G6AdventuresNestled deep within the heart of the American Midwest lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Welcome to Nashville, Indiana – a quaint, charming town that radiates warmth, creativity and a sense of timeless beauty. While often overshadowed by its more famous namesake, Nashville, Tennessee, this Indiana counterpart boasts a unique personality all its own. This picturesque town has quickly become one of our favorite destinations.
Where to Stay
Brown County/Nashville KOA Holiday Campground
Twice, we’ve had the fortuitous opportunity to stay at the Brown County/Nashville KOA Holiday Campground. Situated just a short drive from Nashville, the KOA is tucked away just off the main highway. It offers the perfect balance between seclusion in nature and proximity to local attractions. Brown County State Park is just a stone throw’s away. The area teems with a variety of local wineries, distilleries and breweries. And the Salt Creek Golf Retreat sits just across the street.
The campground is rustic and somewhat basic, but it offers a range of amenities for campers. There are full hook-up sites for RVs, cabins for those that prefer the “glamping” option, and traditional tent sites for the camping purists. The seasonal pool is simple but refreshing on those hot, humid summer days. While there is a small playground, consisting of a few swings, monkey bars and a teeter totter, it’s pretty minimal. But the sites are spacious, especially those at the top of the hill and include fire rings and picnic tables. And the staff is always friendly and eager to assist with any questions or needs.
The only drawback to the KOA is the price. You will pay a premium for the proximity mixed with seclusion. There are a few other campgrounds with lower rates in the area with full hook-ups but sit along the main highway. Brown County State Park offers multiple campgrounds, which are wildly popular and reasonably priced. However, there are no full hook-up sites and limited 50 amp sites for larger rigs. For these reasons, we paid the premium for the KOA for both our of recent visits to Nashville, Indiana. Next spring, we are going to try another local campground and will let you know how it compares.
Other Lodging Options
Beyond campgrounds, Nashville, Indiana offers a wide array of accommodation options to suit nearly every preference and budget. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cabin in the woods or a more modern hotel room in town, they have it. Popular options include the cabins and cottages at Brown County State Park; rooms at Artists Colony Inn & Restaurant and Cornerstone Inn and Brown County Inn; the hundreds of VRBO and AirBNB choices; and even the resorts of Harmony Tree Resorts and Salt Creek Golf Retreat.
Remember that availability and pricing may vary depending on the season, so it’s a good idea to make reservations in advance. And, if you’re planning on a visit to witness firsthand Nashville’s infamous fall foliage, make your reservations FAR in advance.
Area Description
Nashville, Indiana, founded in 1836, exudes history, creativity and nature at every corner. The town’s origins are deeply rooted in the 19th-century timber industry. And, this heritage still echoes through the surrounding areas straight through Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest. In both, you’ll find remnants of old logging trails as you hike through the lush forests.
Artistry in Every Form
Known for its vibrant arts scene, the Nashville Arts Village showcases the work of local artists and craftsmen. Stroll through the cobblestone streets, and you’ll discover a world of artistic expression. The local artists produces phenomenal pottery, paintings, and handcrafted jewelry. This artistic spirt extends to its charming streetscapes and architecture. The eclectic designs leave you feeling like you’re stepping into an open-air gallery. Don’t miss the opportunity to admire the regional artwork displayed in the Brown County Art Guild, a living gallery with a curation of its valuable permanent collection and showcasing current Guild artists. Take advantage of the 15,000 square foot Brown County Art Gallery, home to 60 working artists and showcasing its permanent collection of historic art as well. B3 Gallery also offers a venue for local artists. Currently, they represent 80 artists in 3,500 square feet of retail space.
Charming Boutiques and Local Stores
Nashville General Store
If you want a store that embodies Nashville, Indiana’s spirit, look no further than the Nashville General Store. This iconic store is a must-visit for all. It combines the essence of an old-time general store with a touch of quirky Nashville flair. Offering homemade fudge, vintage candy, locally crafted goods, and unique souvenirs, there is something for everyone.
Favorite Clothing Boutiques
Personally, I fell in love with Foxfire Boutique and At Home with Heartland. As you stroll the streets of Nashville, it’s hard to miss the welcoming façade of Foxfire Boutique. The store, housed in a historic building, exudes warmth and charm. This adorable shop boasts a blend of bohemian chic, classic elegance and contemporary fashion. One of the remarkable features of Foxfire is its range. Whether you’re a trendy teenager, a young professional, or a stylish senior, they have something you will love. Plus, Foxfire champions local and independent designers and brands. When you shop here, you are not only getting fashion-forward items but also supporting local talent. I was able to grab a few amazing pieces from Foxfire but it took a Herculean effort on my part to not go absolutely wild buying up everything!
Just a few blocks north of Foxfire sits At Home with Heartland, a true embodiment of cozy elegance. This charming boutique offers clothing, jewelry and even home goods. The shop itself creates an incredibly inviting space for all. Heartland captures the essence of the town’s artistic spirit and blends with a homey feel. Plus, they can appeal to all. Offering both women’s and men’s clothing, including plus sizes, everyone can find fashionable pieces they love. I absolutely love their commitment to enhancing both your home and closet. The knowledgeable and friendly staff enthusiastically helped me in selecting pieces that suited me perfectly. This was another place where I had to muster all my self control to avoid just handing over my wallet in exchange for one of everything!
