Maximum Fun on a Tight Budget
Rising prices don’t have to keep you from having fun. Some of the most memorable activities are those that are simple, relaxing and inexpensive.
Trinity Music City USA – Originally built by country superstar Conway Twitty, this complex is now owned by Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). Tour the studios, see a religious film in the Virtual Reality Theater, tour Twitty’s home and browse the gift shop. Open 11 am – 6 pm, Tuesday – Saturday, 1 – 6 pm Sunday, free. 1 Music Village Blvd, Hendersonville, 615-826-9191.
Sumner County Museum – See more than 50,000 artifacts including prehistoric artifacts, antique toys, World War II and military gear, music/entertainment displays, period clothing and a car/truck collection complete with a vintage fire engine. Open April through October, Wednesday – Saturday 9 am – 4:30 pm, Sunday 1 – 4:30 pm, $3 adults, $1 children. 183 West Main, Gallatin, 615-451-3738.
Greenways & Walking Trails – Enjoy natures free beauty while taking a brisk morning or relaxing afternoon walk on one of Sumner County's scenic greenways or walking trails. Contact each city for details: Gallatin, 615-451-5911; Hendersonville, 615-822-3898; White House, 615-672-4350; Portland, 615-325-6776; Goodlettsville, 615-851-2253.
Old Hickory Lake Visitor Center – Learn more about the history, navigational facilities, management programs, and recreational facilities of Old Hickory Lake through interactive displays. Pack a picnic lunch and eat in Rockland Park by the lake. 9 am – 4 pm, Monday – Friday, free. 5 Power Plant Road, Hendersonville, 615-822-4846.
Lock 4 Bike Trail – Bring your bike and try the challenging mountain bike trail, known for XTERRA and triathlon events. Features a 9 mile base course and a kid’s course. Lock 4 Park also has picnic areas, and you can walk along the shores of Old Hickory Lake. Sunrise to sunset daily, free. Lock 4 Road, Gallatin, 615-451-5911.
Bledsoe Fort Historical Park – This beautiful 80-acre park features a self-guided walking tour along a portion of the original Avery Trace, with an Irish stone cottage, 1700’s log cabin and the site of Bledsoe Fort. Take along a picnic lunch to eat under the covered pavilion. Open sunrise to sunset daily, free. Hwy. 25, Castalian Springs, 615-452-5463.
Bledsoe Creek State Park – Enjoy nature on beautiful wooded acreage along the shores of Old Hickory Lake, with 6 miles of hiking trails including 1 mile paved handicapped accessible. Watch for deer or turkey and ask the ranger for birdwatching tips. Bring along some hot dogs to grill for lunch while the kids play on the playground. 7 am to sunset, free day use area. Camping available, overnight fee. 400 Zieglers Fort Road, Gallatin, 615-452-3706.
Monthaven – Another cool way to spend an afternoon or rainy day is by browsing the rotating exhibits of the Hendersonville Arts Council galleries. Open 9 am – 3 pm, Monday – Friday, free. 109 Monthaven Blvd, Hendersonville, 615-822-0789.
Bonus: Sumner County historic sites admissions are only $5 or $6 for adults, with children $3 and $4. Cragfont, Rose Mont, Mansker’s Fort & Bowen House, and Rock Castle offer tours and tell the stories of how our area was settled and the people who lived here in the early 1800’s. Find details and links under Things to Do - Historic Sites.
For more ideas, free concerts, and a list of special events, see the Events Calendar or call 615-230-8474.