Belle Meade is known as the "queen of Tennessee plantations" and is undoubtedly Nashville's finest.
Each December the plantation holds a Victorian Christmas celebration.
In the 1800s the 5,400 acre plantation was famous for its thoroughbred horse stud and was home to the first American-bred horse to win the English Derby. Today the plantation stands on 30 acres and is registered as a historically important site. The property includes the grand Greek revival mansion, the huge carriage house and stables, the smoke house, garden house, the creamery and original 1790 log cabin.
In 1807, John Harding, a Virginian, bought 250 acres and a log cabin that had been a trading post. The mansion began construction in the 1820s. In 1853 John Harding's son, William Giles Harding, completed the Greek revival mansion, doubling its size and adding the front porch and columns. The mansion was also used as headquarters to the Confederate army prior to the battle of Nashville.
Belle Meade is a popular tourist attraction at any time of the year, but it is at Christmas time that history really comes alive. In December each year the mansion celebrates Christmas Victorian style and visitors can see how the Harding-Jackson children would have celebrated in the 19th century. The mansion is decorated with period Christmas decorations and the staff is dressed in costumes of that time.
Each year there are fascinating Victorian Christmas events underway at the mansion from Christmas masquerade balls, to Christmas Tea and exhibits.
Belle Meade Plantation is located at 5025 Harding Road, Nashville.
