Make the Great Escape to Goodlettsville, Tennessee

Goodlettsville may be this city’s formal name, but Good(eats)ville would suit it just the same. From Southern delicacies to surprisingly sophisticated plates, there’s something for every palette here. 

• Chef's Market: Named Nashville’s No. 1 Caterer by the Nashville Scene, Chef’s Market is known for its homestyle cooking. And no need to wait for a catered event to experience it – you can dine in at their Goodlettsville headquarters Monday through Saturday.
• KFAM Sweets: Can’t decide between two deserts? Have them both (or all) at KFAM Sweets – featuring shaved snow, cakes, candy apples and more.
• Casper's Bistro: Savor everything from cacio e pepe and roasted redfish to bourbon glazed pork and cilantro lime crab cakes at this local favorite.
• Main Moon: Main Moon has raised the bar for Chinese takeout. The flavor is full, the food is fresh and their menu has just about every classic dish you can think of.
• Buck's Barbecue: Buck up for some of the best barbecue in town at Buck’s Barbecue, which serves up everything from pork-stuffed potatoes, fried bologna and barbecue nachos.
• BJ Hot Chicken: Taste the hottest food in town (literally) at BJ Hot Chicken. Their take on this Tennessee tradition satisfies every spice level and every taste bud. 
   

And if you need a pick-me-up after all that fine dining, Goodlettsville has that, too. Lasater’s Coffee & Tea, 7 Brew, Bloom & Brew Coffee, and Authentic Coffee Company never disappoint.

Whether you’re looking for an afternoon activity or a sunset stroll, Goodlettsville provides plenty of places to take in the beauty of Mother Nature. The Grand Ole RV Resort and Market offers 130 full hookup sites plus amenities like laundry for family-friendly camping year round. Prefer more traditional accommodations? Take your pick from more than 1,500 affordable hotel rooms around the city.

Five of Goodlettsville’s six parks include playgrounds – and the 147-acre Moss-Wright Park also has ballfields, a paved walking trail, a dog park and a Level II–certified arboretum comprising 64 trees. Peay Park boasts tennis and pickleball courts as well as a can’t-miss summer destination for kids: the free Splash Pad at Peay Park, a series of exhilarating water cannons, fountains and tunnels. Don’t worry, there’s a protected seating area for family members who want to stay dry. And there’s fun for everyone at Rachel's Garden, a newly-opened, all-accessible playground that features state-of-the-art turf and direct wheelchair access.    

Speaking of activities with a view, the 18-hole course at Twelve Stones Crossing Golf Club is centered around the meandering Mansker's Creek. After your round, grab a drink or sit down for a meal at Sand Trap at 12 Stones. Looking for a place to take the family? Mansker Creek Disc Golf Course is designed for all ages and skill levels, including little ones. There is even a playground located at the starting point.

There’s nothing like the thrill of scoring a unique find, and the odds are in your favor in Goodlettsville at:

• Rare Bird Antique Mall
• Goodlettsville Antique Mall
• Cast & Found Vintiques
• Rust & Ruffles
• Chic Artique
• Good Place Mercantile

On the hunt for a small gift or trinket to take home? Drop by: Goodlettsville Visitor’s Center Gift Shop for souvenirs, “GOOD”-emblazoned apparel and locally made treats like Willa’s Mercantile gourmet shortbread and Brittle Brothers’ homemade brittle – with flavors ranging from peanut to bacon. 

A tour of Mansker’s Station and the Bowen House invites you to walk through the doors of two notable structures: an authentic reproduction of a 1779 frontier fort and the oldest brick home in Middle Tennessee. Mansker’s Fort – which commemorates the original built by Kasper Mansker, a settler who helped establish the Cumberland region’s local government – affords visitors a glimpse into frontier life through period-dressed interpreters and demonstrations. The two-story Bowen House, built in 1787 by Captain William Bowen, was restored in the 1970s and today retains about 70% of its original woodwork.

Goodlettsville hosts many free events throughout the year (and some with a nominal fee), meaning you can experience something special every season. In April, Heritage Day delights crowds with interactive historical demonstrations of blacksmithing, leatherworking, woodworking and other trade skills from the frontier era. At the Goodlettsville Farmer’s Market, which runs every Thursday at the Visitor's Center from May to October, you’ll find vendors offering baked goods, produce, barbecue, shaved ice, candles, soaps and much more. The annual Independence Day Celebration, held on July 3, honors July 4th with music, food vendors, a Kids Zone and a fireworks finale.

October brings a very festive event: GOODFest in the Park, with over 100 vendor booths, artisans, kids’ activities and an array of food.

Yulefest, a decades-old Goodlettsville tradition, kicks off the winter holiday season 18th-century style with carriage rides, a handbell choir and period costumes. And throughout December, the Candy Cane Village takes over the grounds of City Hall with tiny houses that have been decked out by local sponsors – photo ops are encouraged!

So, gas up the car and head to Goodlettsville to experience some Southern charm! Plan the perfect trip by downloading the Visit Goodlettsville app or clicking on the red trip planning button on our website. We hope to see you soon!