Belle Meade Plantation

Once one of the largest private estates in Nashville encompassing 5,400 acres and home to five generations of the Harding-Jackson family, Belle Meade Plantation today is a 30-acre historic site 6 miles west of Nashville. Before the Civil War, Belle Meade flourished; today bullets from the Battle of Nashville scar the house, used as Confederate Gen. Chalmers' headquarters. Known as "Queen of the Tennessee Plantations," Bell Meade was known world-wide for its thoroughbred horses.

Experience frontier life of 1819 through living history demonstrations at the Harding Cabin. Demonstrations available every Friday and Saturday April through October. Guided tour of the 1853 Greek Revival mansion available year round. Belle Meade Plantation also produce hams and honey.

The restaurant on the grounds, Martha's at the Plantation, is open from 11 am to 2 pm daily, closed some holidays. Martha's sets the standard for locally raised seasonal food with a network of farmers and organic suppliers. The Harding Garden, Martha's on-site urban farm organically supplies the restaurant with heirloom tomatoes, purple okra, sweet corn, rainbow chard, herbs, peppers and more. Martha's Restaurant may be reached at 615-353-2828.