If you hold this postcard of Hidden Lake’s former resort up to the area today, you can visualize where everything might have been. | Photo provided by Bill Morton, Harpeth River State Park
It’s no secret how Hidden Lake got its name. Situated out of sight between two bluffs and now a protected part of Harpeth River State Park, the lake’s historical marker puts it simply: “Hidden Lake is a small area but its history and experiences run miles deep.”
If you’ve visited, you might have left with more questions than answers. We sat down with park manager Bill Morton, who provided some insight into Hidden Lake’s past — first as a limestone quarry, then as a resort destination.
🪨 Stepping stones
Morton said the original 640-acre property can be traced back to 1796 when it was gifted to Revolutionary War soldier William Mathis as a form of payment for his service. The land was divided as time went on, and by the early 1900s, the Newsom Crushed Stone and Quarry Company began operating on the site.
A spur track known as Fuller’s Siding was built to assist the movement of rock to the railroad. Similar to mining towns, it’s believed several small houses and company buildings occupied the area, creating the community of Fuller’s Siding. Today, a trail leads you along the route of the old track.
The company eventually relocated in 1913 and the quarry was flooded three years later, producing Hidden Lake.
A newspaper clipping from The Tennessean talking about 4th of July at Hidden Lake showcases some of the resort’s activities. | Photo provided by Bill Morton, Harpeth River State Park
🛝 The resort rolls in
In June of 1931, the property was converted into a resort. According to Morton, many steps were put into place to ensure it was considered one of the “swankier” local options.
That meant draining the quarry, asphalting the bottom, and pumping water from the Harpeth River back in. The water was treated, creating “essentially a very cold, glorified swimming pool,” Morton said. In fact, a newspaper clipping from the time suggested you could “swim in drinking water” when you visited.
Nashville Predators vs. Los Angeles Kings | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $35+ | Let the force be with you on “Star Wars” Night — purchase the special ticket package for a limited edition Predators “Star Wars” jersey.
Tiffany Haddish | Monday, Nov. 4-Tuesday, Nov. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | City Winery | $55+ | The Emmy and Grammy Award-winning actor and comedian takes the stage downtown.
Tuesday, Nov. 5
Beth Stelling | 7-8:30 p.m. | Zanies | $26 | Fun fact: The comedian, writer, and actress has written for the popular TV series “Rick and Morty.”
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Gamay Grape Wine Tasting | 6-7:30 p.m. | Miel Restaurant & Bar | $75 | This grape makes the well known Beaujolais wines that are often served with Thanksgiving dinner.
Thursday, Nov. 7
LookIn: The Cook-Off/Bon Appétit | 6:15-7:30 p.m. | Noah Liff Opera Center | Free | Hear from Artistic Director John Hoomes about the two comedic operas Nashville Opera is presenting this month — registration required.
Friday, Nov. 8
Tiger Bazaar | Friday, Nov. 8-Saturday, Nov. 9 | Times vary | Ensworth Red Gables Campus | Cost of purchase | Shop early and sip cocktails on Friday night ($20 admission) or visit on Saturday to browse gifts across various categories.
Creed | 7 p.m. | Bridgestone Arena | $86+ | Hold your arms wide open for a night of music with this rock band + special guests 3 Doors Down and Mammoth WVH.
Vanderbilt football’s 17-7 victory over Auburn on Saturday secured the team bowl eligibility for the first time since 2018. Fans will know more about where, when, and who the Commodores will play on Sunday, Dec, 8. Until then, gear up for homecoming against South Carolina on Saturday, Nov. 9.
Sports
The Titans ended Sunday with their second win of the season, defeating the New England Patriots 20-17 in a nail-biting overtime. The Titans won the toss and took the lead before safety Amani Hooker intercepted on the Patriots’ possession, ending the game.
Coming Soon
Red Door Saloon has tapped Donelson (2715 Old Lebanon Pk.) for its third Nashville location, with a hopeful opening in ~four months. Patrons can expect the same atmosphere and menu found at its Midtown and East Nashville bars. (Nashville Business Journal)
Development
An Indiana-based developer hopes to bring a 12-story hotel to 408 Woodland St. near East Bank. The hotel brand isn’t known yet, but Metro documents show plans for ~260 rooms, a rooftop deck, restaurant and bar + a banquet hall and meeting rooms on the third floor. (Nashville Business Journal)
Shop
Another luxury retailer is eyeing a location at The Mall at Green Hills. Christian Louboutin, known for its red-bottom heels, will take over the space formerly home to Banana Republic. No opening date was shared. (Nashville Post)
Eat
We hope you’re all ears — this opportunity is only here tomorrow, Nov. 5 through Sunday, Nov. 10. TPAC and 1 Kitchen have teamed up for a “corny” menu inspired by “Shucked” with dishes like charred corn bisque, a corn and hominy salad, and corn custard cake.
Community
The Tennessee Titans are partnering with the American Red Cross for a blood drive benefiting those impacted by Hurricane Helene on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Register for a time slot between 12 and 6 p.m., then head to Nissan Stadium’s Wesley Mortgage Club.
”Heritage: Southern Vernacular” opens this Thursday, Nov. 7 in the Haley Gallery at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. The free exhibit features quilts made by women in the Gee’s Bend community of Alabama, plus sculptures and two-dimensional works from Black vernacular artists.*
Home
Selling your home? Promote your listing where buyers will see it — right here in this newsletter (in as little as two days).
Category
Seasonal
Let the merry-ment begin
We’re making our list and checking it twice. | Photo provided by Tennessee Whiskey Trail
The Tennessee Whiskey Trail is taking “getting into the holiday spirit” to a new level with the introduction of its holiday pop-up passport program — Carols and Barrels.
From Monday, Nov. 11 through Sunday, Jan. 5, collect digital stamps at 12 festive distilleries and tasting rooms across Middle Tennessee before turning in your passport for a Tennessee Whiskey Trail cocktail set and ice mold.
Sip on a few of the stops:
Stable Reserve Distillery, Franklin | Theme: “Making Spirits Bright” | Drink: “Cousin Eddie” made with bourbon, custard, vanilla, and cinnamon
Standard Proof Whiskey Co., Nashville | Theme: “Home Alone Christmas” | Drink: “The Filthy Animal” made with Arabica coffee, infused rye, espresso, coconut cream, peppermint, and shaved white chocolate
Cascade Hollow Distillery, Tullahoma | Theme: “Holidays in the Hollow” | Drink: “Merry Mule,” a Dickel bourbon cranberry mule with a gingerbread garnish
The Buy
The Buy
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Pencil in this deadline. The Arts & Business Council of Greater Nashville, in partnership with Nashville SC, is looking for artists to submit their work for the 2025 Soundwaves Gallery at GEODIS Park by Friday, Dec. 6. The upcoming theme is “The He(art) of Nashville.”
