A Traveler’s Guide To Nashville And Brown County, IN
A Traveler’s Guide To Nashville And Brown County, IN
Published October 17, 2023
If you’re looking for small-town charm and an escape to nature, head on down to Brown County! Located about an hour drive south of Indianapolis or a forty-minute drive east of Bloomington, this quaint part of south-central Indiana is easy to get to. Visitors love Brown County for its lush forests, art community, and burgeoning brewing/distilling scene!
I recently spent a three-day weekend in Brown County to visit my cousin, Kailyn. She lives in the area (and also has her own travel blog that you should check out)! On this trip, I spent most of my time in Nashville, the county seat. Despite being a small town, Nashville is a bustling hub for shopping, dining, art, and entertainment. Most of the attractions mentioned in this post are located in or near Nashville.
This blog post is broken down into the following topics. To skip down to anything on the list, click or tap the corresponding link!
Activities Near Nashville, IN
Nashville is located in the center of Brown County, so it definitely served as a “home base” for me during my visit. Read on to learn about what this lovely little community has to offer!
Explore Downtown Nashville on Foot
Let me start off by saying that you will need a car to get around Brown County. Despite this, downtown Nashville is very compact and walkable! I highly recommend finding a place to park and strolling up and down North Van Buren Street, Nashville’s main commercial zone.
You’ll encounter restaurants, gift shops, cafes, bars, and more in Nashville. It only takes about ten minutes to walk from one end of town to the other, but the entire place has such a lively energy. Downtown also an abundance of historic architecture to admire.
Brown County Visitors Center
Address: 211 S Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://www.browncounty.com/shop-list/brown-county-visitors-center/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ILoveBrownCounty/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilovebrowncounty/
One of the first places you should visit in Nashville is the Brown County Visitors Center. It’s a cozy welcome center with a small souvenir shop, an information desk, and an Instagrammy mural out back where you can take pictures.
On my first day in town, I went and chatted with a friendly employee at the Brown County Visitors Center. I’m glad I did, because she provided tons of great insights and suggestions! I especially appreciated her recommendation to drive out to Story, IN in south Brown County. I probably would not have made it out there if she didn’t mention it.
Brown County History Center
Address: 70 Gould St, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://www.browncountyhistorycenter.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/browncountyinhistory/
This is another great place to see while you’re in Nashville! The Brown County History Center is more of a collection of historical relics than a formal museum, but I think that made it all the more endearing. They have a little room on one side that looked like a cabin where lots of antique toys are displayed. There’s also a replica (I think) of an old one-room schoolhouse on site that you can check out.
Pioneer Village
Address: Museum Ln, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://www.browncountyhistorycenter.org/pioneer-village.html
See also: https://www.browncounty.com/do-list/pioneer-village/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/browncountyinhistory/
Directly south of the Brown County Visitor Center, you’ll find Pioneer Village. It’s a small group of buildings that give a sense of what Nashville looked like in the second half of the 1800s. According to the Brown County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Pioneer Village consists of genuine buildings from that era (such as the log jail) and an “authentically restored” cabin.
The Pioneer Village seems like an attraction that’s great for kids. You can see what the interior of various buildings looked like at the time: a living space, a doctor’s office, a blacksmith’s shop, etc.
Brown County Art Gallery
Address: 1 Artist Dr, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://browncountyartgallery.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHistoricBrownCountyArtGallery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bcartgallery/
Did you know that Nashville has been an art colony for well over a century? There are countless signs around town that point to the community’s love for art. I absolutely loved visiting the Brown County Art Gallery to see some of the things that local artists have produced. The best part is that it’s free!
Brown County artists create using a variety of styles, subjects, and media. With that said, much of the art in the gallery centers around serene depictions of rural landscapes and country living.
Brown County State Park
Address: 1801 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://www.in.gov/dnr/state-parks/parks-lakes/brown-county-state-park/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/INdnrstateparksandreservoirs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indianadnr/
This expansive state park is arguably Brown County’s number one attraction. That’s because it’s only a five-minute drive from the heart of Nasvhille, but visiting feels almost like going off the grid. In fact, Brown County is known as the “Little Smokies” because of its resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains.
It costs a few dollars to enter Brown County State Park, but it is absolutely worth it. There are a dozen different trails to choose from, not to mention numerous iconic lookout towers constructed from stone and wood. The park stands on high ground, so there are lots of places to get awesome views of the surrounding hills.
I hiked three different trails while visiting Brown County State Park, so I’ll mention each of them below. I would say all three were easy to moderate, with no major changes in elevation.
Strahl Lake Trail (Trail 6)
This short trail loop will take you all the way around Strahl Lake. If you want a quick and easy hike with waterfront views, this is the one for you! Strahl Lake is calm and glassy, offering beautiful reflections of the forest on its still surface.
