Nashville, Tennessee is known for a couple main things: country music and bars (and country music bars!). But if the hustle and bustle of a crowded city isn’t your thing, then you’ve come to the right place. Don’t get me wrong, I love country music and bars…. but as I’ve entered my thirties, my ability to find places away from large crowds has become top tier. Abandoned places? Yes, please. Lesser known historical sites? Sign me up. Here’s my guide to things in/around Nashville- off the beaten path.
Old Tennessee State Prison
First and foremost, disclaimer: this site is NOT open to the public, so visit (or don’t) at your own risk. There is a guarded gate at the front entrance.
First opened in 1898, the Tennessee State Prison was considered one of the most modern and humane prisons in the country. Over the years, there were several riots and even lawsuits and petitions due to growing concern over inhumane conditions and overpopulation as conditions worsened. It was officially closed in 1992. Years later, the exterior has been used for shots in films such as The Green Mile (1999) and The Last Castle (2001). The stories this place could tell are probably endless, and who knows what (or who) remains in the closed off castle.
The Bell Witch Cave
Located in the small town of Adams, the Bell Witch Cave is home to a haunting legend that wreaked havoc on a local family hundreds of years ago. John Bell moved his family onto a 320 acre plot of land in 1804. In the summer of 1817, an unseen force that became known as the “Bell Witch” began terrorizing the family and even violently beating John’s daughter. It was also said that the Bell Witch vowed to kill John; his death followed three years later. There are tours that go through the cave itself, which also contains an ancient Native American burial ground (that should have been the family’s first red flag) as well as tours of a modern day replica of John’s original cabin. For more information on the history, as well as tickets and pricing, check out their website.
Fort Negley
As the largest inland stone fortification built during the civil war, Fort Negley now sits atop St. Cloud hill, just outside of Nashville. Constructed in 1862 by contrabands and free Blacks, it was used by the Union army to fight off several attacks from confederate troops. After failed efforts of preservation, and years of on and off accessibility to the public, it was finally restored and reopened to the public on the 140th Anniversary of the Battle of Nashville in 2004.
Belle Meade Historic Site
What is now a state owned historic site and winery was once a 5,400 acre plantation known for breeding superior race horses. After being passed down over generations, a financial downturn and other troubles led the family to sell off most of the land; now only 30 acres remain. It is owned by the state of Tennessee and listed on the National Register of Historic places. Tours of the site are available daily and recount the history of the plantation; there is also an African American studies tour called “Journey to Jubilee” that dives even deeper into the lives of those enslaved at Belle Meade. For more info, check out their site.
Happy Exploring!
These are just a few places to keep you busy and keep you away from the craziness of Broadway. I’ve only scratched the surface, so feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments below!
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