Traveling with kids can be fun and rewarding, but sometimes parents just need a grown-up getaway to recharge. That’s exactly why I took a solo trip to Nashville, Indiana, located in Brown County, just a short hour drive south of Indianapolis. Traveling alone means total freedom: I pick where to go, what to see and how to relax. As a mom of two children, it’s rare that I get to do what I want on a trip! I’m always making sure everyone else is having a great time. So it was especially indulgent to visit Nashville for a mom vacation, where my only concern was deciding what fun thing I wanted to see or do next.
Everything I did on my solo adventure — from activities to dining spots — is just as perfect for couples, friends or group getaways. So if you’re planning a parents’ weekend, a girlfriend escape, or a mom-and-dad group trip, Nashville, Indiana, should be at the top of your list!
What to Do + See + Experience in Nashville, Indiana
Salt Creek Trail
The first paved trail in all of Brown County is also a beautiful and scenic one. Salt Creek Trail is an easy 3/4-mile walk that goes from the Brown County YMCA to the CVS parking lot, connecting you to Van Buren/State Route 135 in downtown Nashville. Along the way, you’ll see creeks and wildflowers, plus a small playground located near the YMCA, and bridge with a mural that’s perfect for selfies.
Brown County Community YMCA
You don’t need to be a member of the Brown County Community YMCA in order to enjoy the facilities. Just pay a small fee, and you get access to all that this Nashville center has to offer. A couple of the features you might want to check out are the indoor saltwater pool, and the wet and dry sauna.
Happy Hour Health at Nashville Wellness
Nashville Wellness is a health oasis in Brown County, consisting of six individual businesses specializing in everything from massage therapy to naturopath services. I visited Happy Hour Health for a relaxing halotherapy (or salt therapy) session. It’s said that halotherapy uses the healing properties of salt to promote respiratory health and skin rejuvenation, but what I benefitted from the most was the relaxation aspect. At the end of my 30-minute salt therapy session, I was almost ready to take a nap! Kim, the owner of Happy Hour Health, said that many people fall asleep while swinging in the hammocks and breathing in the salty air. This is the place to visit if you need a place to relax and recharge.
Brown County Art Gallery
One of the oldest art galleries in the county, the Brown County Art Gallery is one of the pillars of the Nashville art scene. This is the place to view work from more than 60 working artists, as well as permanent collections of historical art. When I visited, there was a photography exhibit going on, showcasing Brown County photographs from past to present.
One of the great things about the Brown County Art Gallery is that it’s free and open to the public. Centrally located in downtown Nashville, just walk in and experience some of Brown County’s rich contemporary and historical art.
Second Story Studio
To experience even more of Brown County’s art scene, step inside Second Story Studio, which is aptly named because it is literally located on the second floor of the historic Village Green Building in downtown Nashville. At this gallery, you’ll find a well curated collection of contemporary and modern art from regional and national artists, alongside unique handmade one-of-a-kind pieces.
New art is on display regularly, so there’s always something new to see or experience. And along with rotating artist exhibits, you’ll also find art classes, an artist studio space and a cute and eclectic gallery shop with all kinds handmade objets d’art.
Range 46 Wine Co.
Just outside of Nashville proper is Range 46 Wine Co., a family-friendly and pet-friendly farm winery. Wine novices and connoisseurs alike will find something to enjoy here, but those who enjoy sweeter wines are in for a treat, because that’s what this winery specializes in. Some of their more popular flavors include Peanut Butter & Jelly, Moscato and Cotton Candy, if that gives you a taste of the sweet level that you can expect!
Try a wine tasting or flight at the bar, or take it outside on the outdoor patio during nice weather. You’ll also find fire pits and a corn maze, plus , live music and food trucks for special events.
Bear Wallow Distillery
When people think of whiskey in Brown County, they might think of Hard Truth Distillery. But there is another distillery quietly making small-batch, high-quality spirits in Nashville. Bear Wallow Distillery, located just outside of downtown Nashville, is one of the only female-owned distilleries in the country, creating their spirits in a traditional copper pot still. Visitors can enjoy whiskey tastings and flights, or sip a craft cocktail and relax in the shop. Those who are interested in learning more about the craft can go on a Farm-to-Fifth Tour, which takes you behind the scenes to learn about the history of whiskey and see the full production process.
Lakehouse Candle Company
Downtown Nashville is full of unique things to see around every corner. While you’re perusing all of the cute shops, follow your nose to Lakehouse Candle Company, a shop specializing in candles and scented items. This woman-owned business not only offers hand-crafted candles made with quality ingredients, but they also have fun events every so often, like their Pour & Restore event, which I had the pleasure of attending while I was in Brown County.
During the Pour & Restore event, we were led through a candle-making demonstration, where we got to pour our own candle that smelled like a scent (or a combination of scents) of our choice. While we waited for the candles to set, we were treated to a restorative yoga session right in the store. It was a wonderful experience to lie on the mat and breathe in the warm and fragrant scents that were all around us.
