Experience · Nashville
Belmont-Hillsboro Afternoon: Antebellum Mansion Tour and Southern Bites
Begin with buttermilk biscuit sandwiches and scratch Southern lunch staples along 12th Avenue South. Walk over to Belmont Mansion for an in-depth look at its preserved 1853 Italianate salons and gardens, wrapping up with famous multi-layered pastries to carry home.
A 3.5-hour Nashville afternoon plan for couples — The Butter Milk Ranch, Belmont Mansion, Five Daughters Bakery | 12th South.
- Duration
- 3h 15m
- Cost
- $35–$55
- Stops
- 3 stops
- Area
- Belmont-Hillsboro + 1 more
- Walking
- Moderate walking · Total 1.4-mile driving route
- Best time
- 12:00 – 5:00 PM
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends · Adults · Solo
The plan
The plan
- 1The Butter Milk Ranch(1 hr)→
- 2Belmont Mansion(1 hr 30 min)→
- 3Five Daughters Bakery | 12th South(45 min)
Why this plan works
The 3 stops cover about 1.4 miles total, which keeps you in one pocket of Nashville instead of crossing town between them. Belmont Mansion is the main event and takes the biggest block of time; the other stops are built around it. It finishes at Five Daughters Bakery | 12th South — a short, low-effort stop you can skip if you're ready to call it. Best suited to couples, friends, adults, and solo who want a planned Nashville outing without improvising between stops.
The story
Overview
Begin with buttermilk biscuit sandwiches and scratch Southern lunch staples along 12th Avenue South. Walk over to Belmont Mansion for an in-depth look at its preserved 1853 Italianate salons and gardens, wrapping up with famous multi-layered pastries to carry home.
The itinerary
3 stops, one great day
- 11 hrThe Butter Milk Ranch
Food & Drink · Belmont-Hillsboro
What to do — Put your name in at the host stand, grab a seat in the sunny dining room, and order a hearty savory lunch before touring.
0.7 mi · 14 min walk or 5 min drive
Then Head north on 12th Avenue South and turn left onto Acklen Avenue; Belmont Mansion sits right at Belmont Boulevard.
21h 30mBelmont MansionArts & Culture
This stately mansion built in 1853 for a cotton heiress now operates as a historic house museum.
What to do — Purchase admission at the visitor desk, join the introductory docent presentation, and explore the preserved residential rooms.
Scout Side QuestFind the most dramatic decorative detail in the house and make your case for why you need it at home.
0.7 mi · 14 min walk or 5 min drive
Then Drive three minutes down 12th Avenue South to Caruthers Avenue; Five Daughters Bakery is on the corner.
- Five Daughters Bakery | 12th South3Optional 45 minFive Daughters Bakery | 12th South
Food & Drink · 12 South
Airy, counter-serve family bakery known for its 100-layer donuts & classic pastries.
What to do — Pick out your favorite seasonal layered donuts at the counter, box them up to take home, or enjoy a fresh bite on the porch swing.
Scout Side QuestBefore looking at the pastry case, invent your dream flavor combination and see whose idea comes closest to the menu.
Scout Stories
People who did this
Be the first to leave a Moment.
Did this outing? Hit "We Did This" up top and share a photo.
The route
On the map
Common questions
Planning this outing
- Is this a good Nashville itinerary for couples?
- Yes. It's built for couples, friends, adults, and solo and runs about 3 hr 15 min across 3 stops, starting at The Butter Milk Ranch.
- How long does this outing take?
- Plan on 3 hr 15 min door to door, including time between stops.
- How much does this Nashville itinerary cost?
- Roughly $35–$55 per person, before parking and tips. Free and low-cost stops are marked on each card.
- Is this itinerary walkable?
- Yes — every hop is under a mile, about 1.4 miles of walking in total.
- Do I need reservations?
- No. Every stop on this plan takes walk-ins, though weekends move faster if you arrive early.
Keep exploring
More ways to spend time in Nashville
Different moods, same city.
Arts & CultureNashvilleParthenon & Coffee in MidtownSpend an intriguing afternoon exploring Nashville's full-scale replica of the ancient Parthenon, an architectural marvel housing American art. Afterward, transition to the vibrant Midtown area for a revitalizing coffee and snack, soaking in the local cafe culture.
- Duration
- 2h 30m
- Cost
- $15–$30
- Ideal for
- Solo · Couples
OutdoorsNashvilleEast Bank Family Afternoon at Wasioto ParkKeep the kids active and engaged on Nashville's East Bank without any stress. Start the afternoon at Wasioto Park tackling the climbing wall and riverside play trails. Wrap up with warm wood-fired slices and seasonal hospitality nearby in East Nashville.
- Duration
- 3 hrs
- Cost
- $25–$60
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids
FamilyNashvilleFamily Morning at the Science CenterKick off a fun family morning with engaging, hands-on exhibits at the Adventure Science Center, perfect for curious kids of all ages. Afterward, refuel with a delicious and relaxed breakfast at a nearby coffeehouse. If the kids still have energy, a quick visit to a local park offers a chance to play and unwind.
- Duration
- 4h 30m
- Cost
- $50–$90
- Ideal for
- Families · Kids
Date NightNashvilleMusic History & Downtown EveningDive into the rich tapestry of American music history at a downtown museum, exploring the stories and sounds that shaped a genre. Afterward, enjoy an upscale dinner at a renowned restaurant, perfect for conversation. Conclude your evening with breathtaking city views and craft cocktails from a stylish rooftop lounge.
- Duration
- 3h 45m
- Cost
- $120–$250
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends
Arts & CultureNashvilleGrand Ole Opry Evening & Local BitesDive into Nashville's musical soul with an evening show at the legendary Grand Ole Opry, featuring a mix of classic and contemporary country acts. Afterward, savor a delicious dinner with wood-fired pizzas at Lockeland Table in the vibrant East Nashville. Conclude your evening with breathtaking views of the city skyline from The Pinnacle.
- Duration
- 5 hrs
- Cost
- $120–$250
- Ideal for
- Couples · Friends
OutdoorsNashvilleDowntown Nashville Evening Stroll & BitesEnjoy a budget-friendly evening starting with a relaxing stroll through Riverfront Park as the sun sets over the Cumberland River. Grab an affordable, casual dinner at a nearby eatery, then cap off the night with a picturesque walk across Nashville's iconic pedestrian bridge, offering stunning city views.
- Duration
- 2h 30m
- Cost
- $15–$30
- Ideal for
- Solo · Friends