which was a pivotal battle in the American Civil War.
• The Carter House & Carnton Plantation : Beginning at 4 p.m. on November 30, 1864, Carnton was witness to one of the bloodiest battles of the entire Civil War.The resulting battle, believed to be the bloodiest hours of the Civil War, involved a massive frontal assault larger than Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg. The majority of the combat occurred in the dark and at close quarters. The Battle of Franklin lasted barely five hours and led to some 9,500 soldiers being killed, wounded, captured, or counted as missing. Nearly 7,000 of that number were Confederate troops. Carnton served as the largest field hospital in the area for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers.  McGavock Confederate Cemetery , not far from the house, contains the bodies of 1,481 Confederate soldiers and is the largest private Confederate Cemetery.
• Fort Negley was a fortification built for the American Civil War, located approximately 2 miles south of downtown Nashville, Tennessee. It was the largest inland fort built in the United States during the war.
• Mount Olivet Cemetery   (1101 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37210) serves as the final resting place for many of Middle Tennessee’s political and business leaders, as well as a Confederate Circle that has about 1,500 soldiers buried there.
• Belmont Mansion at nearly 20,000 square feet, Belmont Mansion today it is the largest house museum in the state. Sixteen of the rooms are restored and on display during the tour. Mansion tours, conducted during opening hours seven days a week, take visitors on a guided tour of the home and gardens, where the largest U.S. collection of cast iron period statuary and gazebos are on display.  Adelicia, a widow during the Civil War, met with military commanders from both sides to save the house and cotton crops from destruction, although the home and grounds were occupied by Union General Thomas J. Wood before the Battle of Nashville.
• Sam Davis Home and Plantation (1399 Sam Davis Road Smyrna, TN 37167) now a house museum, was built around 1810 but was restored completely in 1850. Sam Davis himself lived here until 1860 and in 1863 he was hanged by the Union Army as a spy. The court charged Sam with being a courier of mails and of being a spy. Sam admitted to being a courier, but pled not guilty to the charge of spying. The military court convicted Samuel Davis on both charges, and sentenced him to hang. On the gallows, General Dodge offered Sam one last chance to save his life by revealing the source of the papers he carried. Sam stated with his last words that “I would die a thousand deaths before I would betray a friend or my country” and was hanged on November 27, 1863.
• Battle of Nashville Monument Park ( approx 3381 Granny White Pike Nashville, TN between Battlefield Dr and Clifton Lane on Granny White) The Battle of Nashville pitted troops under Union Army Major General George H. Thomas and the soldiers supporting the Confederate side directed by General John Bell Hood. The fighting took place in 1864 on Dec. 15 and 16 on Montgomery and Overton’s Hills, but the battle was won by the Union troops on Shy’s Hill when Confederate troops fled the battlefield.
• Battle of Hartsville (240 Broadway Hartsville, TN 37074)  This was considered one of the most successful cavalry raids of the entire war. A driving tour is available.

Tour Nashville and Vicinity in Two Days

Founded in 1779 and permanently named the state capital of Tennessee in 1843, Nashville was captured by Union forces after the fall of Fort Donelson in February 1862. It soon became one of the most heavily fortified cities in North America. Nashville and the surrounding area witnessed several critical events from the 1862 Battle of Stones River to the Battle of Nashville two years later.

Before you go:

• Bookmark this page and download this  Tour Map .
• Learn more about Stones River .
• Learn more about Spring Hill .
• Watch the animated battle map for  Franklin .
• Read more about Franklin .
• Explore more about  Nashville .

Stop #1: Stones River National Battlefi eld

Time: 3-4 hours

Details: https://nps.gov/stri/index.htm

Late in 1862, following the failed Confederate effort in the Kentucky Campaign, Union General William Rosecrans faced Confederate General Braxton Bragg southeast of Nashville near Murfreesboro, TN. On New Year’s Eve, Bragg attacked Rosecrans’ right flank. Despite Confederate gains, Rosecrans managed to hold his position for the next two days. Bragg withdrew from the battlefield on January 3. The Union's tactical victory helped give support to the recently authorized Emancipation Proclamation.

• Start at the Visitor Center.
• Find out what Ranger Programs are available for that day.
• View the Park Film.
• Tour the museum and browse the bookstore.
• Take a ranger-led walking tour.
• Hike the nearly seven miles of battlefield trails.
• Take the self-guided 3-mile driving tour (1-2 hours).

Don’t Miss:

• Slaughter Pen - Some of the heaviest fighting of the first day's action took place in this area as Bragg attempted to turn Rosecrans' right flank.
• Cotton Field - At the end of the first day of fighting, Rosecrans' Federals established a new defensive position opposite this location.
• Hazen Monument - Constructed by Union soldiers only six months after the battle, the Hazen Monument is one of the first ever erected on a Civil War battlefield. It commemorates the stand made on the first day of the battle by Col. William Hazen's brigade.
• Round Forest - This part of the Union line did not crack under the pressure of the Confederate assault on December 31.
• McFadden Farm - This area witnessed the final action of the battle on January 2, 1863.

If You Have Time:

• Hike the nearly seven miles of trails located throughout the battlefield.
• Visit Fortress Rosecrans .
• Visit the Stones River National Cemetery .
• Visit Evergreen Cemetery .

Insider’s Tip: For lunch or supper try Slick Pig BBQ or The Alley on Main .

