Belle meade plantation provides the backdrop of a historic farm setting framed in beautiful flowering gardens and an 1853 mansion, all with the convenience of our location, sitting right in the heart of nashville, tennessee. Today, the belle meade plantation is one nashvilles most popular attractions and managed by the nashville chapter of the association. Learned things i did not know about the plantations history which was interesting. The gorgeous plantation plays host to weddings and special events all year around, but the estates past is much more than a beautiful home and tourist attraction. Belle meade plantationlocated in belle meade, tennessee, is a historic plantation mansion whose grounds now function. Mansion, plantation, and stud 9780826512451 by wills ii, ridley w. The harding family, characters in to whisper her name, lived at belle meade in the 1800s and many of the events included in this novel were taken from their personal history and then fleshed out in my imagination. Today, belle meade plantation retains 34 acres of its original property and several outbuildings including the mansion and original homestead. Located on the lower level of the visitors center, the shop at belle meade plantation offers a.
This program combines the frontier cabin tour and the mansion tour to examine belle meades development into one of the most famous thoroughbred horse. Head to the belle meade plantation where you can participate and embark upon the brand new cultural tour. Belle meade plantation, located in belle meade, tennessee, is a historic mansion that is now operated as a museum, together with outbuildings on its 30 acres of property. Click here to learn more about about blog and events. Located just west of nashville, tennessee, the historic plantation mansions grounds now function as. Dont miss out on great deals for things to do on your trip to nashville. Ive written the two threebook southern series the belmont mansion novels and the belle meade plantation novels to be read together.
The belle meade plantation collection belle meade plantation. Take a tour of greekrevival mansion, restored to its turnofthecentury appearance, and several original. Belle meade plantation, nashville, tennessee covington travel. Click here to learn more about about belle meade plantation calendar. Plan to spend a couple hours enjoying the ambiance of the mansion and grounds then repair to the elegant harding house restaurant, a local favorite for lunch. Ive written the two three book southern series the belmont mansion novels and the belle meade plantation novels to be read together. A guide in period costume shows you around the greekrevival mansion during the guided tour, then leaves you free to explore the grounds on your own. Once the centerpiece of a 5,400acre plantation, the mansion at belle meade plantation is one of the finest examples of a victorianera southern estate. When you arrive to the plantation, you can check out a backpack. In the most substantial account ever written of the queen of tennessee plantations, ridley wills traces the history of belle meade from a log cabin alongside a buffalo trail to one of the souths grand plantations to its demise and eventual development into nashvilles. The trusted housekeeper slave of william giles harding of nashville s belle meade plantation, which is. Originally founded by john harding in 1807 with only a travelers rest log cabin and 250 acres of land, belle meade plantation grew into a beautiful greek revival mansion reigning over one of the largest thoroughbred horse. Ridley wills traces the history of belle meade from a log cabin alongside a buffalo trail to one of the souths grand plantations and horse nurseries to its demise and eventual development into nashville s premier residential community.
In addition, a domestic servant named dicey had been purchased from giles harding for seventy dollars on october 6, 1806. For the next 100 years, the harding family prospered, building their domain into a 5,400 acre plantation that was. See all 9 belle meade plantation tickets and tours on tripadvisor. The plantation homes are iconic to the southern states, and the belle meade plantation certainly has enough history within its walls to give you a fascinating family day out in tennessee. Belle meade plantation offers multiple tours for our visitors. The lambs have a rare copy of the book susanna mcgavock carter. The belle meade plantation began in 1807 when virginian john harding bought dunhams station log cabin and 250 acres on the natchez trace.
Interesting history of the plantation presented by our tour guide. Sep 29, 2015 the adventure backpack is a program that belle meade plantation came up with to help connect children, toddlers to age 10, to the history that surrounds them on the plantation. Once worldrenowned as a thoroughbred stud farm and nursery in the 19th century, belle meade was the home of iroquois, the only americanbred winner of the epsom derby. As the nations leading thoroughbred horse farm, and the epicenter of society and social events in nashville, it is.
Belle meade plantations story began in 1807 with a single log cabin set on 250 acres. Click here to learn more about education education. A belle meade plantation novel 3 book series kindle edition. Elegantly nestled in the heart of belle meade plantation, the harding house offers a location for a delicious lunch to celebrate any special occasion or, to enjoy the ambiance of one of nashville. In the late 19th century, the plantation encompassed roughly 5,400 acres. Journey back in time to spectacular magnolia trees and immaculate estates as you enjoy a guided tour of the belle meade plantation, a beautifullyrestored antebellum mansion in nashville that dates back to 1807. From bestselling author tamera alexander comes an exquisite historical novel set against the real history of belle meade plantation in nashville, tennessee, that. The historical belle meade plantation, established in 1807, has served as a thoroughbred stud breeding ground, an extensive farm with a cotton gin, and a confederate generals headquarters. Check out the best tours and activities to experience belle meade plantation. The history of this placebelle meade plantation and its grand mansionis the history of a family weathering the ups and downs in the century that included the civil war. Belle meade plantation started in 1807 with a log cabin and 250 acres.
