An RV vacation through Tennessee must include a tour of the Nashville and Franklin area, filled with history, colorful events and the hospitable atmosphere of welcoming residents.
Nashville, capital of Tennessee and commonly known to be the bustling center of the music industry, has numerous points of interest for those on RV vacations.
Historic downtown makes a perfect setting to get you in the mood for the rest of your trip. Be sure to visit the Bicentennial Capital Mall where you will absorb history as you walk along a wall marked with significant events that have occurred throughout the years in our great country. At the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum you’ll learn the cultural significance of music in this region. An RV trip wouldn’t be complete without a tour of the displays in this famous spot.
Of course, you can’t miss the Grand Ole Opry! This iconic attraction in Nashville is one of the most popular in Tennessee, with performances beyond amazing. You can also tour the entire facility. Additionally, no motorhome vacation should exclude a visit to the Belle Meade Plantation. This beautiful southern plantation reveals life in the Old South, with wine tasting as a treat after you tour the home, dairy, gardens and carriage house.
Because you have your own kitchen in your RV, you will want to stock up on some fresh foods. Stop at the Nashville Farmers Market for delicious locally grown vegetables and fruits. You’ll also find baked goods, cheeses, milk and more. If there on a weekend, you might locate some extraordinary gifts to take home at the Flea Market. You may like to purchase some handcrafted pottery or lovely jewelry as you browse the bargains.
Now you have to take your motorhome and head south toward Franklin. On the way, you will want to make a short side-trip to the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere. See Layla the Giraffe, view animal shows and take the Wilderness Express Train to new adventures. Further south along Interstate 65, park your RV and get out for some walking in a wooded setting around a lake. The Radnor Lake State Natural Area offers wonderful scenery and a peaceful place to get away from the day-to-day hustle and bustle.
Once your RV vacation adventure has brought you to Franklin, Tennessee, you are ready to experience some of the most interesting aspects of this historic community. Pick up a map at the Williamson County Visitor Center and take in the rich history of the area as you walk along Main Street. This town was ravaged during the Civil War and the Battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest of the war.
You will learn the story of one family’s tragedy during the Civil War by touring the Carter House. At the Carnton Plantation you can view the McGavock Confederate Cemetery, the site of one of the deadliest battles. You can buy an admission ticket that will allow you to see both the Carter House and the Carnton Plantation as well as the Lotz House. In this historic home, you will see actual battle scars from the war, such as the place where a cannonball came through the roof.
Now it’s time to enjoy more savory home cooking. At the Franklin Farmers Market you can pick up some meat, eggs, dairy products and of course, fruit and veggies. If you have brought along your pet on this fun RV vacation, you must take him or her over to the Freedom Run Dog Park. There is a lot of space for man’s best friend to run with two different sections for different sized dogs.
Depending on the time of year you are taking your motorhome vacation, you will be able to experience some of Franklin’s popular festivals. In April, the Main Street Festival offers a wide array of crafters and artisans, with lots of entertainment and food courts. If you are arriving on the Fourth of July, Franklin on the Fourth is a wonderfully patriotic festival downtown.
For folks that wish to see the eastern part of our beautiful United States, an exciting RV adventure in your own RV or in an RV rental through Franklin and Nashville is just one segment of that journey. History abounds, friendly folk welcome you, and you will take home memories that will last forever.
Our guest contributor, Joe Laing, is the Marketing Director for El Monte RV Rentals. You can see more great RV vacation ideas in their Monty’s Musings RV Travel Blog. They can provide you with a luxury motorhome rental for a Tennessee RV vacation from their Nashville RV Rentals location in nearby Goodlettsville.
We moved from Florida to Tennessee in 2001. All signs point to the fact that we will probably retire here — by choice. We L O V E Nashville! Our favorite places to live are just south of the City — we’ve had houses in Brentwood, Franklin, and Spring Hill. And we have properties in Leipers Fork, Cookeville, and Lewisburg. This site is where I share my best tips for moving your family to Nashville and/or visiting Nashville for the first time — with the ultimate goal of helping you find fun things to do in Williamson County and Davidson County. When I’m not out & about enjoying the Nashville area, you’ll find me at the corner of Good News & Fun Times as publisher of The Fun Times Guide (32 fun & helpful websites). To date, I’ve written over 500 articles on this site! Many of them have upwards of 100K shares.