Stop #2: Spring Hill

Time: 2 hours

Details:  http://www.springhilltn.org/426/Battle-of-Spring-Hill

On the afternoon of November 29, 1864, following his invasion of Tennessee, a brief fight broke out between elements of John Bell Hood’s Army of Tennessee and David Stanley’s IV Corps south of Spring Hill. That night, Stanley held the town while John Schofield’s Union XXIII Corps joined him via the Franklin-Columbia Pike. Schofield’s men marched silently by the Confederate camp without resistance as Hood missed a prime opportunity to strike a blow at an isolated part of the Union army.

• Tour the battlefield.
• Rippa Villa Plantation - An antebellum house, Rippa Villa sits a short distance from the Columbia Pike. Following the Confederates’ inability to attack Schofield late on November 30, John Bell Hood held a heated meeting with his subordinates in Rippa Villa’s parlor.

Stop #3: Franklin Battlefield

Time: 4 hours

Details:  https://boft.org

The day after Spring Hill, Hood pursued Schofield north to the town of Franklin. There he encountered a dug-in and determined foe. Hood, however, elected to attack. Late in the afternoon, the Confederates launched several assaults against Schofield’s position. Although initially successful, the attacks were eventually driven back at the cost of the lives of six Confederate general officers, including the famous Patrick Cleburne. Schofield abandoned his position the following morning and withdrew to Nashville.

• Start at the Carnton Plantation .
• Find out what tours are available that day at the Carnton Plantation and Carter House.
• Browse the bookstore.
• Walk the Eastern Flank Battlefield Trail.

 Don’t Miss:

• McGavock Confederate Cemetery - Many of the dead from the Army of Tennessee are interred in the McGavock Family Cemetery.
• Winstead Hill - Hood observed the attacks from this elevation south of Franklin.
• Carter House & Cotton Gin - Built by Fountain Carter in 1830, the Carter House was used by Union General Jacob Cox as his headquarters. Federal counterattacks met and drove back Confederate infantry in the area where the house stands. One of the Carter sons, Tod, an aide to General Thomas B. Smith, was killed near his home. Elements of Hood's assault broke through the Union line in the area where the family's cotton gin stood. One of the six Confederate generals to fall at Franklin, Patrick Cleburne was shot down nearby.

 If You Have Time

• Visit Fort Granger

Insider’s Tip: For lunch or supper try Mellow Mushroom or Five Daughters Bakery .

Stop #4: Nashville Battlefield

Details:  https://bonps.org

Hood pursued Schofield and reached the outskirts of Nashville only to face General George H. Thomas and his army. Delayed by the weather, it was not until some two weeks later that Thomas could launch an assault. The two-day battle that resulted smashed Hood’s army and ended the Confederate threat to Tennessee.

• Fort Negley - Designed by Union engineer James St. Clair Morton, Fort Negley stood on St. Cloud Hill. The fortification was one of several that formed the main defenses of Nashville and was built by slaves impressed by the Union army. It was named for the one-time commander of the Nashville garrison, Gen. James Negley.
• Granbury’s Lunette - Named for Gen. Hiram Granbury who had been killed at Franklin, this fortification stood on the far right of the Confederate position. General James Steedman’s Union division attacked this fortification on December 15. Several regiments under Steedman were United States Colored Troops (USCTs).
• Redoubt #1 - After their arrival on the outskirts of Nashville, the Confederates constructed redoubts opposite the city’s fortifications. Union troops from General Thomas Wood’s IV Corps captured this position on the first day of the battle.
• Shy’s Hill - As Hood regrouped his army after the first day’s battle, the high ground known as Shy’s Hill formed his left flank. Late in the afternoon of December 16, General John McArthur’s division stormed and captured the hill. McArthur’s assault broke the Confederate line and forced Hood to retreat.
• Kelley’s Point Battlefield - From this position, Confederate artillery blockaded the nearby Cumberland River and engaged several Union ironclads. Currently closed to the public.

 If You Have Time:

• Visit Traveler’s Rest.
• Visit the Battle of Nashville Monument.
• Tennessee State Capital and Military Museum.

Insider’s Tip: For lunch or supper try Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint or Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

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Civil War Battle of Franklin Tour, Nashville

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Historic Civil War Sites Near Nashville, Tennessee

From battlefields to sprawling plantations, Nashville is resplendent with a rich, vibrant history, as well as preserved sites and relics that still hold the countless stories of the American Civil War. Whether you want to wander the tranquil trails of the memorial parks or tour the plantation homes that became hospitals during some of the biggest battles of the war, Culture Trip’s local insiders share their tips on the best Civil War sites to visit when staying in Nashville.

1. battle of nashville monument park.

This small park on the corner of Granny White Pike and Clifton Lane has two distinguishing features: a white granite-and-bronze monument and a towering oak tree. The Battle of Nashville Monument, also known as the Peace Monument, honors the Confederate and Union soldiers who fought during the Battle of Nashville, as well as American soldiers who fought in World War I. Next to the beautiful Italian-chiseled monument stands the Witness Tree, which bore witness to the violent battle in 1864. The park is open from dawn to dusk and is free to the public. Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

2. Battle of Franklin Civil War Museum

Located just 20mi (32km) south of Nashville in the heart of historic downtown Franklin, the Battle of Franklin Civil War Museum is a must-see attraction for history buffs. Step back in time and discover one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War while touring pivotal war sites: the Carnton and Carter House. (The Lotz House is also nearby.) The museum offers classic guided tours every 30 minutes or so until 4pm, as well as extended tours, battlefield tours and slavery tours. Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

