This Small Indiana Town Has The Best Downtown
A historic art colony in the rolling hills of south-central Indiana, Nashville is a quirky small town with its own distinct style. The downtown core of this eclectic community is lined with artisan boutiques, family-owned eateries, wineries, and galleries, creating a pleasant place to explore. Visitors can browse local crafts, sample regional food, enjoy small-scale entertainment, and experience the relaxed, creative culture that has shaped Nashville for generations.
History and Culture
Founded in 1836, Nashville was initially named Jacksonburg but was renamed just a year later, taking inspiration from the well-known music city in Tennessee. Indiana’s Nashville developed its own creative roots early on. Soon after its founding, the town became known as the headquarters of the Brown County Art Colony. This group of American Impressionists was drawn to the pastoral landscapes around Nashville in the early 1900s.
That free, creative spirit is still evident in Nashville’s lively and walkable downtown. The district is clustered around the main thoroughfare of Van Buren Street, which runs north and south. Visitors can take a wander, chat with locals, have a bite, or browse the shops. Nashville has a little something for every traveller.
Things to Do Downtown
Start your day in Nashville with a hearty snack at the Bird’s Nest Cafe. The cafe serves brunch, lunch, and dinner specials made with seasonal ingredients and artistic flair, and this funky yet cozy spot reflects the owners’ philosophy, “life is art." After fuelling up, explore the shops. The Brown County Craft Gallery is a cooperative gallery that showcases the work of over 30 local artists, and the large collection includes woodworks, metalwork, stained glass, jewellery, pottery, and paintings. A block north is Wood Fairy Apothecary, a bodycare boutique that sells handcrafted lotions, balms, scrubs, and salves made with all-natural essential oils.
Continue north, passing the Brown County Courthouse, which was built in the mid-1800s and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Soon you will reach the Carmel Corn Cottage, a favorite for sweet-toothed locals and visitors. This small candy store specialises in sweet and savoury popcorns, as well as caramel apples and other confections.
Wine and Shows
Visitors can also take a taste of Nashville home by picking up a bottle from the Country Heritage Winery. The winery’s 100-acre vineyard is the largest in Indiana and produces 7 varietals of grapes that have been transformed into award-winning wines. At the winery’s tasting room downtown, you can sample wine flights, try a wine slushie, and enjoy a wine cocktail. Live music is often available on Friday and Saturday evenings. Entertainment continues at the historic Brown County Playhouse. This performing arts center has served the local community since 1949 and still supports local, regional, and national artists through a varied line-up of concerts, plays, musicals, and comedy shows.
If you are visiting Nashville on a warm summer day or a brisk fall afternoon, the Salt Creek Trail is worth exploring. Accessible from downtown, the trail begins where Nashville’s main corridor, Van Buren Street, passes over North Fork Salt Creek. This 0.75-mile walkway, which is open from dawn to dusk, was the first paved trail in Brown County and is suitable for hikers and bikers. It covers flat terrain, travels under a bridge decorated with colorful murals, and provides pleasant creekside views.
Where to Stay in Downtown Nashville
There is so much to do in Nashville that many travellers choose an overnight stay. Several lodging options downtown suit different budgets and tastes. The Artists Colony Inn is a comfortable hotel in the heart of Nashville, offering a variety of room types, including a spacious artists' suite. The Inn also has a restaurant serving made-from-scratch classic American dishes.
Another option is the Cornerstone Inn, located just off the main corridor. Each of the guest rooms in the hotel’s main building is named for a local historic figure and has its own touches, such as four-poster beds and Victorian-style furnishings. The three-acre property downtown also offers cottage suites and an entire guest house for large groups or those who want privacy. Travellers seeking more of a resort stay can try the Brown County Inn. Located at the south end of town near the creek, the property has 90 rooms, a restaurant, a nightclub, and an indoor pool. It is a short walk to downtown, and a shuttle to the shops is provided.
An Artsy Adventure in Nashville
If you are planning an Indiana road trip, looking for somewhere to take the family for the day, or planning a couples’ weekend away, Nashville is worth considering. This inviting destination has one of the strongest downtowns in the state, full of personality and things to do. Go souvenir shopping, sample local wines, browse Brown County art, satisfy your sweet tooth, or enjoy a creekside wander. This is a perfect town for memory-making.
