Belle Meade Plantation

Belle Meade Plantation Review

Known as the "queen of the Tennessee plantations," this stunning Greek Revival house is recognizable by the Civil War bullet holes that riddle its columns. Guides in period costumes lead you through the mansion, which is furnished antebellum style. The mansion is the centerpiece of a 5,300-acre estate that was one of the nation's first and finest thoroughbred breeding farms. It's also the site of the famous Iroquois Steeplechase, the oldest amateur steeplechase in America, a society event now run each May in nearby Percy Warner Park. A Victorian carriage museum with an impressive collection continues the equine theme. A two-story visitor center is modeled after a traditional Southern paddock. The last tour of the day starts at 4 PM. The excellent restaurant here is called Martha's at the Plantation. Belle Meade Plantation celebrated its bicentennial in 2007. Seasonal events are held in summer and fall.