3. Battle of Hartsville

Historical Landmark

Want to visit the site of the most victorious cavalry raid during the American Civil War? If so, visit Hartsville, only a one-hour drive from Nashville. Today, it offers beautiful rural views and scenic wonders; however, on December 7, 1862, it was also the site for the short, but violent Battle of Hartsville. A severe winter storm and a sneak attack helped the Confederates win this battle, and today, you can take a 17-stop driving tour, which includes visiting battle zones, war hospitals, homes and a cemetery. Recommended by local insider Chaney Curd

5. Shy’s Hill

Shy’s Hill (known as Compton’s Hill during the war) was the site for the Battle of Nashville, which resulted in the Union’s victory during the Civil War on December 16, 1864. Today, it’s hard to imagine a battle ever taking place among the shops, homes and roads of now-suburban Nashville. If you’re looking to soak up some history and nature while in the city, Shy’s Hill offers travelers peaceful wooded walking trails, scenic views and commemorative plaques. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso

6. Carter House

This historic home was, like Carnton, at the epicenter of the bloody Battle of Franklin. Today, you’ll see more than 1,000 bullet holes lining the walls of the house and property. Indeed, the farm office is the most bullet-laden building still in existence from the Civil War. Take a 60-minute guided tour of the house, which is offered daily (admission of $18), and then spend some time wandering the grounds on your own. Recommended by local insider Erica Commisso

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Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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The Battle of Nashville Trust

Battlefield tours, battle of nashville guided tours        .

As the article below by BONT Board member Philip Duer explains, the Nashville battlefield, despite its extremely important role in the Civil War, is not easy to see in its entirety. It was a huge battle area that was developed for commercial and residential use before it could be preserved in tact as a historical site, such as the battlefield parks at Gettysburg, Chickamauga, or Shiloh.  For that reason, BONT recommends tourists interested in seeing the full scope and overview of the battlefield hire one of the guide services listed below.

Note:  Please contact individual guides for details regarding cost, transportation, itinerary, etc.

• Ross Massey . Mr. Massey is a Nashville native who has been studying, researching and discovering facts about the battle and battlefield since its Centennial in 1964. In the early 90’s, he became one of the founders of The Battle of Nashville Preservation Society. He has  published a book entitled Nashville Battlefield Guide , containing detailed explanations of the battle and its battlefield.  He has made appearances as part of the Civil War Journal on the History Channel.  He can be reached at (615) 352-6384 or email at [email protected] .
• Thomas Y. Cartwright is a Nashville native who, as an author, guide and historian, is a recognized expert on the Civil War battles of Middle Tennessee. He is currently serving as the Historian for the Lotz House, located at the epicenter of the Battle of Franklin, and had previously served as Executive Director of the Carter House in Franklin for almost 20 years.  Mr. Cartwright  frequently appears on various documentaries for the History Channel, A&E, Travel Channel, CNN, Discovery and Preservation Channel. He has lectured throughout the United States for Civil War Round Tables, corporations, preservation groups, and heritage organizations. In addition to authoring several published articles and essays, he is currently working on two books and is featured in numerous DVDs on the Battle of Franklin and Battle of Nashville.  He is known for his portrayal of Confederate soldier Sam Watkins, whose memoirs entitled Sam Watkins’ Co.  Aytch is one of the best primary sources about the American Civil War as told by a common soldier.  He can be reached at (615) 410-6990 or email at [email protected] .

DISCLAIMER :  The Battle of Nashville Trust, Inc. does not sponsor  or otherwise officially sanction any of the listed tours and is not responsible for the content, destinations or services provided by tour operators.  Any commentary, opinions and explanations of the Battle of Nashville and related discussion by tour guides are not officially endorsed by the Battle of Nashville Trust, nor does BONT receive any financial benefit from the listed guide services.  

By Philip W. Duer, Former President, BONT

People from all over the country, not just Nashville, have many questions about the location, size, and history of the battlefield left behind after the two-day Battle of Nashville on December 15-16, 1864:  Some may ask:

• Does Nashville matter?
• Are there significant sites to see in a sprawling urban environment?
• Is there public interest in Nashville as a Civil War historical tour destination?

The answer to these questions is “Yes” — Nashville matters.

Our website has averaged almost 500 visits per day since it was revised in 2011.  As a result of this interest in the Battle, I, as well as other members of our Board, have tried to answer numerous questions from people all over the country inquiring as to their Civil War ancestors who were posted here, who died here, or who fought here.  Inquiries have ranged from California to Michigan, and from Ohio and Indiana to North Carolina, not to mention from the other Southern states.  Nashville had 15.2 million visitors in 2018, and they want to see the sites.

The Expansive Field of Battle . It is easy to imagine the confusion experienced by visitors to Nashville in trying to orient themselves to the maps and the battlefield.  Nashville was not like Franklin; it was not a compressed battlefield, and it did not happen in a few hours. Two armies faced each other for two weeks before the battle and in some of the worst weather up to that time. Nashville was one of the largest battlefields of the Civil War, characterized by  a two-day battle of maneuver.  One of the U.S. Army defensive belts protecting Nashville was some seven miles in length.  On the first day of the battle, the Confederate lines ran for several miles from Nolensville Pike all of the way over to Hillsboro Road, and for two and a half miles on the second day.  And these descriptions do not include the desperate duels of  Confederate artillery with Union ironclads and tinclads on the Cumberland River, nor the running fights of cavalry and infantry from the Belle Meade Mansion to what is now Green Hills.