The land known as belle meade stood witness to centuries of human history. Estate is complete with original stable, carriage house, dairy, slave cabi. I grew up in this neighborhood and even as a nashville native i love touring belle meade plantation periodically they change the displays throughout the house seasonal to reflect what the family would have been doing that time of year i. Click here to learn more about hands on history hands on history. Visit william giles hardings belle meade mansion, a greekrevival historic landmark. To win her favor a belle meade plantation novel book 2. Belle meade winery was the best surprise on our trip to nashville. Throughout the 45minute guided tour of the greekrevival mansion, a century of the plantations history is told through the stories of the hardingjackson family. Located about 8 miles southwest of downtown nashville, belle meade plantation is open daily from 9 a. Visit the belle meade plantation, an early19thcentury mansion located just. Complimentary winetasting at the gift shop at the end of the guided tour. Should i book belle meade plantation tickets in advance. The grounds at belle meade are selfguided and are available to explore both before and after the tour. The history goes back to before the plantation was even built, when native tribes used the meadows and the woodlands in the area as a place to hunt.
Your support ensures that belle meade will be preserved for future generations, as operating funds depend solely on donations and membership fees. Restored to its 1853 elegance, belle meade plantation nashville tennessee is known as the queen of southern plantations. Download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Over time, a trail developed through the land, eventually known as the old natchez road by european settlers. Set against the real history of nashvilles historic belle meade plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in americas history, to whisper her name weaves the struggles of real people of the postwar south with the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal. This tour is a wonderful way for guests of all ages to learn about the history of the plantation while making unforgettable nashville, tn memories. It grew into a beautiful greek revival mansion and one of the largest private estates in nashville covering over 5400 acres and was the center of hospitality. Belle meade plantation was created as an educational, nonprofit organization in 1953. Reservations the harding house at belle meade plantation. Please visit our careers page for more information. Today belle meade plantation retains 34 acres of its original property and several outbuildings including the mansion and original homestead. Reserve your spot today and pay when youre ready for thousands of tours on viator. Click here to learn more about book clubs book clubs.
The real belle meade plantation impeccable historical research woven with heartgripping fiction from usa today bestselling author tamera alexander, based on the real belle meade plantation in nashville, tennessee. Several families continued to work for the harding family, though they moved off the farm and purchased homes and land around nashville. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading to win her favor a belle meade plantation novel book. Please be advised that belle meade plantation and winery will be closed to the general public as of 12. Belle meade is a city in davidson county, tennessee. Feb, 2014 in a new project, belle meade plantation excavates its history of slavery and relations between its black and white residents. Today this magnificent plantation is a 30acre historic site that features guided tours of the 1853 greek revival mansion. Belle meade plantation can be crowded, so we recommend booking etickets ahead of time to secure your spot. History of the belle meade plantation in 1806, john harding purchased 200 acres of land that would eventually become the belle meade plantation.
Enslaved people were needed for all of these enterprises and slowly harding became one of the largest slave holders in nashville. Belle meade plantation is one of the premier plantations in tennessee. Belle meade plantation in nashville tn horses, history, wine. Join tamera at belle meade plantation in nashville, the setting of her belle meade novels. The belle meade plantation is now a popular tourist attraction for those visiting nashville. Set against the real history of nashville s historic belle meade plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in americas history, to win her favor is a passionately stirring, highly acclaimed marriageofconvenience story involving overcoming.
Visit the carnton novels page for more carnton history. The setting of this novel, the belle meade plantation in nashville, tn, is a real antebellum estate that still welcomes visitors today. The belle meade plantation captures everything that is beautiful about the south on its historic, one hundred fiftyyearold home and estate. Become a part of belle meade by taking a tour of the mansion, participating in a food and wine pairing, utilizing our adventure backpacks for the family, and taking a segway tour of the grounds. Save time waiting in line by prebooking your tour for belle meade plantation, the historic nashville estate that dates to the mid1800s. I visited with my two young adult children and their enthusiasm for the history preservation.
Your ticket also includes access to belle meades 8 historic out buildings. While on vacation a couple of years ago in nashville my husband and i went for a tour of the belle meade plantation and i was totally intrigued with the history behind this plantation so i. Tripadvisor belle meade plantation guided mansion tour with. Set against the real history of nashvilles historic belle meade plantation, the most influential. Ive written the two threebook southern series the belmont mansion novels and the belle meade plantation novels. Set against the real history of nashville s historic belle meade plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in americas history, to win her favor is a passionately stirring, highly acclaimed marriageofconvenience story involving overcoming postcivil war obstacles and racial discrimination. Set against the real history of nashville s historic belle meade plantation, the most influential thoroughbred stud farm in americas history, to whisper her name weaves the struggles of real people of the postwar south with the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal.