Retail Therapy
Speaking of cute shops: You will definitely want to give yourself plenty of time to explore the downtown shops that are located all around Nashville. Here are just a few that I popped into during my visit.
Lumi Boutique
Specializing in clean, cruelty-free beauty products, Lumi Boutique is packed with handmade items, such as soaps, skincare, lotions, beard oils and lots more. You’ll also find one-of-a-kind items made by local artists, like blankets, socks, t-shirts and home decor.
The Wild Olive
This delightful store is great for people who like to cook and eat! Specializing in olive oil and balsamic vinegar, The Wild Olive is the place to sample oils and vinegars to find your perfect pairing. The speciality store also carries imported snacks and pantry goods, like tinned fish and pasta.
Rustic Charm Permanent Jewelry
There’s a sign in Rustic Charm Permanent Jewelry that says “Forever & Always,” which is appropriate for a jewelry store that specializes in permanent jewelry! Located in a little bungalow in downtown Nashville, Rustic Charm is the place to find custom-sized bracelets and anklets that are welded shut, making them a permanent piece of art on your arm or ankle. If you’re not into big commitments, you can also get any of their jewelry with clasps, so you can take them off.
Brown County Antique Mall + Route 46 Vintage
Vintage lovers: Nashville is an antique paradise! One of the best places to find great old stuff is at Brown County Antique Mall, which has rooms upon rooms of every type of knickknack and doo-dad from the past imaginable. If you’re looking for vintage clothing and accessories, you find lots at Route 46 Vintage, located on the same property.
The Candy Dish
Every shopping trip needs a sweet treat! One of the more beloved candy stores in Nashville is The Candy Dish, which has been dishing out chocolates, fudge, caramels and taffy since 1972. Samples are always available, which can help make it easier to decide on which tasty treats you want to take home!
Where to Eat in Nashville
There are a lot of restaurant options in Nashville! Here are some of the places I visited while in Brown County.
The Olde Bartley House: Come for the coffee drinks, but don’t leave without trying a Volant, their signature donut. A cross between a donut and a croissant, the apple-stuffed Volants is a local favorite! | 96 S. Van Buren St.
Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls: The name of this bakery and coffee shop is right! The cinnamon rolls at OoeyGooey Cinnamon Rolls are indeed ooey and gooey, in the best way. Choose from among two dozen different flavored cinnamon rolls, or grab a breakfast sandwich or breakfast casserole. | 144 E. Main St.
Hobnob Corner Restaurant: Loved by locals and visitors alike, this homey restaurant has a decent wine list and lots of familiar comfort-food favorites, like pot roast and vegetable soup. | 17 W. Main St.
Big Woods Pizza Nashville: This is the original Big Woods restaurant, located right in the heart of downtown Nashville. Along with a large pizza menu, you’ll find bar fare like nachos and wings, which pair well with the Quaff ON! Brewing Co. beer that’s available on tap, or cocktails made with Hard Truth spirits. | 44 N. Van Buren St.
Hoosier Thai: You might not know what to get more excited about at Hoosier Thai: the delicious food, or the thousands of pieces of IU memorabilia that decorate every square inch of this restaurant. This unique restaurant is a sight to behold! | 15 S. Van Buren St.
Artists Colony Inn: This restaurant, located on the bottom floor of an inn, is the perfect place to enjoy a cozy meal. When the weather is nice, ask to sit on their wide outdoor patio, and do some people-watching while you eat! | 105 S. Van Buren St.
Hard Truth Distillery: Known for their award-winning bourbons and rye whiskeys, Hard Truth Distillery is a pioneer in sweet mash whiskey. The distillery is more like a campus, and offers tours of the facility and grounds, and tastings in their tasting room. After you’ve explored, stop into the restaurant to order from a menu that offers everything from burgers to salads to salmon dinners. | 418 Old State Road 46
Where to Stay in Nashville
There are lots of accommodation options around Brown County, from hotels to campsites and everything in between. But for the ultimate stay — especially if you’re visiting Brown County with family or you’re on a girls/guys trip — staying in a cabin is the way to go!
I stayed at the 7 Acre Legacy Lodge, one of the options offered by Brown County Vacation Rentals. Everything about this beautiful cabin is stunning, from the nicely decorated bedrooms (three of them!), the kitchen that includes everything you need and then some (s’more-making kits!), plus a game room, a six-person hot tub, and a private pond where you can go fishing or canoeing. The 7 Acre Legacy Lodge is perfectly secluded in the woods, yet only 15 minutes away from downtown Nashville. It was a great place to unwind at the end of each day that I was in Brown County.
For more travel ideas around Brown County and Nashville, Indiana, visit the Brown County Visitors Center to plan your next escape!
