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Belle Meade Historic Site & WineryvsNashville Zoo
Both are rated very highly by professional travelers. On balance, Belle Meade Plantation is the choice of most writers compared to Nashville Zoo. Belle Meade Plantation has a TripExpert Score of 84 with approval from 7 reviewers such as Michelin Guide, Afar Magazine and Where.
Belle Meade Historic Site & Winery
Concierge
Frommer's
Lonely Planet
Fodor's
Afar Magazine
Michelin Guide
Where
U.S. News & World Report Fodor's
5025 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205
From $0/night
Concierge "Horses were the name of the game at this former thoroughbred nursery... today, even though there are no horses to be found, the plantation is a popular draw for history buffs."
i
The 45-minute tour of the main house, led by guides in 19th-century garb, is a must
Frommer's "The Greek Revival mansion is the centerpiece of the affluent Belle Meade region of Nashville and is surrounded by 30 acres of manicured lawns and shade trees." Full review
Lonely Planet "The 1853 mansion is open to visitors, as are various interesting outbuildings, including a model slave cabin, and wine tasting." Full review
Fodor's "Known as the "queen of the Tennessee plantations," this stunning Greek Revival house is marked by the Civil War bullet holes that riddle its columns." Full review
Afar Magazine "The mansion also has a winery on site and hosts tastings daily." Full review
Michelin Guide 1 Star
"Most antebellum plantation homes display portraits of family members in gilded frames, but at Belle Meade... the portraits are of Thoroughbred racehorses." Full review
Where "Built in 1807, this plantation provides a unique perspective on Southern history." Full review
U.S. News & World Report3.0
"At the center of the plantation is the mansion, where guides dressed in period costumes offer tours of the mansion's antebellum-style interior...Belle Meade Plantation hosts numerous events" Full review
Fodor's "Today, this historic mansion is a museum at the center of 30 acres of smooth green pastures...the property includes a winery and more than 10 outbuildings. " Full review
i
General tours are available, or you can take a themed tour like the Journey to Jubilee, which tells the stories of the people who were enslaved at Belle Meade Plantation.
Nashville Zoo Fodor's Frommer's Lonely Planet Where U.S. News & World Report Fodor's
Travel + Leisure
3777 Nolensville Road, Nashville, TN 37211
From $0/night
Fodor's "Animal lovers shouldn't miss this wildlife park, which simulates the natural habitat of birds, elephants, and the usual zoo inhabitants."
Frommer's "This 80-acre zoo just south of downtown has it all, from giraffes, elephants, and alligators to meerkats, rainbow-colored lorikeets, and African wild hogs." Full review
Lonely Planet "Meerkats. Cougars. Flamingos. Giraffes. Crowd-pleasers all. But we're partial to the kangaroos chilling out on the Kangaroo Kickabout, where you can reach out and pet Australia's favorite marsupial." Full review
Where "Ostriches, elephants and zebras, oh my! The Nashville Zoo is home to more than 300 animals ranging from the Mexican Redknee Tarantula to the Clouded Leopard and Masai Giraffe." Full review
U.S. News & World Report14.0
"The zoo boasts 375 different animal species and more than 2,600 different animals...there are a number of hands-on exhibits that are popular among kids, including the Critter Encounters" Full review
Fodor's "This 188-acre farm-turned-zoo is home to more than 2,764 animals, with more joining the herd every year. For older children and adults, a tour of the historic Grassmere house and farm is a highlight." Full review
Travel + Leisure "Nearly 3,000 animals representing about 350 species reside at the zoo, including amphibians, birds, mammals, reptiles, and fish"
Nashville Travel Guide
February 26, 2021
