8 Areas to Explore Near Nashville

Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy it than to explore Nashville? From hiking trails and lake adventures to city strolls and sunset views, summer in Nashville is a time to experience and explore. There are plenty of exciting attractions in Nashville, and in this blog we’ll tell you about eight of our favorites to visit.

Taste award-winning wines at Arrington Vineyards or camp and hike at Burgess Falls State Park. Radnor Lake State Park offers a natural oasis, while Belle Meade Plantation offers a historic setting. With so many exciting things to do in and around the city, your summer trip to Nashville will be one to remember.

Radnor Lake State Park: A Natural Oasis Near Nashville

A serene retreat from the city’s hustle, Radnor Lake State Park is located just 10 miles south of downtown Nashville. Besides lush forests and stunning shores, the park has over six miles of hiking trails. Visitors can catch bass, catfish, and bluegill in the lake while watching deer, owls, and coyotes in the park.

The hiking trails range from easy to complex in this diverse ecosystem. The Lake Trail offers stunning views of the lake and its surrounding wilderness, while Ganier Ridge Trail offers a more challenging trek through wooded hills. Radnor Lake State Park offers guided nature walks, ranger-led programs, and lakeside relaxation to birdwatchers.

Sip and Savor at Arrington Vineyards

Family-owned Arrington Vineyards is famous for producing award-winning wines and providing a delightful experience. Besides the vineyard’s exquisite wines, it offers stunning grounds for picnicking and relaxing in the countryside.

Guided vineyard tours provide winemaking knowledge, while traditional tastings allow guests to sample six award-winning wines. Guests can enjoy a picnic menu while basking in the views of the vineyard’s rolling hills. Peach Wine, made from sun-ripened peaches, is a guest favorite. Arrington Vineyards offers an idyllic location and delicious wines, perfect for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Discover the Rich History of Franklin, TN

Franklin, TN, located 21 miles south of Nashville, is a charming town steeped in history and ripe for exploration. Visitors can discover its rich past through historical sites such as the Carter House and Lotz House Museums. The preserved architecture of the downtown district showcases Victorian homes, antebellum mansions, and Civil War-era buildings.

Guided tours offer insights into the city’s pivotal role in the Civil War, famous residents, and fascinating stories. Summer events provide plenty of entertainment options, while the Franklin Theatre showcases the city’s musical heritage. Exploring Franklin, TN, is an excellent way to immerse oneself in a charming corner of the South.

Burgess Falls State Park: Camping and Hiking Heaven

Burgess Falls State Park is a must-see destination for the nature enthusiasts. The park has four stunning waterfalls, including the 136-foot Burgess Falls, and several well-maintained trails overlooking the surrounding forests. Its lush meadows, wildflowers, and towering trees provide hikers with breathtaking views.

Camping sites have electricity and water, and RV sites are available daily. Families can enjoy picnic areas and playgrounds around the park. As well as swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing, Burgess Falls State Park offers an unforgettable camping and hiking paradise with superb amenities.

Percy Priest Lake: Beaches and Parks Galore

Percy Priest Lake offers a variety of activities including fishing, camping, swimming, picnicking, boating, canoeing, and hiking. Visitors can enjoy sandy beaches, boat launches, and trails for mountain biking and take advantage of bank fishing areas at Stewart Creek, Vivrett Creek, and others.

Besides primitive tent campsites with total water and electrical hookup, there are restrooms and picnic tables. Another popular activity at Percy Priest Lake is cliff jumping, with bluffs between 15 and 50 ft high.

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens: A Stroll Through Art and Nature

Nashville’s 55-acre historic estate, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich past. Visitors can enjoy guided villa tours or explore the gardens, art exhibits, and the estate’s 30,000-square-foot mansion.

As well as outdoor concerts and art classes, Cheekwood Estate hosts summer events. It features 13 distinct parks with monumental outdoor sculptures—including the Blevins Japanese Garden and the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden—along its 1.5-mile woodland trail.

Home to Mabel and Leslie Cheek, the estate now serves as a botanical garden, greenhouse, and museum. Besides providing cultivated beauty and elegance away from the city, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens is an excellent destination for nature enthusiasts and art lovers. There’s something for everyone at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens!

Belle Meade Plantation: An Antebellum Gem

This Nashville gem is an antebellum plantation from the 1800s that gives visitors insight into southern plantation life. The centerpiece mansion was once part of Nashville’s wealthiest private estate. The Harding and Jackson families and their women, enslaved people, and laborers played a crucial role in their success during guided tours.

Belle Meade Plantation also has a log cabin, a dairy, and a carriage house. Wine enthusiasts can enjoy on-site wines along with horseback riding tours and souvenir shopping. Belle Meade Plantation is the perfect destination for history, architecture, and wine lovers.

Montgomery Bell State Park: An Outdoor Paradise Near Nashville

Covering a vast 3,850 acres, Montgomery Bell State Park has a rich history in Middle Tennessee. It established one of the region’s most prominent iron industries. Today, the park is a natural oasis for locals and tourists, offering 19 miles of hiking trails, a golf club, modern cabins, an inn, and a restaurant.

Families can enjoy various activities, including camping and biking. Montgomery Bell State Park is definitely worth a visit for those looking to experience the beauty of Tennessee’s rolling hills.

Start Planning Your Summer Adventures with Absolute Storage Management

Nashville offers a unique blend of outdoor activities, history, and picturesque landscapes. Whether you’re a fan of hiking, swimming, or wine tasting, Nashville has something for everyone. Start planning your summer adventures today!

With endless possibilities for entertainment during the summer months, browsing potential destinations, activities, and accommodations that fit your preferences and budget is essential. While planning your adventures, be sure to consider renting a storage unit to house your extra belongings. With Absolute Storage Management, you won’t have to worry about your things while trying to enjoy the fun. Let us take care of your items so that you can explore Nashville the right way!