Unique Shops
In addition to clothing shops, Nashville offers an incredibly eclectic and wide range of shops that are the epitome of “something for everyone”. If you enjoy handcrafted goods, such as pottery, jewelry or paintings, there are shops for you. Looking for delectable treats and local flavors, including handmade chocolates, artisanal cheese and fine wines? They have those too! Are you an antique hunter? Nashville is home to several antique shops where you can unearth hidden gems. Add to this shops for home decor, beauty and skincare, apparel, books, toys, trains, and even magic, the options are endless. The Toy Chest, Denny’s Magic & Fun Shop, Brown County Model Trains, and Our Little World are just a few of our favorites.
And that Food Scene!
When you think of culinary destinations, Nashville, Indiana probably doesn’t come to mind. But Nashville offers a unique and delightful food scene for those who appreciate locally-sourced, hearty and delectable fare. Start your day with a visit to one of the town’s cozy cafes and bakeries. You can’t go wrong with Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls and Café if you want a quick and gigantic cinnamon roll and coffee. Or the Percy’s Perk Arthouse Coffee, the cutest little coffee and donut shop in the back of Our Little World. Choose the glaze flavor and toppings to create your perfect donut. Then, you can even lounge in the comfy seating area where you can play games or just enjoy the company.
If you prefer a sit down, more leisurely breakfast, do not miss Heavenly Biscuit. If you stop in at peak times, know that all the food is cooked to order, so you could wait a bit. But, the wait is worth it! The biscuits and gravy, the pancakes, the fried potatoes – Heavenly Biscuit will warm your soul and fill your belly!
At lunch, you can make a quick stop at Trolly’s BBQ where you can grab pulled pork sandwiches, nachos, footlong hot dogs, and so much more. We haven’t gotten the chance to try them yet, but both Big Woods Pizza and Brozinni Pizzeria look mouth-watering. We grabbed an early dinner at the Nashville House, where you’ll find an adorable country store and delicious comfort food. The apple butter and fried fish really hit the spot on a rainy day. On future trips, we hope to try Hobnob Corner and Hard Truth’s Restaurant.
To end your culinary journey through Nashville on a sweet note, there are endless dessert options. The town’s bakeries and ice cream parlors offer a wide array of delectable treats. Try a scoop of ice cream at Miller’s Ice Cream House. With over 23 flavors made the old fashioned way, in a wooden tub freezer, using fresh ingredients, Miller’s is the perfect place to indulge your sweet tooth. Fearrin’s Ice Cream & Yogurt Depot, Candy Emporium, and Nashville Fudge Kitchen are also fan favorites in Nashville.
Wineries, Breweries, Distilleries, Oh My!
Brown County Winery
Amidst the rustic charm and natural beauty of the area, you’ll discover a thriving a scene of wineries, distilleries and breweries that add a new layer of flavor to this picturesque town. In our recent kid-free tour of Nashville, we took full advantage. Established in 1985, Brown County Winery is Indiana’s oldest and largest winery. They produce an impressive range of award-winning wines, from rich reds to crisp whites.
Savor their locally produced wines in either their tasting room located in the heart of downtown Nashville or in their winery just outside town, in Gnaw Bone. They offer complimentary tastings in both, and they could not be friendlier. A clear favorite is their Chateau Gnaw Bone Black Raspberry made with 100% black raspberries and a perfect dessert wine. Unfortunately, due to the staggering costs of the raspberries, their current batch is the last one. Once it is gone, it’s gone forever. Do NOT miss out on this one!
Hard Truth Distillery
Next, we drove to Hard Truth Distillery. Let me tell you, this is a MUST go! The location of this distillery is an experience in itself. Immediately, as you turn onto the winding drive, the stunning landscape nearly takes your breath away. The 325-acre wooded campus includes a full-service restaurant, a tours and tasting center, an outdoor amphitheater and even a 2-bedroom cabin available.
Founded by a group of friends with a passion for the craft, Hard Truth Distillery offers an impressive range of craft spirits, including vodka, gin, rum, and bourbon. Dedicated to using locally sourced ingredients, their spirits provide a distinct and authentic flavor that reflects the region’s rich agriculture heritage. While they have an extensive list of spirts to choose from, we settled on the peanut brittle bourbon cream. This rich blend of Hard Truth’s Indiana-crafted straight bourbon whiskey, real Wisconsin dairy cream and natural peanut flavor is fantastic on its own but really shines as a mixer, particularly with essentially anything chocolate! Delicious!
