Adventure Awaits in Robertson County, TN
This gem north of Nashville draws residents and visitors with wide open spaces and historic small towns to explore.
Located just north of Nashville, Robertson County offers open spaces, agricultural landscapes, historic small towns and the charms of 11 distinct communities, each with its own unique identity and experiences.
From year-round farm stands offering their bounty, a calendar full of festivals or superb antiquing in charming historic towns, Robertson County appeals to residents and visitors alike.
“We have more cities than any other county in Tennessee – 11 – so that makes us unique,” says Jordan Osborne, president of the Robertson County Chamber of Commerce.
“Whatever kind of community you’re looking for, whether it’s rural or suburban, if you’re looking for city life, we’ve got that. If you want a large farm or a mini-farm, we have the option for that, too. That diversity is really an asset for Robertson County.”
In This Article
Agritourism Produces Results
Agritourism is blossoming in Robertson County, whether it’s picking apples, navigating a corn maze or picking out that Halloween pumpkin.
“Agriculture really is what built our community,” Osborne says. “We’re very happy that celebrating our agricultural history is something people do on a regular basis now.”
And it’s easy to do in Robertson County, where a bumper crop of attractions await.
Shade Tree Farm and Orchard in Adams, TN, a former tobacco farm converted to an organic operation, raises cattle, apples, peaches, pears and blueberries. (Insider tip: They’re famous for their fresh-pressed cider.)
Honeysuckle Hill Farm, a 90-acre farm in Coopertown that has a pumpkin patch and a country music-themed corn maze, sees about 70,000 visitors over a six-week period in the fall.
Hancock Family Farm in Springfield, which has been run for more than a century by the Hancock family, grows everything from okra to blackberries.
A popular destination is the Hancock Farm Market, which sells fresh produce and other staples, such as eggs, cheese and homemade canned goods like pickles and jams.
Festivals Bring Experience to Life
Festivals are another area draw – one in particular is Experience Robertson County, which is held each year on the second Saturday in September.
All 11 communities in the county host visitors for a special experience and to learn about the town’s history.
“We want everyone to know what a great place this is to live, work and play,” Osborne says. “The best way to do that is for people to experience it at our signature festival, where they can visit each city and learn something unique about each one.”
Participants get a passport and a stamp for each city they visit, while taking part in an activity like painting a tile for a public art project.
Attractions Scare Up Some Fun
One of Robertson County’s signature attractions is Bell Witch Cave, named for a spirit that has haunted the Bell family since the early 19th century.
A tale that’s become woven into Tennessee’s folklore, the story goes that an evil spirit began haunting the Bell family, resulting in patriarch John Bell’s death and the breakup of daughter Betsy’s engagement.
The legend became so widespread that it caught the attention of President Andrew Jackson and inspired plays, books and movies over the past two centuries.
The property is privately owned and conducts tours of the cave and allegedly haunted surrounding land, but for those who want an activity beyond the paranormal, visitors can bring a picnic and go canoeing or tubing on-site.
Unique Retreats Invite Relaxation
Robertson County also offers no shortage of unique places to stay on a weekend retreat, such as Kelly’s Jubilee and Paradise Ranch & Retreat, two boutique properties with distinctive amenities.
Kelly’s Jubilee specializes in unusual accommodations, including those shaped like an ark, a country general store, cabins, and various treehouse-styles of lodging.
Paradise Ranch & Retreat, a favorite of country music stars Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, is an upscale place to get away from it all while enjoying recreation like horseback riding.
“We’re so close to Nashville, which is one of the fastest-growing cities across the country,” Osborne says. “When people need a break from the hustle and bustle, and they’re trying to slow down just a little bit, they come here to Robertson County.”
Livability: Experience Robertson County, TN
This digital edition of the Livability: Experience Robertson County, TN is sponsored by South Haven Baptist Church.