Ogle Lake Trail (Trail 7)
This was my favorite hike of the three I did in Brown County State Park. Ogle Lake is slightly bigger than Strahl Lake, but I think the views are a little more impressive. That’s partly because the trail’s southern side is slightly elevated above the lakeshore, giving a better vantage point for views across the water.
Fire Tower Trail (Trail 10)
Fire Tower Trail is named for the lookout tower near its trailhead. This multistory structure was originally used to spot wildfires. According to a placard next to the tower, there were fire towers throughout Indiana back in the day.
I waited in line for a few minutes to climb the tower because only six people can be on it at once. I was hoping to take some stunning photos from the top, but found the view up there to be a little underwhelming. To be honest, I think every other designated lookout spot in the state park is better. Especially if you’re afraid of heights, I’d say you’re not missing much if you skip the fire tower.
Trail 10 was also the least interesting. It’s a calm, wooded trail that doesn’t offer much in terms of views. Unlike Trail 6 and Trail 7, Trail 10 does not encircle a lake. The early fall foliage here was pleasant but not amazing. I’d bet the Fire Tower Trail is more impressive when the leaves are fully red, orange, and yellow.
Drive to Beanblossom, IN
I went on two mini road trips during my three-day weekend in Brown County: one to Beanblossom (north of Nashville), and one to Story (south of the state park). Below are some of the things I found near Beanblossom.
Bean Blossom Overlook
Location: Click or tap for Google Maps link
This scenic viewpoint right off of State Road 135 is reminiscent of the ones in Brown County State Park. Luckily, this one is free! From the Bean Blossom Overlook, you can see for miles across the treetops looking west.
Bean Blossom Covered Bridge
Address: Covered Bridge Rd, Nashville, IN 47448
Tucked away on a gravel road, the Bean Blossom Covered Bridge could definitely be considered “off the beaten path.” It’s only a two or three minute drive from the Bean Blossom Overlook. Indiana is known for its covered bridges, so I’ll always go out of my way to check one out if I can!
Have a Delicious Meal East of Beanblossom
The reason I passed through Beanblossom was actually to get dinner. The Visitors Center recommended I try The Farmhouse Cafe and Tea Room, which is located out in the country a mile or two east of Beanblossom. The restaurant is set up in a historic home, and it’s also next to a plant nursery.
Both the restaurant and the surrounding yard were beautiful! Even though it’s not near anything else, The Farmhouse Cafe and Tea Room is its own little destination. The food was also amazing! To read more about that, click or tap here to jump down to my section on restaurants.
Drive to Story, IN
Driving from Nashville to Story is a great way to see more of Brown County’s winding country roads, forests, and farmland. I would say the drive to Story is slightly more interesting than the drive to Beanblossom.
Stone Head Nature Preserve
Address: 4643-5013 W Bellsville Pike, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://www.browncounty.com/do-list/stone-head-nature-preserve/
Stone Head Nature Preserve is an admittedly unusual spot halfway between Nashville and Story. It’s named after a literal stone head statue with a long history, including unfortunately being beheaded and stolen in 2016 (it’s still missing as of 2023).
This public nature preserve is marked with a large sign. However, a building at the entrance looks sort of like someone’s house. For a minute or two, it almost felt like trespassing to drive in. There are “trails” here, but they’re not gravel or dirt. Instead, they’re mowed grass. Kailyn and I got out here to look around, but we didn’t explore in depth.
Story Inn
Address: 6404 IN-135, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://storyinn.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Thestoryinn1851
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thestoryinn
Story is a tiny village made up of just a few buildings. The main attraction here is the Story Inn, a hotel with a rusty façade. It looks a little funky, but it’s also intriguing. The Story Inn does function as a hotel, but as its self-deprecating motto proudly proclaims, this establishment has stood in “One Inconvenient Location since 1851.” It’s true: there’s really not much else around.
So if the Story Inn is not conveniently located, what draws people out here? There’s a couple different answers. One is that the hotel has its own restaurant and bar, so you don’t have to go into town to eat. We didn’t have time to eat a meal here, but I heard that the food is locally sourced and delicious.
The other reason to stay in Story is that the hotel is allegedly haunted. If spotting ghosts is something you’re interested in, this place is going to be right up your alley! Apparently, the “Blue Lady” has made many appearances here.
Food & Drink
One of the best things about Brown County is its vibrant culinary scene! It’s mostly classic American fare with hints of Southern flare. Nashville also has a number of breweries and distilleries that offer a full range of locally produced adult beverages. Below are some places to try!
The Farmhouse Cafe and Tea Room
Address: 5171 Bean Blossom Rd, Nineveh, IN 46164
Website: http://www.farmhousecafeandtearoom.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Farmhouse-Cafe-Tea-Room/100063744454691/
Despite being a little out of the way, The Farmhouse Cafe served my favorite meal during my weekend visit. You’ll have to drive to Beanblossom, then head east on Gatesville Road. It takes a little while, but it’s worth the trip out here!
