NASHVILLE, TN – While downtown Nashville offers neon lights, country music, and a rich Civil Rights and Civil War legacy, there’s a world of history waiting just beyond Broadway’s borders. From antebellum mansions to battlefield parks, these off-the-beaten-path destinations reveal a deeper, more complex side of Music City.
That’s why Nashville Adventures, a veteran-owned tour company specializing in immersive Nashville history tours, encourages visitors to explore not just the streets of downtown, but the rolling hills, historic estates, and overlooked neighborhoods beyond them. These locations are essential for travelers seeking Nashville tours that offer authenticity, insight, and a true connection to Tennessee’s past.
Here are five of the top historic sites outside of downtown that belong on every history lover’s Nashville itinerary:
1. The Hermitage – Home of Andrew Jackson
Just a short drive from downtown, The Hermitage was the plantation home of President Andrew Jackson. The grounds include the original mansion, slave quarters, gardens, and Jackson’s tomb. It’s one of the most visited presidential homes in the U.S., and offers a deeply reflective look at the contradictions of early American leadership.
Nashville Adventures often includes insights from The Hermitage in private Nashville history tours that explore presidential power and legacy.
2. Fort Negley
Overlooking the city, Fort Negley is the largest inland stone fort built during the Civil War. Constructed primarily by enslaved African Americans and free Black laborers under Union control, the site holds a sobering but vital piece of Nashville’s Civil War story. Interpretive trails and educational exhibits make this a powerful stop for history buffs.
3. Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Once a sprawling thoroughbred horse farm, Belle Meade Plantation sheds light on Nashville’s wealth and social hierarchy before and after the Civil War. Today, visitors can tour the Greek Revival mansion, original outbuildings, and even enjoy wine tastings in a restored carriage house. It’s a key part of many customized Nashville tours that go beyond city limits.
4. Travellers Rest Historic House Museum
Dating back to 1799, Travellers Rest is the oldest historic home open to the public in Nashville. Originally built by Judge John Overton, a close advisor to Andrew Jackson, the home sits on land with deep Native American and Civil War connections. The museum offers a rich context for understanding early Tennessee life.
5. Stones River National Battlefield (Murfreesboro)
For those willing to venture 40 minutes outside the city, Stones River Battlefield is one of the most important — and most moving — Civil War sites in the region. The visitor center, monuments, and preserved fields provide a vivid backdrop for those interested in military history and leadership analysis. It’s a favorite among corporate groups booking Nashville Adventures’ Civil War leadership tours.
As Nashville’s tourism industry continues to evolve, Nashville Adventures stands out by offering deeply researched, storytelling-driven experiences both in and outside the city center. These aren’t just sightseeing trips — they’re meaningful, thoughtful journeys through time.
To learn more or book a tour, visit www.NashvilleAdventures.com.