Guide Is The Best Choice .  If you are in West Nashville, you are on the battlefield. Although subdivisions and office buildings cover most of the battlefield, there are still core battlefield sites preserved and available to visitors.  To make sense of the battle and to tie in the sites involved in each day’s  fight, a tour guide is the best possible choice to make.  We have videos and maps for sale, but you have to walk the battlefield to fully understand its scope.  Since one cannot walk it, the next best option is to drive it.  Typically, the tours that are offered are driving tours in which the guide  will be in your car discussing the Civil War history of Nashville and the battle; there will be no “dead time” nor “lost  time” as the information is provided from the time the tour starts until its conclusion, both in and out of the car.

The best time for touring the battlefield is from late October (when the leaves have fallen off the trees) to early Spring, although tours will be available year round.

With a driving tour augmented by written source material available from BONPS, you will leave Nashville with a clear understanding of Nashville’s strategic role as a base of transportation, communication, and supplies  for the U.S. Army as it moved deeper and deeper into the heartland of the Confederacy.  You will leave Nashville with a clear tactical understanding of why, where and how the battle was fought, the mistakes and  the successes.  You will leave Nashville with many heartfelt stories of the soldiers on both sides as they attempted to survive the winter elements and contemplate the battle that all knew was coming.

The Unique Battlefield .  We cannot emphasize enough that Nashville is a unique battlefield; it was fought in the open fields, wooded hills and valleys.  It was a war of maneuver where contemporary accounts comment on panoramas of thousands of cavalry and tens of thousands of troops in long lines with battle flags flying and moving steadily toward the dug-in Army of Tennessee.  The battle was fought on the water; in fact, two Union sailors were awarded the Medal of Honor during actions between Union ships and Confederate cavalry and artillery.  Nashville has the largest inland masonry star-pattern fort in North America –Fort Negley — which is open free to the public.  And, the Nashville battle was probably the largest battle in which significant numbers of African American troops actually fought, and fought heroically.  One Union officer, going over the battlefield after the battle at Peach Orchard hill, was recorded as saying, “Don’t tell me Negroes won’t fight, I know better.”  There are not many Civil War sites that African Americans can point to for evidence of their effort to win the war and help gain their freedom; Nashville has three such sites, including Fort Negley, the assault on Granbury’s lunette, and the charge at Peach Orchard Hill.

Yes, Nashville matters .

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!

Nashville Civil War Tour: The Battle of Franklin Bus Tour

From visiting the battlefield of Franklin to the Carter House and Carnton Plantation, the Civil War historical tour offers an in-depth look into both the American Civil War and the prevailing culture of the Tennessee area during the mid 19th century. Book the Civil War Tour: The Battle of Franklin Bus Tour to experience history in Nashville and learn about this significant Civil War battle.

Your bus tour begins with transportation to downtown Franklin, which is a modern and quaint town brimming with shopping boutiques, restaurants, and tons of history from the Civil War era. Of course, every historian will agree that the intrigue of Franklin relies on its historic past which saw the bloodiest battle and bloodiest hours of the Civil War era.

You will get an inside look and actually walk along the famous Franklin battlefield tour where on December 1, 1864, there were over 9,500 casualties in just five hours and thousands more were wounded in battle, making it one of the bloodiest battles in American History during the Civil War. Hear stories about families caught in the middle of the war and the emotional and physical strains the war had on them. Embark upon a battleground tour and hear stories of both the Union and Confederate soldiers who fought and died while at the site of the conflict. Spend some time at the Carter House, a historic site which was a modest farmhouse that became ground zero in the historic fight between the Union and Confederate army. Afterward, you'll get time to discover the town of Franklin on your own before heading to investigate the Carnton Plantation, ordered to be a Confederate field hospital by a Southern General and an eternal memorial for those who were treated there.

When you take the Civil War Tour, you will visit some of the most famous Civil War landmarks in the area and hear little-known stories about the sites. Your exciting look back in history includes a visit to the famous Franklin battlefield, the historic Carter House, and the Carnton Plantation. The tour gives you an inside glimpse of the area's culture ranging from pre-Civil War times through the end of the war. You can actually walk along the hallowed ground of the battlefield where it is estimated that hundreds of men lost their lives and thousands more were wounded in battle. Hear stories about families caught in the middle of the war and the emotional and physical strains the war had on them with the story of the 'Widow of the South', which follows the trials and tribulations of the McGavock family and gives a harrowing insight into the effects the battle had on its citizens.

The Civil War was an incredibly emotional and dramatic time during the country's history, and this Civil War History Tour will allow you to re-live the emotion and drama from that era on this fateful day and the aftermath of the war. This is a great way for children to learn about the Civil War as well as for adults to get an in-depth and more personal look at the war and how it affected actual lives. When you return to Nashville, be sure to enjoy a more lighthearted adventure . Discover the history of country music, take a cruise along the Cumberland River on the General Jackson, or explore Downtown Nashville. You are certain to have a great time by combining history with tons of fun.  

• What methods of transportation does the Civil War Tour: The Battle of Franklin use? Air conditioned Grayline bus.
• Is there any walking involved? Yes, there is walking done at each of the three historic homes.
• Approximately how long does the Civil War Tour: The Battle of Franklin last? The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours.
• For what ages is the tour appropriate? Great for all ages.
• Is photography / video recording allowed on the Civil War Tour: The Battle of Franklin? Yes.
• Is Nashville Civil War Tour: The Battle of Franklin Bus Tour handicap accessible? Yes, the bus is ADA-accessible. The first floors of the historic homes are ADA-accessible, but there are stairs that need to be climbed to reach the second floor.

