Your guide to Germantown

Your guide to Germantown in Nashville, TN

An aerial view of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.

An afternoon stroll through Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, anyone? | Photo by @monkeytrent

Park the car and visit one of Nashville’s most walkable neighborhoods, historic Germantown — which is just over one mile north of downtown. Whether you’re watching the Sounds hit one out of First Horizon Park or grabbing produce from the Nashville Farmers Market next to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, this quaint neighborhood has a lot to offer.

Need to know

You’re not the only one with your eyes set on Germantown. According to Niche, the neighborhood is the No. 3 best neighborhood to buy a house in Music City. It scored an A+ rating on the Niche report card, specifically noted for being a good place for families and having a great nightlife scene.

Let’s not forget the bragging rights. Germantown is recognized as Nashville’s first suburb, became a registered Historic District in 1979, and was designated a city arboretum by the Nashville Tree Foundation for the 100+ species of trees that grow there.

Germantown area of Nashville in 1880-1885, showing the Church of the Assumption and the Buddeke home, with the State Capitol in the background. — Germantown looked a little different around 1880.

The early days

James McGavock and his son David came to the area in 1786 and purchased 2,240 acres of land on both sides of the Cumberland River. The land was later divided and the little slice of Nashville got its first taste of residential development — and we know how this story goes, it hasn’t slowed since.

Germantown gets its name for the European immigrants who settled there in the 1850s. The neighborhood was built and developed, primarily consisting of brick style homes, many of which still stand and contribute to the neighborhood’s lasting charm + rich history today.

Can’t miss

Don’t forget to pencil in this route. You can’t take a stroll over to Germantown without first stopping at Von Elrod’s outdoor patio for a midday brew on tap — we like the Wanderlinger Blackbeary Hug Sour from our friends in Chattanooga (hey, NOOGAtoday). From there, mosey over to Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park to get your steps in, listen to the bells, and take in the fall colors as the sun sets. Cap off your evening with a concert just down the street at Brooklyn Bowl.

THINGS TO DO + WHERE TO SHOP AND EAT

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Today

Whiskey Jam | Mon., Oct. 17 | 8 p.m. | Winners Bar & Grill, 1913 Division St. | Watch a lineup of up-and-coming artists perform at this over 10-year Nashville tradition.

Tuesday

Nashville Predators vs. Los Angeles Kings | Tues., Oct. 18 | 8:30 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway | $26+ | Celebrate Oktoberfest with the Nashville Predators — a special ticket will get you a Preds-themed stein on this theme night. 🏒
Scout’s Pub Midtown Nashville Grand Opening | Tues., Oct. 18 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Scout’s Pub Midtown, 101 17th Ave. S. | Cost of purchase | The all-day event includes photo ops on the patio, cider and s’mores + giveaways — 20% of sales will be donated to the Nashville Humane Association.

Wednesday

Hike the Harpeth Woods Trail with a Naturalist | Wed., Oct. 19 | 9-11 a.m. | Warner Park Nature Center, 7311 Hwy. 100 | Leisurely hike the 2.5-mile “Blue Trail” loop with a naturalist. 🥾
Profs & Pints Nashville: Poe’s Mastery of Horror | Wed., Oct. 19 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Fait la Force Brewing, 1414 3rd Ave. S. | $13.11 | Join a devoted scholar of Edgar Allan Poe’s writings and distant cousin of the famed author for an in-depth look at Poe’s horror stories.

Thursday

Frist at Home: Weaving Splendor | Thurs., Oct. 20 | 1:30-2 p.m. | Frist Art Museum, 919 Broadway | Free | Experience the magic of this exhibit from the comfort of your own home via this virtual viewing opportunity.
Lantern Parade | Thurs., Oct. 20 | 5:30-7 P.M. | Discovery Center, 502 SE Broad St., Murfreesboro | Free | Enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches served by Middle Tennessee Electric + make paper lanterns before the parade begins. 🏮

Friday

Ryman Sidewalk Sessions | Fri., Oct. 21 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 5th Ave. N. | This pre-show party will include free live music, drinks at the outdoor bar, and giveaways to celebrate the Ryman’s 130th anniversary. 🎵
Nashville Greek Festival | Fri., Oct. 21-Sun., Oct. 23 | Times vary | Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4905 Franklin Pk. | Cost of purchase | A rich, multi-sensory experience of Greek hospitality and culture featuring savory cuisine, soulful music, lively dancing, and educational tours.

We have a monthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.

100+ MORE EVENTS

Weather

59º | Sunny | 9% chance of rain

Sports

Nashville SC’s third season in MLS came to a close Saturday after a 1-0 loss against the LA Galaxy in the First Round of the Audi MLS Cup Playoffs. The Boys in Gold made history this season, setting a club record for wins in a season with 13.

Coming Soon

Fast-casual restaurant chain Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is set to bring four more eateries to Middle Tennessee. The first location will open in Nolensville (7221 Nolensville Rd.) hopefully by November. Additional sites include Bellevue (7626 Hwy. 70 S.), Berry Farms + Murfreesboro. 🍽️ (Rutherford County Source)

Biz

Seretonin Centers, a Florida-based wellness brand, has announced it will open three new facilities in Middle Tennessee. The brand focuses on anti-aging and hormone treatments. Stay tuned for locations and opening dates. 🏗️ (The Tennessean)

Health

Parents of Tennessee children now have the option to receive critical early intervention services beyond the age of three. The no cost extended program will allow TEIS services up to the start of the school year following an eligible child’s 4th birthday. (WKRN)

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No bones day you say?

The Bones Family tradition in Clarksville, TN

The Bones Family skeletons perform a puppet show.

What scene do you want to see next? | Photo via the Garcia family

Release some skeleton-sion this work week by paying the Bones Family a visit — 2679 Elkmont Dr., Clarksville. Now in its 10th year, the Garcia family’s tradition is a humerus way to get the Middle Tennessee community into the Halloween spirit.

Each October, the yard is overtaken with ~50 skeletons, with Mr. Bones and Mrs. Bones front and center of every scene. The Bones Family stays busy, and depending on the day, you could see them enjoying everything from a family potluck to filming a movie and even hosting a talent show.

The project has been a labor of love between the Garcia family and Sarah Garcia’s late father, Glen Gustafson, a Vietnam veteran and fan of theatre. The family has been tactical in their approach, ensuring no scene has ever been repeated in the last decade. That hard work shows because each year on Halloween alone, 1,000+ kids visit the home.

Can’t make it in-person? Get a play-by-play (with photos) each day by following along with the Bones Family Facebook page.

THE WRAP

Today’s issue was written by Skylar.

Editor’s pick: Hey, foodies. Over the weekend, Chef Sean Brock announced The Continental has officially launched its brunch service. Bite into the menu boasting eggs benedict, a brunch burger + croque monsieur.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? Satisfy your hunger with these four restaurants expanding to Donelson.

Connect with us.

Editorial: Dylan Aycock, Skylar Webb, Dayten Rose, Josh Kranzberg, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea | Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.

Sales: Sarah Edwards | Advertise with us.

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