Historic downtown Nolensville has to be one of Middle Tennessee’s best undiscovered day trips. Filled with unique shops you won’t find anywhere else, fantastic restaurants, and a glorious apple orchard that’s perfect for picnics and family photos, it’s a quick drive from both Franklin and Nashville, yet feels worlds away from the area’s bigger cities and towns. Here are some of our favorite places to visit while you’re there.
The Backstory
According to legend, Nolensville’s very existence is an accident. In 1797, William Nolen’s wagon broke down here while he and his family were making their way through Middle Tennessee. While waiting for the wagon to be repaired, Nolen took a look around and noticed the area had plenty of water, game, and general awesomeness. Mr. and Mrs. Nolen and their five kids decided to stay put — and Nolensville was born. Today, the original Nolen log cabin still exists within the Nolen House, and the downstairs portion of the home is available for rent on Airbnb.
Over the last 200 years, Nolensville survived the Civil War, Reconstruction, the Great Depression, multiple fires, and one major flood. Although the area as a whole is benefitting from Nashville and Franklin’s collective boom and new homes and shopping centers are popping up everywhere you look, a charming hodgepodge of historic homes and structures still line the streets of a small stretch of Nolensville Road, and herein lies the town’s unique charm. Whether you’re on a date, looking for something fun to do with the kids, or out on a shopping adventure with your besties, historic downtown Nolensville has something special to offer you.
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The Shopping
Many of Nolensville’s must-see shops are located in its historic district. Park along the road and walk to all of them!
A true Tennessee treasure is the Nolensville Toy Shop. Step inside this beautiful historic home and prepare to wander through a labyrinth of high-ceilinged rooms chock full of toys, games, dolls, costumes, and more. It is a true paradise for children and adults alike and absolutely worth the drive for families — especially if you stop afterward at Itty Bitty Donuts, which is conveniently located right behind the toy store! More on that later in the post.
Enter uber-trendy Nellamoon and you’ll swear you’re on the set of an Instagram photoshoot. This hip boutique includes on-trend clothing, accessories, skincare products, and its signature, Nashville-made candle line. I am absolutely certain you’ll feel about 100% more relevant after stopping in.
Across the street from Nellamoon is the charmingly rustic Nolensville Feed Mill Amish Market. The structure was the Nolensville Mill Company from 1890 until 1986, but today it’s filled with Amish bread, cheeses, candy, popcorn (if you haven’t had Amish popcorn, you’re in for a treat!), jams, jellies, and much more, as well as a takeout counter with made-to-order sandwiches and beloved chicken salad.
Vintage lovers will adore The Village Antiques & Gifts, a sweet little antiques and gift shop specializing in antique glassware, shabby chic furniture, local arts and crafts, and gift items.
And if you visit Nolensville on a Saturday, you won’t want to miss the Nolensville Farmer’s Market, located at 7428 Nolensville Road. This charming small-town market always has lots of good things available, from local honey and scratch-made baked goods to Jamaican patties and farm-fresh eggs.
The Food
While you’re shopping in Nolensville’s historic downtown, stop for a snack at local favorite Itty Bitty Donuts, which serves up delicious made to order donuts and specialty coffee.
And at the end of a long day of sightseeing, consider stopping for craft cocktails at Happenchance Social, which features craft cocktails, 50+ wines, and small bites.
Nolensville is also home to both Mill Creek Brewing Co. and Wheeler’s Raid Distillery. Be sure and stop by for a tasting or a tour while you’re in the area.
For those with bigger appetites, Outlanders Southern Chicken is a self-proclaimed chicken shack serving up fried chicken tenders and wings, fried mac and cheese balls, amazing fries, and buckets of beer. Nolensville locals absolutely love this place.
Right next door to Outlanders, you’ll find Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, now located right across the street from the original Martin’s. This beloved barbecue restaurant is a staple in Middle Tennessee and across the Southeast, but Nolensville is where the local chain got its start.
Other Nolensville Adventures
While you’re here, check out these other unique Nolensville offerings!
Pixel Planet Arcade is a new, family-friendly entertainment center offering pinball, classic and new arcade games, and ticket games and prizes. The arcade also has a party room available for reservations.
Looking for a great photo op? Check out Nolensville’s first mural on the side of Mama’s Java Cafe. It was painted by artist Kim Radford as part of Tennessee’s Walls for Women project. While you’re there, stop inside for a steaming cup of Mama’s Java’s air roasted coffee and a delicious sandwich.
Between June and November, you’ll find local fruits, vegetables, honey, jams, preserves, cider, and fresh brown eggs at Morning Glory Orchard, a second-generation Nolensville family farm. In 2021, the family expanded operations to include hard cider and wine. Be sure and check out the orchard’s upcoming special events, which include girls’ nights out, karaoke bingo, catered picnics in the orchard, and more!
