Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage
If you’re a history buff and happen to be visiting Nashville, Tennessee, you must visit Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage. This isn’t just a visit for history buffs, though. The Hermitage also offers ghost tours and wine tastings! Bet you didn’t see that coming!
First, schedule a tour. There are different tiers of passes available, ranging from full access with an exclusive tour guided by the President of the Andrew Jackson Fo
undation to a pass good for just the Hermitage grounds. The grounds tour is included in the general admission tour (known as the General’s Tour) and the elite tier tour known as the Commander in Chief Tour (guided by the President of the foundation).
The most common tour is the General’s Tour, which gives guests access to the grounds, the Hermitage Mansion and the farmland that was formerly The Hermitage. The mansion portion of the tour is led by an interpreter. This package also includes a self-guided audio tour of the gardens, as well as the grounds and the historic buildings that are located on the property. The farmland tour is self-guided. Wine lovers can rejoice as this admission also gives you a tasting of three wines at the tasting room located onsite. Naturally, this is only available for those who are 21 or older.
Speaking of wine, be sure to visit the Natchez Hills Winery at The Hermitage. Here you can taste delicious local wines, all while learning about the 7th President’s tie to the industry and beverage. The tasting room offers both indoor and outdoor seating for those who wish to stay a while. But also offers select beverages to go for those who wish to tour the grounds with a refreshing drink in hand.
When you’re finished with your drinks, be sure to check out the exhibits currently on display at the museum. Centered, of course, on the life and story of Andrew Jackson, take a step back in time to learn how he became known as “The People’s President.” From an orphan to the Commander in Chief, you may be surprised just how much you’ll learn about this man through the interactive displays and larger than life visuals in the exhibits. You can view archaeological artifacts found at the First Hermitage site, as well as those from his later dwelling at his brick mansion.
Looking for something a little bit darker or spookier? Try one of the ghost tours! Fall evenings are the perfect time to explore the mansion and grounds by the dim light of a lantern. These guided tours will cover the ghosts of the Battle of New Orleans and take guests down to the cemetery where Jackson and his wife are buried. You never know, he may just show up, too.
There is enough to see and do at the Hermitage to make this an all-day affair, so you might as well stay for lunch! Visitors can grab a southern lunch at the Kitchen Cabinet Cafe, the on-site restaurant. You can sit down and dine-in, or order a boxed lunch if you’re visiting with a group. The restaurant is open from 9 AM to 4 PM daily. There is also a traveling food cart that roams the grounds, delivering drinks and snacks to guests. Looking to pack your own picnic? No problem! Picnic tables are located in the outer courtyard near the Andrew Jackson Visitor Center.