Nashville Sites launched the civil war driving tour

The fifth driving tour the organization has launched this year.

NASHVILLE, TN — On Thursday, December 15, 2022, NashvilleSites.org launched the Civil War driving tour, the fifth driving tour the organization has launched this year. This driving tour includes sites like the Surrender of Nashville, Fort Negley, Granbury’s Lunette, Shy’s Hill, and the Nashville Peace Monument. The tour experience can be customized—visit one or all the tour stops in any order. Take the tour in-person by driving to nearby locations or visit virtually using any device. Each stop has audio narration, a map, and historic images. Visit www.nashvillesites.org/tours/civil-war-driving to start taking the tour today.

The Civil War Driving Tour was sponsored by the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area and the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University. It was written by MTSU public history graduate student Marley Abbott and Belmont University honor’s student Caroline Tvardy. The tour was narrated by Myers Brown, the executive director at Belmont Mansion and a Fellow of the Company of Military Historians.

According to Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel, Nashville Sites Executive Director, “Nashville was in a unique position throughout the Civil War. Though the state of Tennessee seceded from the United States in 1861, and the city and state economies relied heavily on enslaved labor, Nashville was occupied by U.S. troops for over three years. It was one of the earliest Southern cities to fall to Federal occupation. It was also the site of battle that effectively ended the Confederate Army of Tennessee. As we celebrate the 158th anniversary of the Battle of Nashville today, we are excited to launch this tour that celebrates the perseverance of those who built Fort Negley, the sacrifices of the U.S. Colored Troops at Granbury’s Lunette, the victory won at Shy’s Hill, and the man who gave us the name for our American flag—Old Glory.”

Nashville Sites offers 30+ free, self-guided walking and driving tours about Nashville history that can be taken virtually or in-person. Each tour features a map, historic and current images, written and audio narration, and metadata information for citation and credibility purposes. We work with scholars and experts to research and write the tours, and the website is mobile-friendly with no need to download an app to use on any device. This is all made possible by the project’s many stakeholders, including community members, private foundations, non-profit organizations, and local universities. 

About Nashville Sites

Nashville Sites’ mission is to engage users through inspirational stories and images that connect the city’s past and present. Nashville Sites tours highlight the forgotten and lesser-known stories of Nashville, expanding upon the city’s traditional historical narratives. The team welcomes the challenge and opportunity to re-define the city’s written history. By making these stories easily accessible, the Nashville Sites team hopes that the content will inspire curiosity and instill a passion for knowledge. Launched in 2019, Nashville Sites is a program of the Metro Historical Commission Foundation, a registered 501(c) 3 non-profit whose mission is to assist the Metropolitan Historical Commission in its efforts to identify, protect, study and interpret the rich history of Nashville.

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8 Exciting Kid-Friendly Things to do in Franklin, TN

F ranklin, Tennessee is a city that’s rich in history and quaint, Southern hometown charm. It’s one of the wealthiest cities in the US, but there is nothing pretentious about it.

We visited this charming city on a road trip and we quickly discovered there were plenty of things to do in Franklin to make it worth stopping off at for a few days.

I knew it would be a cute Southern town full of charm, but I didn’t realize how much there was to see and do here.

In this guide, we’ve shared some of our favorite attractions in Franklin TN and what you can do on your visit there.

1. Do a Civil War Home Tour at Carnton House

2. visit downtown franklin for boutique shopping, 3. have lunch at the factory, 4. explore leipers fork, 5. drive over the natchez trace parkway bridge , natchez trail parkway.

• 6. Attend Open Mic at Puckett's Grocery

7. Franklin Drive Thru Safari

8. franklin farmers market, final thoughts, pin to save on pinterest, things to do in franklin tn.

I highly recommend you start your day in the city of Franklin on a civil war tour at the Carnton House. My Dad is a major history buff, especially around Civil War battles (we worked in a visit to Gettysburg because of it), but he hadn’t heard of the battle at Franklin, one of the bloodiest of the Civil War.

The Carnton house was a federal style residence and the home the home of the wealthy McGavock’s. President Andrew Jackson was once a guest in the house.

The guided tour shared the life of the McGavock family, their house and the trauma they went through in attending to the wounded, cleaning up the horror, burying the dead, and then trying to survive after the war was over as they lost a large amount of their wealth.

We learned that on Nov 30th 1864, the community of 750 people were swept into the middle of a massive frontal attack on the Federal position by Gen John Bell. It was a charge bigger than Pickett’s Charge at Gettysburg, a fact my Dad couldn’t get over.

The right wing of the Southern army moved past Carnton. Can you imagine sitting in your living room and seeing thousands of soldiers suddenly marching past your window?

The area around the house was under heavy fire for five hours leaving nearly 10,000 casualties: 2,000 dead, 7,000 wounded and 1,000 missing.

Carnton House became a field hospital which housed the first of the wounded. There were 300 wounded soldiers inside the house and several hundred others spread across the grounds and bodies of confederate generals were laid out on the back porch.

Our passionate and informative guide took us up to the bedrooms, which had been recreated to show what it was like during the battle as surgeons stood by windows to take advantage of us much sunlight as they could while they amputated limb after limb.

Blood stains can still be seen on the wooden floorboards. One extra large puddle in the corner shows where the limbs would have been piled high.

We heard stories of the wounded begging to be put out of their misery. It all felt so very real and distressing.