Bear Wallow Distillery
On the last stop of our adult-beverage tour, we visited Bear Wallow Distillery. Founded in 2012, this family-managed, female-owned distillery focuses on whiskeys. These handcrafted spirits, made in small batches with grains from local Indiana farmers, have earned them local, regional and even national recognition. Their tasting room offers the ability to sample and appreciate the depth and character of their whiskeys. Additionally, they offer guided tours taking you on a journey through the craft distillation process. While it does not boast the picturesque setting enjoyed by Hard Truth, Bear Wallow is definitely worth a visit. Friendly staff, great tasting room, and an opportunity to sip history and tradition, this distillery will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the craft, authenticity, and spirit of Brown County.
Brown County State Park
Hiking
Brown County State Park, often called the “Little Smokies of the Midwest” spans over 15,000 acres, making it Indiana’s largest and most visited state park. Its diverse terrain features dense forests, pristine lakes, and winding trails, and is a beacon for all outdoor enthusiasts. The park hosts a network of hiking trails that cater to both hikers off all levels as well as mountain bikers. Whether you’re a casual hiker or a seasoned backpacker, you’ll find trails that lead you through lush woodlands, providing vistas of seasonal beauty that are remarkable.
Views
The park’s hilly terrain provides numerous opportunities for panoramic views. Climb up to the fire tower for a breathtaking view of the surrounding forests. Although take note that the door to the top is not always open and was not on the day we visited. While we were still able to take in great views, it was a bit disappointing to climb to the top only to find it locked. Several vehicle pull-offs atop lofty hilltops provide vistas of endless tree-covered hills that are particularly magical in the fall with their jaw-dropping shades of red, orange and yellow.
Wildlife
Home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, wild turkey, squirrels and several species of birds, keep you eyes peeled during your visit to spot some of the park’s residents. It’s also home to the timber rattlesnake, so make sure you’re watching where you walk. Stay on the trails, don’t roll logs, and don’t pick things up from the ground without inspecting the area first. We like to carry hiking sticks, constantly hitting the ground as walk. Typically, they are not aggressive unless provoked; however, if you do encounter one, back away and take an alternate route. Particularly during the breeding season of July and August, encounters become much more prevalent; however, no visitor has been bitten in the park in over 30 years.
Recreation
In addition to hiking, the park offers fishing, camping, an Olympic-size swimming, picnicking, and horseback riding. Head to Ogle Lake to paddle in your canoe or kayak. If mountain biking is your thing, the park hosts nearly 30 miles of beginner to expert level trails. Check the website as you may need an off-road cycle permit. For the kids, there are also large playing fields and playgrounds. The park is open every day although some features may be closed seasonally. Except during weekdays from November through March, the park charges an Entrance Fee unless you have an Indiana DNR Annual Entrance Permit.
Yellowwood State Forest
While Brown County State Park may be more widely known in this area, Yellowwood State Forest should not be overlooked. Spanning over 23,000 acres, Yellowwood is a haven for those seeking refuge from the typical hustle and bustle of life. The forest’s diverse ecosystem encompass lush forests and clear lakes, valleys and hills, and everything in between.
As with Brown County State Park, Yellowwood features a vast network of hiking trails catering to hikers of all levels. One of the crowning jewels of the forest is Yellowwood Lake, a picturesque reservoir surrounded by forested hills. The 133-acre lake provides abundant fishing opportunities. With a valid hunting license, hunting of whitetail deer, ruffed grouse, turkey, squirrel, fox, woodcock and raccoon is permitted. There are also nearly 100 primitive campsites available 365 days per year, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Interestingly, you can also gold pan in Yellowwood State Forest. Gold panning in Yellowwood harkens back to the area’s historical gold mining past. While the state of Indiana isn’t typically associated with gold rushes, small amounts of gold have been recorded in certain streams and rivers, including those within Yellowwood. With some patience and determination, you might just get lucky! Though free, you do need to obtain a gold panning permit from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. And, whether you strike gold or not, what an adventure with the reward of enjoying the serenity of Yellowwood State Forest as an added bonus!
Come Again?
Being only a couple hours from us, we somehow avoided visiting Nashville, Indiana for the first six years of our RV adventures. After stumbling on it this past summer, we daydream about going back. The unique blend of art, nature and small-town warmth make Nashville, Indiana one of those places I cannot wait to return to. You can’t help but be inspired by the art and creativity that flows freely throughout this region. The quirky boutiques, antique stores and local shops provide a refreshing escape from the same old shopping experience. The pristine wilderness that surrounds Nashville welcomes you into its infinite serenity.
Perhaps the most endearing quality of Nashville, Indiana can be found in its residents. We have found the warm and welcoming atmosphere that envelopes the town exhilarating and even intoxicating. Locals take pride in their community. Their enthusiasm bursts from every inch of the city. They make you feel as though you are one of them and not an outsider. It seems to be their mission to have you leave with unforgettable memories.
If you are looking for a picturesque setting that combines art, nature and the warm embrace of of a close-knit community, Nashville, Indiana, is the the place for you. Our visits left us with beautiful memories and an insatiable desire for our next trip. I have no doubt that it will capture your heart as it did mine and leave you dreaming of your next visit.
Have you traveled to Nashville, Indiana? Leave us a comment and tell us what your favorite part of Nashville is! If you want to follow our other adventures, click here. And follow us on Instagram and Facebook to keep up with our “Where To Next?”.