Not only is The Farmhouse Cafe set in an idyllic little spot in the woods, but the food here is also top notch! I ordered a pork chop with mashed sweet potatoes, a side salad, and pumpkin soup. For dessert, I got their mixed berry cobbler. Each course seemed like it came straight off the farm, so I’d say the restaurant lived up to its name!
I enjoyed every bite at this cozy establishment, but the pork chop was especially scrumptious. The meat was super tender, topped with a sweet and savory glaze. I think this golden brown sauce had mustard seed in it, adding complexity to the flavor. If you only have time for one meal in Brown County, I’d recommend The Farmhouse Cafe and Tea Room!
Hobnob Corner
Address: 17 W Main St, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://hobnobcornerrestaurant.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hobnobcorner
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hobnobcorner/
Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Hobnob Corner is a popular spot to get breakfast. Their dining room feels like a blast from the past, with nostalgic diner countertops and spacious wooden booths.
When we went, we had to wait for a little while, but it wasn’t too long for a weekend brunch. I ordered their breakfast combo with eggs, sausage, grits, and toast. We also split an order of pancakes. It was a delicious way to start the day!
Casa del Sol
Address: 101 E Washington St, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://casadelsolnashville.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CASADELSOLNASHVILLE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/casadelsol.nashville/
Are you craving Mexican food? If so, Casa del Sol has you covered! I was very impressed with the spicy margarita I ordered here, as well as the “enchiladas trio” I got for lunch on my first afternoon in town. It came with three sauces: green, white, and red, reminiscent of the Mexican flag. In addition, each individual enchilada had its own unique filling!
Rafters Food & Spirits
Address: 560 IN-46, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://raftersfoodandspirits.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raftersfoodandspirits/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raftersfoodandspirits/
Located inside The Seasons Lodge, Rafters is a large, modern restaurant with big windows looking south towards the Brown County Music Center. I tried their famous fried chicken, which came with mashed potatoes and green beans. The chicken was indeed phenomenal: crispy, golden skin on the outside and tender meat on the inside!
The meal also came with fried biscuits and apple butter. I was expecting regular old biscuits, but these really surpassed my expectations! This classic local pastry appears to have originated from the Nashville General Store & Bakery (according to one reputable source). The ones at Rafters were not coated in powdered sugar, unlike the original. Regardless, the apple butter added the perfect amount of sweetness!
Out Of The Ordinary and Hickory Bar
Address: 61 S Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/outoftheordinaryrestaurant
Kailyn recommended we have lunch at Out of the Ordinary on my final day in Nashville. After a weekend filled with lots of chicken and pork, I found the Reuben sandwich here to be delicious and a nice change of pace.
Hard Truth Distilling Co.
Address: 418 Old State Rd 46, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://hardtruth.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HardTruthSpirits/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hardtruthspirits/
Prepare to be blown away by how big the facilities are at Hard Truth! The restaurant here was unlike any other I tried in Brown County. It’s located on a wooded corporate campus half a mile or so east of Nashville. The Hard Truth brand was created here in Brown County, and it also has ties to Big Woods Restaurants and “Quaff ON!” brewing.
At the restaurant here, we tried a few cocktails mixed with Hard Truth spirits and Quaff ON! beers. For food, I ordered a chicken sandwich and Kailyn got a pork chop. The food was good, but I’d say it’s fine to just come out here for a drink.
Brown County Winery
Address: 4520 IN-46 East, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://www.browncountywinery.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BrownCountyWinery
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/browncountywinery/
The Brown County Winery was a fun place to visit out towards Gnaw Bone, IN. They offer a wide variety of red and white wines, and they even had seasonal holiday blends. Their front porch is ideal for sitting, chatting, and enjoying a glass or two.
Sweetea's Tea Shop
Address: 225 S Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448
Website: https://www.sweeteasbrowncounty.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SweeteasTeaShop/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweeteasteashop/
I love the clever play on words present in the name “Sweatea’s.” I ordered a seasonal flavored oat milk latte here on my first day in Nashville. At Sweatea’s, you’ll find friendly service and a comfortable place to sit and sip your caffeinated beverage.
Enjoy your Escape to Nature in Brown County!
Well, that’s my comprehensive guide to Brown County and Nashville, Indiana! I definitely didn’t have time to do everything the “Little Smokies” had to offer, but I felt like I covered quite a bit of ground!
As you can see from the photos here, I visited Brown County right at the beginning of fall (early October). The entire county is very famous for its fall colors, but it seems like peak brightness in reds and yellows only lasts for a few weeks in late October and early November. I sort of wish I had planned a trip closer to Halloween, but Brown County was still so pretty even with only a tinge of orange in the trees.
Have you been to Brown County or Nashville before? Are there any attractions I didn’t mention that visitors should know about? Leave a comment below and let me know! Thanks for checking out Caffeinated Excursions’ first of hopefully many Indiana blog posts!
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This post was published on Oct 17, 2023
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Would like info on art galleries in Nashville.