Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation is a 30-acre site located six miles west of Nashville. Far enough away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the plantation offers visitors a glimpse into the past during the mid-1850s.

 

The historical landmark, now a museum that opens daily, tells the story of the prominent Harding Family, a rich history that intertwines Thoroughbred horse breeding and war. During the Battle of Nashville, Belle Meade was front and center as Union and Confederate forces battled on the grounds of the plantation home. Today, the mansion’s columns still tell the tale, showing visible holes where bullets riddled the stone façade.

 

The last war cry was heard long ago, yet the commanding presence of the mansion still lingers in Belle Meade. The large Antebellum home tells a rich story about the family who lived there, the slaves who seamlessly operated the grounds’ functions and the thrilling life of horse racing. From the winding staircase to the Harding study with books lining the shelves, history practically leaps from every corner of the mansion.

 

The Winery at Belle Meade Plantation is Tennessee’s newest winery and Nashville’s only winery to date. The addition to the guest experience at the Belle Meade Plantation features the plantation’s very own muscadine and blackberry wines.

 

To make this an all-day experience, a southern-inspired café called Belle, located above the visitor’s center, features a menu that utilizes peak seasonal and regional products prepared and served in a comfortable contemporary setting.

 

The Belle Meade Plantation’s hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Saturday. The last tour starts daily at 4 p.m.  Tickets are $15 for adults, $7 for youth. Discounted rates are available for groups of 15 or more. For more information call (615) 356-0501. 

- by Leah M. Caudle , Nashville Reporter for HelloMetro  (Click to leave a message)

Leah M. Caudle

Leah Caudle is a professional storyteller with experience in covering local, community and feature stories. While at newspapers such as The Tennessean in Nashville and The Lexington Herald-Leader in Lexington, Ky., Caudle also has experience in shooting and editing videos and photos to accompany stories. The Western Kentucky University graduate received degrees in print journalism and Spanish in 2007 and also has expertise in the areas of public relations, copy editing and proofreading.