After the tour you can roam around the property to see the beautiful family garden, the slave house and springhouse, the battlefield area and the military cemetery.

The confederate cemetery was created to be the final resting place of nearly 1500 killed during the Battle of Franklin. It’s the largest private Confederate cemetery in the US.

We weren’t sure how we’d go for time so missed the Carter House, which tells the story of another family affected by the Civil War. We all wished we did do it as we enjoyed this one so much.

Learning about the Civil War history here is one of the best things to do in Franklin, TN.

Check out this tour of Carnton House, Carter House and Lotz House in Franklin where you can explore the Civil Rights history of this Tennessee town.

We started with a coffee at Frothy Monkey after recommendations from a couple of people that was the place to go for a good coffee. They weren’t wrong. It had that Southern way of asking you to sit and chat for awhile.

But not for too long as we couldn’t get out to enjoy one of the most charming downtown streets we’ve discovered so far in the US.

Downtown Franklin is known as America’s favorite street, so has to be high on your list of things to do in Franklin, TN.

Downtown Franklin is a 16-block National Register district mix of historical and modern charm. It’s Main Street has antique shops, gift and book stores, trendy boutiques, art galleries, and Southern homes.

Our first stop was Magpies, a boutique store for girls aged 5 to pre-teen. The clothes, accessories and bits and pieces were stunning – bright, cheerful and stylish.

Craig’s parents had given the girls money to spend so they were delighted to choose an outfit each to buy.

It was a gorgeous store and probably the girl’s favorite on our USA road trip (apart from American Girl Doll that is).

Don’t miss White’s Mercantile, which is owned by Holly Williams, daughter of Hank Williams, Jr. You’ll find all things southern in this store.

You’ll also find the Franklin Theater, which is an iconic spot to get your classic marquee photo, or even perhaps see a show, if you stay in Franklin for longer than a day.

It’s a restored movie house which now hosts movies, live music and live theater.

The owners of Landmark, a book shop on Main Street, were the inspiration for author Karen Kingsbury’s New York Times best selling book, The Bridge, which also became a Hallmark movie of the same name.

The building itself is also one of the oldest in Franklin, and was where Andrew Jackson paid his soldiers after they returned from the Spanish American war.

Be sure to stop into the Franklin Visitor Center. They have guitars and banjos on the wall you can sit down and play. I loved jamming with the girls in this space.

Not far from Main Street is The Factory at Franklin , which is 11 depression-era factory buildings that have been renovated to house restaurants, art galleries, working artisans and storefronts that showcase local culture.

It’s listed in the National Register of Historic Places and is a more culturally immersive and interesting than a visit to a traditional mall.

We dined at Mojo Tacos , a Mexican restaurant inside The Factory. It’s a super cool Taco Shop, that’s casual and has quick service. I love the bright and colorful in design.

The tacos are fresh and innovative with flavors like adobo chicken, Korean cauliflower, and Tennessee style like hot chicken, braised pork, and slow-smoked brisket.

If you have time after lunch, you may want to stop at Third Coast Clay, where you can create clay art pieces to take home.

Or pop into Five Daughter’s Bakery for a donut treat!

Not far from Franklin is Leipers Fork, the home of musical legend…Justin Timberlake. There were other famous musicians to have been born in or moved to Franklin and Leipers Fork. Miley Cyrus was born in Franklin, Chris Stapleton moved to Leipers Fork in 2017, and Tim McGraw and Faith Hill own a farm outside Leipers Fork.

Apparently, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman live out here, and we did have eyes peeled in case we ran into him (we didn’t).

Of course, you’re more likely to bump into them in Los Angeles than Leipers Fork these days, but it’s still cool to see how such a quaint, small town can harbour so much creativity.

Located just 10 miles from Franklin, it’s a haven for musicians who want to live a quiet, inconspicuous life.

Leipers Fork is not just a haven for musicians, but creators of any kind. It’s obvious by the row of galleries alongside the very small and cute country town main street.

All shops and roads lead to Puckett’s Grocery, where an eclectic group of people in cowboy hats, and boots, and summer dresses sit around petrol bowsers chatting, smoking and quietly laughing.

There’s time in Leiper’s Fork to just enjoy the simple things – creating and connecting. For the art lovers, Leipers Creek Gallery displays art pieces by local and regional artists.

Behind Leipers Creek Gallery is the “Lawn Chair Theater” where there is a stage overlooking an open field. Movies are hosted here every Friday nights during June, July and August.

Bring your picnic blanket, lawn chairs and the kids for a great evening out. They sometimes have concerts as well.

Check the Facebook page for schedules and news about some amazing events!

Don’t miss the David Arms Gallery. I loved sitting in the chair soaking up the relaxed atmosphere, watching Savannah play near the window with the light dancing around her, listening to classical music and enjoying the masculine energy of the space and art.

This one is more for the men, but definitely a space where women for once can just sit and wait until their men have finished shopping.

If you have time after your shopping on the main street of Leipers Fork, you can take a short 20 minute drive along the Natchez Trail Parkway starting at the Natchez Trace Parkway Bridge. (on our best road trips in the USA and Spring break destination ideas for families)

It’s a spectacular double arched bridge 107 feet off the ground. The views from here looking over the valley filled with gigantic mansions on the mountain sides is worth it.

Just north of the bridge there is a parking area with a view of the bridge and the valley below. Just south of the bridge is an exit ramp that takes you down to Tennessee Highway 96.

At the bottom of the hill there is a parking area with a view looking up at the entire length of the bridge.

