Fine wines, gourmet cuisine and fascinating history combine to make this 19th-century plantation a treat for visitors.
At its peak, the Belle Meade Plantation was one of the wealthiest estates in the entire United States, spanning an enormous 5,000 hectares of land. The opulence of the owners' lifestyle was reflected in their extravagant lodgings, expensive furniture and thoroughbred racehorses.Although the plantation is on a much smaller scale these days (around 12 hectares), visitors will be immersed in history, fine food and fabulous surroundings for a true taste of the grandness of days gone by. When John Giles Harding bought a plot of land around Richland Creek back in 1807, he could never have envisaged that his family home would become one of the South’s most iconic plantations. Over the course of the intervening two centuries, the estate has survived the transition from a massively profitable business benefitting a privileged few, to a heritage building open to the public and offering a glimpse into the region’s past.The costumed guides who lead the daily tours will regale visitors with fascinating tales of how the plantation operated in its heyday, including how it was once the site of a Civil War battle. After learning the estate’s history, step back in time by entering the beautiful Greek Revival-style mansion, complete with Harding family treasures returned by descendants over the years. Paintings by great American artists adorn the walls and the finest Tennessee-crafted antique furniture graces the rooms.After admiring the magnificent interior, step outside to explore the stables, carriage house, mausoleum and former slave quarters. There’s a lot to see, so a decent pair of shoes is definitely recommended! When you’ve worked up an appetite, stroll down to the on-site Harding House restaurant – a popular spot for local weddings – for some traditional southern specialities, after which you can sample a glass at the estate’s equestrian-themed winery. If you want to pick up a souvenir, there’s a giftshop on the grounds too where you’ll find quality hand-crafted goods.Belle Meade Plantation is part of the Tennessee Antebellum Trail and is located 10 kilometres west of Nashville. The parking on site is free of charge.