Whether youre touring with a few friends, a group, a classroom, a business or organization, we have planned fun and exciting ways for you to spend your day at belle meade. Head to belle meade plantation and learn all about its rich history. Belle meade plantation, located in belle meade, tennessee, is a historic mansion that is now operated as a museum, together with outbuildings on its 30 acres. Do you want to know the entry ticket price for belle meade plantation. If you book with tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund. Click here to view location 110 leake ave nashville, tn 37205, usa 110 leake. Belle meade plantation began with a log cabin and 250 acres and grew into a beautiful greek revival mansion with over 5,400 acres. For more information about any of our programs, please email us at email protected. Belle meade plantation is the epitome of gracious tennessee plantations and well worth a visit when in nashville.
After your guided tour, enjoy a complimentary wine tasting at our beautiful winery. Belle meade plantation visit nashville tn visit music city. Visit the belle meade plantation novels page for more belle meade history. Cst on tuesday, march 17, 2020 due to the covid19 pandemic. Belle meade plantation series by tamera alexander goodreads. Belle meade plantation is in nashville, just 15 minutes from the country music hall of fame, ryman auditorium and the honey tonks of downtown. You dont have to wait for all three books in a particular series to release before reading the next series. Belle meade plantation is a 30 acre historic site famous in the 19th century for breeding. Belle meade plantation nashville all you need to know. Visit belle meade plantation on your trip to nashville. To whisper her name a belle meade plantation novel book 1. Belle meade plantation hands on history kids out and about.
The house was built in 1853 after the plantation gained fame as a stud farm that produced some of the best racehorses in the south. Belle meade plantation in nashville attraction frommers. To wager her heart a belle meade plantation novel book 3. About the mansion originally a federalstyle house, the house was expanded in 1853 to be in style of a greek revival mansion, to reflect the success of the. In the most substantial account ever written of the queen of tennessee plantations, ridley wills traces the history of belle meade from a log cabin alongside a buffalo trail to one of the souths grand plantations to its demise and eventual development into nashvilles premier residential community. Being a history major it is a joy to see the painstaking efforts they have made to reconstruct a piece of history. The story of belle meade comes alive, as our guides lead guests through the mansion and tell the exceptional and intimate stories of the various people that created belle meade plantation. We honor the legacy of winemaking in the american south with traditional muscadine and blackberry wines, as well as produce a full library of red, white, and sparkling wines inspired by europes rich winemaking culture.
Todays site functions as an educational resource dedicated to the preservation of tennessees victorian architecture, history and equestrian history. All of the southern mansion books are stand alone novels, meaningeach novel is a more. Apr 16, 2020 in 1953, belle meade mansion and eight outbuildings on 30 acres were deeded to the association for the preservation of tennessee antiquities. Tamera welcomes you to carnton in franklin, tennessee, the setting of her carnton novels. Dec 31, 2019 the history of this placebelle meade plantation and its grand mansionis the history of a family weathering the ups and downs in the century that included the civil war. Guests are warmly invited to delve into the rich history of this lovely home and estate by taking part in a diverse list of both enjoyable and educational. Belle meade plantation nashville 2020 all you need to. Belle meade plantation offers multiple programs and resources for students and families. To win her favor a belle meade plantation novel book 2 kindle edition by alexander, tamera.
Belle meade plantation, nashville ticket price timings. Sep 18, 2019 learn about the history of one of nashvilles most famous plantations, belle meade plantation. Click here to learn more about belle meade plantation event belle meade plantation event. Today belle meade plantation retains 34 acres of its original property and several outbuildings. In 1868, general william hicks jackson married general hardings oldest daughter selene and moved into the belle meade mansion. From the usa today bestselling author of a lasting impression and a beauty so rare comes an exquisite historical novel set against the real history of belle meade plantation in nashville, tn that explores the struggles of real people of the postwar south and the journeys of a man and a woman scarred by betrayal. Belle meade operates independently as a city, complete with its own regulations, a city hall, and police force, but it is also integrated with the nashville government.
To make a student group reservation, please call us at 6153560501 ext. Click here to learn more about carriage house conversation lecture series carriage house conversation lecture series. Native tribes used the woodlands and meadows as a place to hunt wild game. Feb 26, 2016 discover all that belle meade plantation has to offer for group tours. Belle meade plantation is a wonderful experience in so many ways. In a new project, belle meade plantation excavates its. Just thought i would add a little background on why i read this particular book. Located just west of nashville, tennessee, the historic plantation mansions grounds now function as a museum. Mtsus center for historic preservation and belle meade plantation, governed by the nashville chapter of the association for the preservation of tennessee antiquities.
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