The Natchez Trail l was an important travel route for Native Americans and early European-American settlers. Today the 444-mile Natchez Trace Parkway roughly follows its path and passes a mile away from Leiper’s Fork.

Leipers Fork is the only historic district on The Natchez Trail.

6. Attend Open Mic at Puckett’s Grocery

If you’ve visited Nashville, you’ve probably heard of Puckett’s Grocery. It began in Leipers Fork in 1953 and has since evolved into local stores located in Tennessee, including Franklin and Nashville.

It’s known for its live music, authentic Southern food- classics like the meat-and-three and slow-smoked BBQ – and its home grown feel.

At Puckett’s in Leipers Fork you can also get groceries and fill up your car. It’s been a community meeting point for over 60 years and still maintains that atmosphere.

It’s an eclectic mix of tourists, farmers, country music stars, and singer song writers. There’s nothing fancy on the inside. It’s dark and mismatched, but welcoming and friendly. There’s a buzz in here, especially on the night we visited, which was Open Mic night.

Their open mic night is legendary, think like the Bluebird Café in Nashville, and attracts talent from near and far.

Many of the big names in music live nearby, and many more of the song writers and producers do too. It is not uncommon for multiple Grammy winners to hop up on stage, along with newcomers and locals.

Music starts at 6.00pm and goes to around 10.00pm – 11.00pm. It’s okay to take the kids but you may not want to keep them there to the end. It was starting to get rowdy when we left around 8.00pm.

And if you can have a kid-free night, then I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun. Patrons spill out to the bowsers outside, chatting and laughing. It definitely has that vibrant local feel.

Related Posts:

• Outstanding live music experiences in Nashville, TN
• Things to do in Nashville with kids
• Cool things to do in Memphis

Want to see wild animals roaming freely without the cages you find in your typical zoo? Then head to Franklin Drive Thru Safari , where you can get up close to the animals without the need to interfere with them.

See exotic animals from around the world, from giraffes and zebras to lemurs. There’s also a petting zoo, reptile house, and baby animal room.

We love a farmer’s market. We always try to check them out whenever we visit a new place as it’s a great place to find fresh produce from the local region which you can then eat with a picnic.

The Franklin Farmers Market is the place to go if you want to find local produce, fruit and dairy, which have all come from local farms in the area.

The market happens every Saturday morning, from 9.00am – 12.00pm.

Use the map below if looking for a place to stay in Franklin, TN. We stayed in Nashville and traveld in for the day. I’d love to stay overnight in Franklin and explore more.

One thing we didn’t realize about Franklin is that it’s a gentle, amble kind of place. We didn’t need a lot of time to explore the city, and we actually had more time than we needed as everything is smaller than we realized.

Franklin, Tennessee is only about 21 miles from Nashville, so it’s easy to visit on a day trip from Nashville.

I would have loved more time there to dive deeper, and we’ll definitely make Franklin a stop when we visit Nashville again, because that place is always on our travel list.

Can you recommend other captivating things to do in Franklin, TN? Have you visited Franklin on a day trip from Nashville, or stayed overnight? Let us know in the comments.

Things to do Near Nashville

Updated : April 18, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, WA

Table of contents.

• Jack Daniel's Distillery
• Oakland's Mansion

Arrington Vineyards

Franklin, tn, clarksville, tn, mammoth cave national park, ky, rock island state park, natchez trace parkway.

• Leiper's Fork, TN

Rock City, TN

Bowling green, ky, cumberland caverns, planning your trip to nashville.

There's plenty in downtown Nashville to keep you busy for a while. But when you've had your fill of honky tonks, urban flair and hot chicken and want to venture further afield, it makes sense to head out for a day trip. And you'll find an incredible variety of day-trip-worthy destinations within easy driving distance of Nashville. You'll find everything from wineries and distilleries to gorgeous hiking spots, Civil War battlefields and small towns just waiting to be explored.

The countryside around Nashville features rolling hills and scenic vistas. To the east, you'll encounter stunning mountains. To the north is horse racing territory; distilleries and tobacco fields pepper the landscape. In nooks and crannies in the immediate area surrounding Nashville, you'll find vineyards, creeks, state parks and nature reserves aplenty. No matter which way you venture, you'll be met by a relaxing, scenic drive, friendly folks and something well worth your time to experience.

Here are some of the best things to do near Nashville, TN. Day trips spent heading to these spots are time well spent.

Jack Daniel's Distillery

• Distance from Nashville: 79 miles / 1 hour 21 minutes driving

Jack Daniel's Distillery is the oldest registered distillery in the United States. Founded in 1863, they've had plenty of time to perfect the art and science of their iconic No. 7 whiskey. Head to the visitor center for a tasting and to find out how their whiskey is made. When you're done, take time to explore Lynchburg, TN, home to plenty of great restaurants and other attractions like the U.S. Space and Rocket Center , before heading back to Nashville. Don't feel like driving? Book a guided tour that departs from Nashville for a Jack Daniel's Distillery experience.

Oakland's Mansion

• Distance from Nashville: 35 miles / 37 minutes driving

The Oaklands Mansion is a well-preserved Civil War-era plantation home that has been beautifully preserved and restored to the beauty it possessed more than a century ago. Occupied by the Maney family during and after the Civil War, the home itself was built in the early 1850s; it features an eye-catching Italianate design, gorgeous gardens and an arboretum that you can stroll through when you visit. It's a lovely glimpse into the area's culture and history and a peaceful respite from the city. Grab a lunch at The Chop House or another of Murfreesboro's eateries while you're in the area.

