Beyond the Big Towns — Hidden Gems in White House, Portland & Castalian Springs, TN

If you've already explored Hendersonville, Gallatin, and Goodlettsville, keep driving. The smaller towns of Sumner County offer some of Middle Tennessee's best-kept secrets: smoky barbecue, rolling farmland, and history you can still walk through.

White House, TN

White House sits right off I-65 about 25 minutes north of Nashville, which makes it an easy stop. For food, Perrys Smokin Pig in White House is a well-reviewed, budget-friendly barbecue joint, and Colorado Grill is a White House American restaurant and bar that works well for a sit-down dinner. After eating, stretch your legs on the city's greenway trails. tripadvisortripadvisor

Portland, TN

Portland is strawberry country. Each May, the town hosts the Middle Tennessee Strawberry Festival, a small-town celebration with a parade, live music, crafts, and plenty of fresh berries. If you're passing through at mealtime, 5 Chefs in Portland serves American fare and ranks among the county's better-reviewed spots. tripadvisor

Castalian Springs, TN

This tiny community east of Gallatin is a history buff's dream.

Wynnewood State Historic Site was built in 1828 as a stagecoach inn and mineral springs resort, and it is considered the largest log structure ever built in Tennessee.

Cragfont State Historic Site is a Federal-style stone mansion completed in the early 1800s for General James Winchester, a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the founders of Memphis.

Bledsoe Creek State Park sits on Old Hickory Lake and offers camping, hiking, and excellent wildlife viewing. Deer and wild turkeys are common, especially in the early morning.

Planning Your Sumner County Road Trip

These towns are close enough to link together in a single loop. Start in White House for barbecue, head east through Portland's farmland, and finish in Castalian Springs for history and a sunset at Bledsoe Creek. It's one of the most relaxing day trips you can take from Nashville.

Final tip: Check historic site hours before you go, as smaller state sites often have seasonal or limited schedules.