Goodlettsville: History, Market and Walking Trails

Goodlettsville combines vivid history with walking trails, a regional market and events that focus on craftsmanship, music and local traditions. Those looking for a vacation apartment or vacation home can therefore plan their trip entirely around their own interests: with historical discoveries, a stay surrounded by nature or specific dates from the events calendar.

History to See and Experience

A special starting point for exploring the city’s history is Mansker’s Station. The site is an authentic reconstruction of Kasper Mansker’s original frontier fort and opened in 1988. All tours begin at the Mansker’s Station Visitor’s Center. In summer, the Demonstration Day practical event in living history is also held there once a month.

The Bowen House is also one of the area’s notable historic destinations. The building was completed in 1787 and is the oldest brick house in Middle Tennessee. Group tours for adults are led by costumed historical interpreters. The Old Stone Bridge was built over Mansker Creek around 1840. As a surviving masonry arch bridge on the Louisville-to-Nashville Turnpike, it is considered a rare testament to Tennessee’s earlier era of stagecoaches and taverns and can be visited by guests.

For independent exploration, Goodlettsville offers self-guided tours of colorful murals as well as a tour of the Country Music Legends Cemetery. A historic church tour leads to Connell Memorial United Methodist Church at 113 Church Street. The church was built in 1905 on a hill overlooking the city and features stained-glass windows.

Walking Trails, Garden and Play Areas

The Moss-Wright Arboretum is certified as a Level Two Arboretum and includes 64 trees. It is located along the 2.2-mile paved walking trail in Moss-Wright Park. The exact trail length provides a concrete point of reference for planning your day if you would like to incorporate nature and exercise into your stay.

In Peay Park, Rachel’s Garden is next to the Splash Pad and the Delmas Long Community Center. The inclusive playground has play elements designed for a broad range of physical and cognitive abilities. Those traveling with a dog will also find Fenway’s Park in Moss-Wright Park, with expanded fenced areas for running and playing as well as additional shaded areas and benches. The renovations were completed in spring 2023.

Market, Craftsmanship and Music

The Goodlettsville Farmers & Artisan Market takes place at the Goodlettsville Visitor Center in Moss-Wright Park. From the first Thursday in May through the first Thursday in October, it is open every Thursday from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. It is a producer-only market: Vendors grow or make at least 75 percent of the goods they offer themselves.

At the annual Goodlettsville Heritage Day, which has been held since 2012, public demonstrations are offered in blacksmithing, leatherworking and woodworking, fiber work and cooking. The annual Goodlettsville Arts, Antiques & Music Festival complements this cultural aspect with handmade art, more than 80 antique booths, live music, a car show, a quilt show, a children’s area and a food area. Home-style cooking and live music have also been part of the Long Hollow Jamboree for more than 55 years.

Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When searching for a vacation rental in Goodlettsville, it is worthwhile to first determine which experiences you want. For a focus on history, Mansker’s Station, the Bowen House, the Old Stone Bridge and the self-guided tours can be included in your plans. Those who would like to spend more time outdoors can consider the paved walking trail, the arboretum and the offerings at Moss-Wright Park. Event dates such as the Farmers & Artisan Market or Heritage Day give the trip an additional fixed framework.

Find more destinations for planning your trip here: Antioch, Whites Creek, Nashville, Belle Meade.

To the higher-level travel overview: Davidson.