• Distance from Nashville: 29 miles / 32 minutes driving

Arrington Vineyards is just south of Nashville. Occupying 95 acres, this gorgeous family-run vineyard is a great place to go for a tasting or a food-and-wine pairing. If you time your visit right, you'll also be able to enjoy live music and a full meal while you're there. You could also grab a bottle of wine, some cheese and snacks and head to a solitary stretch of the vineyard for a hillside picnic.

• Distance from Nashville: 22 miles / 25 minutes driving

Franklin, TN has a lot going for it. This cute mountain town is chock-full of historic homes, Civil War history, intimate eateries serving up locally distilled whiskey and microbrews and friendly, chill vibes. The downtown stretch is lined with art galleries, boutiques and vintage/antique shops. Take in the sights at your own pace with a Franklin hop-on, hop-off sightseeing tour , or get a taste of the Tennessee backroads on a guided backcountry side-by-side ride .

• Distance from Nashville: 48 miles / 54 minutes driving

Clarksville is a little farther than Franklin, but it packs its own distinctive vibe that's well worth a visit. You'll find a downtown lined with restaurants, boutique shops and galleries. In the little town's downtown, you'll find a three-story brewery called Strawberry Alley Ale Works , a buzzing location with industrial-chic decor, a compelling craft beer selection and an all-day menu. Clarksville's location on the Cumberland River has enshrined it in history; it's also just a hop away from Dunbar Cave State Park, a great spot to stop for an hour or two.

• Distance from Nashville: 94 miles / 1 hour 30 minutes driving

Head north into Kentucky's tobacco fields and you'll find more than just thoroughbreds and tobacco sheds. Located just outside of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the world's longest cave system. Take a guided tour, explore the areas that are open to the public and stop by the visitor's center and gift shop before you leave. Mammoth Cave is located on Kentucky's Scenic Route 70 , which traverses a gorgeous slice of the country--well worth a little more driving, if you feel like exploring more after visiting the caves.

• Distance from Nashville: 85 miles / 1 hour 36 minutes driving

Rock Island State Park is best visited during the hot summer months when you're in the mood for some clean, cool water to jump in. This state park is home to a gorgeous cascade, miles of walking/hiking trails and beachside access to the river so you can jump right in. Dogs are also welcome at this state park, making it a great Nashville day trip choice if you have canine companions along for the adventure. When it comes to fun things to do near Nashville, Rock Island State Park will always be near the top of the list.

• Distance from Nashville: As long as you want it to be. The Parkway begins in Nashville and continues for 444 miles.

The Natchez Trace Parkwa y is one of the nation's most peaceful parkways. Devoid of billboards and strip malls, you'll find curve after curve of gorgeous countryside, with plenty of history and beautiful stops along the way. This is a popular route for bikers, so keep your eyes open for motorcycles as you go, but don't hesitate to stop at the many points of interest and eateries as you go. You can also take the Natchez Trace down to Leiper's Fork for a memorable Tennessee day.

Leiper's Fork, TN

• Distance from Nashville: 26 miles / 38 minutes (longer if you take the Natchez Trace)

If you take the leisurely, wandering Natchez Trace Parkway from Nashville to Leiper's Fork, the drive will take you a little over an hour--but the scenery makes the voyage well worth the trip. The drive is shorter if you take Old Hillsboro Road. The rural village of Leiper's Fork isn't far from Franklin, TN, but it's worthy of a day trip of its own, particularly if you're looking for a lovely place to grab lunch or dinner and enjoy a little sightseeing before heading back to Nashville. Leiper's Fork offers lots of antique shopping, a few excellent lunch spots and the Leiper's Fork Distillery, which offers guided tours.

• Distance from Nashville: 134 miles / 2 hours 30 minutes driving

Located outside of Chattanooga, TN, Rock City Gardens offers an experience that encapsulates some of the area's most breathtaking views. Rock City is admittedly a longer day trip from Nashville; to make the most of your time in Rock City, you'd want to get an early start. But the view from the top--where you can see seven states on a clear day--is worth the trip. The entire experience will be a memorable one as the trails are family-friendly and the woodlands, botanical gardens and on-site cafes and gift shops can keep you enchanted for hours. You could also take a ride up the Incline Railway, a glass-topped funicular, or venture underground to see Ruby Falls, a subterranean waterfall.

• Distance from Nashville: 65 miles / 1 hour 5 minutes driving

Bowling Green is just about an hour north of Nashville, but it has a very distinctive personality. Stop by the National Corvette Museum , take a boat tour through the Lost River Cave, or stop at the Historic RailPark and Train Museum before grabbing a bite to eat; Tony's of Bowling Green is a solid choice.

• Distance from Nashville: 83 miles / 1 hour 32 minutes driving

Cumberland Caverns is hands-down one of the best day trips near Nashville. From gorgeous caverns to an underground waterfall, the best way to experience this outing is via guided tour. Skip the driving and hop on a bus for a guided small bus tour from Nashville complete with an excursion down to the caverns below. Take note that in order to reach the caverns, you'll have to traverse 350 steps hand-cut into the stone, so it's ranked as moderate in difficulty. If you're driving yourself, consider stopping in Mckinnville for lunch; Collins River BBQ is a local favorite.

When thinking of the best time to visit Nashville it’s important to know that AAA members can access perks and take advances for vacation planning such as getting the best discounts on hotels , rental cars and entertainment tickets. 

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