This Is Indiana's Quirkiest Little Town
Mention that you are going to visit Nashville, and most people will probably assume you are heading to Tennessee. But what if there were a town just as eccentric, with the same name, right in the heart of Indiana? Home to just over 1,200 residents, this small town holds its own against some of the region’s larger travel destinations. Once the center of a historic art colony that attracted famous impressionist painters, it now also hosts unexpected events like a snake festival and a whiskey run. Think you have seen all that Indiana has to offer? Be prepared to be surprised by the eccentric town of Nashville.
Art Scene
In the early 20th century, Nashville began attracting artists to the area, one of the most notable being impressionist painter T. C. Steele. These artists formed the Brown County Art Colony, which continues today as the Brown County Art Guild, and have had a lasting impact on the town’s artistic identity. Travelers interested in learning more about iconic painter T.C. Steele can start their trip in Nashville at the T.C. Steele State Historic Site, which is located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Nashville. The 211-acre site includes Steele’s home, studio, historic gardens, five hiking trails, a log cabin, and a 92-acre nature preserve. Visitors can sign up for a guided tour of the home, which still contains its original furnishings, and the studio, where rotating exhibits showcase Steele’s artwork.
After a visit to T.C. Steele’s home, travelers can continue their exploration of Nashville’s art scene at the Brown County Art Guild. Established in 1954 by artists from Nashville’s art colony, this living gallery curates some of the region’s finest art, featuring both historical and contemporary works. The guild has both a permanent and rotating gallery, with artists in the permanent collection including Varaldo J. Cariani, J. Marie Goth, Carl Christopher Graf, and Genevieve Goth Graf. On the Brown County Art Guild’s website, you can check out some of the current exhibitions as well. Until July 13th, for example, the gallery is hosting an Artist View Special Exhibition & Sale, offering a chance to explore the artwork and perspectives of several guild members.
Festivals
For its size, Nashville has an impressive calendar of festivals and events each year. One of the most notable is the Indiana Wine Fair, which takes place annually at the Story Inn Bed and Breakfast. Thirty of the best wineries from across the state come to Nashville for this festival, offering one-ounce tastings and selling wine by the bottle and glass. Food trucks, local farms, and vendors are present, promoting the area’s local businesses as well.
If you are a fan of snakes and reptiles, you should plan a visit to Nashville in July, during the annual Snakefest. This event, which will take place on July 12th this year, celebrates all things snakes, with a day full of reptile displays, hourly presentations, photo ops, and reptile petting, letting you learn about these scaly and slithering creatures up close. Maybe snakes are not your thing, but how about whiskey? A week later, on July 19th, one of Nashville’s local distilleries, Hard Truth Distillery Co., will host the Whiskey Chaser Trail Running Festival. This event features a day of 5K, 10K, and 20K races through the distillery’s 325 acres of native forest, with the top runners receiving prizes. After the race, attendees will return to the distillery’s terrace for a refreshing drink, food, and live music to celebrate.
Brown County State Park
Affectionately referred to as the “Little Smokies,” Brown County boasts a surprising resemblance to the Great Smoky Mountains, featuring nearly 16,000 acres of ravines, ridges, and rugged hills. Brown County State Park, the largest in Indiana, is one of the best representations of the area’s natural beauty. Throughout the park, travelers can explore nearly 20 miles of tree-lined roads, vast stretches of wild forest, and numerous scenic overlooks. The park is also home to some of the state’s endangered species, such as the Yellowwood Tree, which can be viewed on Trail 5, and the timber rattlesnake. Those wanting to spend the night in the park have several options as well, including campsites and lodges.
Antique Hunting
If you enjoy a good antique hunt, Nashville has plenty of shops to satisfy your search. The Brown County Antique Mall is one of the town’s most beloved antique stores, established in 1972 and family-owned since 1995. Here, you will find over 10,000 square feet of antiques, sold by more than 70 dealers. A few of the items you might find include jewelry, pottery, art, china, furniture, and glass. Michael’s Flowers is another shop worth checking out, selling an interesting blend of antiques and plants. As you stroll through the store, you will likely see ferns, cut flowers, fresh plants, fountains, antique furniture, pottery, quilts, and more.
Final Thoughts
Nashville is one of those destinations that surprises visitors time and time again. Not only does it have an impressive art scene, but it also has a robust event calendar and an exciting antiquing scene. If you stop in during May or July, you may be able to attend one of the town’s quirky festivals as well. During your visit, you will likely come across some quirky landmarks of your own, making you see the Hoosier State in a whole new light.
