Situated along Old Hickory Lake is the City of Gallatin, Nashville’s northeast neighbor. Just 20 minutes outside of Music City, you’ll uncover an area prided on natural landscapes and community.
Need to know
Having served as Sumner County’s permanent county seat since 1802, even before its incorporation, Gallatin is chock full of history . The city has close ties with presidential figures — it’s actually named after Albert Gallatin, the former Secretary of Treasury to Thomas Jefferson and James Madison. Plus, Gallatin is home to many firsts, like the recipient of the world’s first airmail delivery and home to Tennessee’s first official horse race .
Just craving a dessert? You’ll find one on the Sweet Endings menu.
Photo by @chocolatecoveredstrawberrycafe
Eat + drink
If you’re a NASHtoday reader, you love local. Lucky for you, Gallatin has no shortage of mom and pop restaurants to fuel your day trip.
- The only thing better than a traditional meat-and-three is throwback price points — both of which you’ll find at Mable’s Dining Room .
- Gather on the patio at The Chocolate Covered Strawberry for lunch and order soups, salads, or sandwiches. Bonus: If you always need a post-meal sweet treat, every plate is garnished with a complimentary chocolate covered strawberry.
- Try this: Sunday brunch with lakefront views at Awedaddys Bar & Grill .
- If you’re on the go and have a full day booked, don’t sacrifice your taste buds. Grant’s Kitchen & Grill serves “real meals, real fast” with its drive-thru feature.
- Head into the rest of the day’s adventures with a beer flight from 90s-themed Big Trouble Brewing . Pro tip: You can also snag a free pint by subscribing to the brewery’s email list.
Shop
From supporting local farmers to a fresh addition to your closet, it’s easy to find a hidden gem among Gallatin’s small business scene.
- If you’re honing a green thumb, head to Earth First Plant Co. to source your indoor potted friends + browse artisan and vintage home goods.
- Seasonally (May-September), stock up on fresh produce and baked goods at the Gallatin Farmers Market , or shop sustainable staples year-round for your pantry, cleaning closet, bathroom, and more at The Ramblin’ Bee’s refill room.
- If you need a gift, curate your own basket of treasures from Perch Home and Hospitality + keep an eye on the store’s workshops and events schedule .
- Find new threads for the whole family at Crown & Iris . The shop offers a collection for women, men, little ones, and teens.
Fall in love with the views, of course.
Photo by @barnabaswpiper
Entertainment
Take in the history of Downtown Gallatin and get some fresh air at these recreational spots.
- Start your outdoor adventure at Bledsoe Creek State Park with a hike using this trail map , or get on the water by taking a guided clear kayak tour with Get Up and Go Kayaking .
- Need a place to play? Take the kiddos (and pup) to the 185-acre Triple Creek Park — complete with sports fields, disc golf, and the all-inclusive Gallatin Miracle Park .
- Watch a flick at Tennessee’s oldest silent movie theater still standing in its original location, The Palace Theatre .
- Learn about the community’s past by taking in ~10,000 sqft of exhibit space at the Sumner County Museum , including Gallatin’s first fire truck and traffic light + Randy’s Record Shop and Dot Records memorabilia.
Where to live
If you’re sold + looking to buy a home in the area, here are some housing options currently on the market:
- 215 Electra St. | 3 BD, 3 BA | $334,900 | Renovated brick home with a basement and fenced-in backyard
- 233 Saxony Way | 3 BD, 3 BA | $345,000 | Townhome with community amenities
- 986 Isaac Franklin Dr. | 3 BD, 3 BA | $799,900 | Golf course home with lower level “man cave”