Part of the appeal of Nashville is the easygoing country lifestyle associated with the South. Although Nashville itself is a metropolitan city with lots of nightlife focused around the local country and rock music scene, there are places in the outlying areas where visitors can rent cabins and relax in a natural setting while still being within a short drive of all the city's activities.
Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Nashville is the bedroom community of Mt. Juliet. In this small town is Rockhaven Cabins and Cottage Rentals, a quiet and relaxing alternative to the city's hotels. The company offers one cabin and two cottages for rent.
The Rockhaven cabin is known as "Uncle Pete's Cabin." The Civil War era cabin has been updated with all of the comforts of home and then some. Guests will enjoy a gas log fireplace, wireless Internet access, a fully equipped large kitchen and plenty of peace and quiet.
The bedroom has a queen bed and a large-screen television with cable and a DVD player. The room also features a two-person jacuzzi and a separate shower. Relax and sit in one of the rockers on the front porch or grill out on the gas grill out back.
Rockhaven Cabin and Cottage Rental
147 Mires Road
Mt. Juliet, TN 37122
615-449-5227
rockhavencabinrentals.com
Made from 150-year-old logs, the End O' the Bend Cabin in Nashville is among Music City's most unique accommodations. This cabin is large enough for a family to call home during a vacation and is just one mile from the Opryland resort area, the Grand Ole Opry and The Mills shopping complex.
The cabin is located on the banks of the Cumberland River, where guests can see the General Jackson showboat cruise by on its way to and from downtown Nashville from a large screened-in back porch complete with swings. The interior of the cabin is a combination of rustic charm and modern convenience. The large kitchen has all the modern equipment needed to prepare a meal amid country French decoration and antiques.
The cabin has two bedrooms and two full bathrooms, a fireplace and all the furnishing to make you feel right at home.
End O' the Bend Lodge & Landing
2523 Miami Ave.
Nashville, TN 37214
615-883-0997
bbonline.com
Beyond the buzz of activity on Nashville's West End around Vanderbilt University is Highway 100, which extends into the countryside west of the city. Take the long, winding country road out of town on this road for about an hour, and it will lead to Spring House Inn on 17 private acres beside a spring-fed stream and freshwater ponds. Those looking to remain close enough to Nashville to see the sights but far enough away to completely escape the metro area should like this option.
These small cottages are part of a bed and breakfast that is unique in that breakfast is any time you wish and the meal is delivered to your door. Fishing, canoeing and hiking in the woods and hills around the property are nice activities for nature lovers, and within minutes of the property is the Loretta Lynn Ranch, where country music history can be explored without journeying into the city.
Spring House Inn
6815 Highway 100
Pleasantville, TN 37147
931-729-0087
