Northeast Nashville - Goodlettsville, TN Area Guide

In 1778, explorers Thomas Spencer and Kasper Mansker braved the wilds of a then-unsettled Tennessee. They discovered a picturesque stretch of land, which promised easy hunting and bountiful harvests. This area eventually became Northeast Nashville.

Though it stands as one of America’s earliest settlements, little of Northeast Nashville’s pioneer origins remain. A cultural shift occurred during the late 19th century, ushering in park systems, public buildings, and colonial revival architecture.

The past comes to life at Amqui Station, a train depot built in 1910 that now serves as a museum and visitor center. Be sure to tour the Spring Hill Cemetery as well. This site ranks among the oldest in Tennessee and serves as the final resting place for many legendary performers including Kitty Wells and Roy Acuff.

Though the city does not host any festivals, the annual Evening at Amqui fundraiser features keynote speakers, art exhibits and live music.

Indulge in Northeast Nashville's dynamic dining scene, with ample international treats and Southern-style delicacies available. Visit China Cottage, a gem that's hidden in plain sight at an average strip mall on Gallatin Pike. The menu blends traditional staples - such as spring rolls, steamed dumplings and egg drop soup - with seasonal specials. Savor the pan fried flounder, zesty orange chicken or boldly spiced pepper steak. Have a glass of water ready to combat the explosive flavor

Satisfy every Italian craving at Smeraldo’s. This restaurant has been a local favorite since 1983, relying on a simple but delectable menu. Here, diners discover homemade pastas, hand-stuffed sausages and expertly seasoned cheeses. Don’t expect Venetian decor, though. Smeraldo’s embraces its 80s origins, offering a collection of shag carpet, paneled walls and rock music. This injects fun into every bite of baked meatballs and ricotta cheesecake. Families gather here for good times and great food.

Cal’s Country Kitchen waits just beyond the Madison-Rivergate strip. Surrounded by industrial parks and brick-faced houses, this café seems an unlikely choice for travelers. Step inside, though, to discover tasty down-home cooking. Choose from a rotating selection of juicy fried chicken, fresh collard greens and catfish nuggets. Don’t forget to save room for dessert Cal’s has the area’s best banana pudding.

These restaurants - as well as nearby franchise options, such as Bar-B-Cutie and Logan’s Steakhouse - promise diverse dining along the Gallatin Pike. After indulging in a local meal, travelers can then seek out nighttime thrills. Though not as dynamic as Nashville proper, this area still provides a worthy collection of entertainment venues.

Enter one of the many tournaments at JOB Billiards Club, a hangout spot for casual and avid pool fans alike. Larry’s Grand Ole Garage has nightly bluegrass jams, where guests are encouraged to step onto the stage and sing. The Clubhouse Sports Bar serves as an after-work watering hole, with locals snagging their favorite booths to eat finger foods and watch halftime highlights.

Traveling proves easy in Northeast Nashville. Major highways - including State Route 45, State Route 155 and Interstate 65 - intersect within Northeast Nashville. The famed Old Hickory Boulevard, which circles all of Nashville, is also easily accessible from this neighborhood.

Northeast Nashville has many public transportation options. The Metropolitan Transit Authority services the area with multiple BRT stops. Music City Cab serves as the main taxi supplier, and Uber provides services in nearby Nashville. Avoid this ride-share program while traveling in town, though, as taxis ensure faster hails and simpler scheduling.

Find free public parking at the Rivergate Mall, a popular connection point for the BRT. Northeast Nashville also has an extensive collection of sidewalks, bike paths and park trails available. Due to generally low traffic and a steady climate, locals find them useful throughout the year.

Greenways shape the Northeast Nashville area, with parks lining its southern and eastern corners. Cedar Hill, on Old Hickory Boulevard, features a network of picnic pavilions, walking paths, playgrounds and sports courts. Expect an all-inclusive atmosphere from this massive park, with wheelchair accessible areas and dog-friendly trails. The annual Cedar Hill Criterium event brings in plenty of visitors. This 1.9 mile race draws crowds from across the country, with its timed runs challenging even the most seasoned cyclists.

Peeler Park lies nestled along the Cumberland River. This 600 acre sprawl offers a series of multi-use tracks, allowing visitors to jog, skate, or ride horses. Its spectacular setting proves perfect for families and exercise enthusiasts alike.

Cedar Hill and Peeler Park share the same hours - open daily, from dawn until dusk - and have no entry fee.

The cost of living in Northeast Nashville hovers between average to slightly below average, with nationally comparable health, housing and transportation prices.

BRT lines have single-ride fares for $1.75, though express service costs an extra 50 cents. Rent for a one-bedroom apartment averages $669, and a domestic beer at a local pub averages only $2. Gas prices dip below both the state and national averages by approximately 3 percentage points.

Northeast Nashville provides endless shopping opportunities, many centered along the Gallatin Pike. Travel there for access to chain stores and specialty boutiques alike. Anchored by department stores and beauty boutiques, RiverGate Mall serves as the area’s premier shopping venue, providing residents with some high-end shopping opportunities. It sits on the edge of Northeast Nashville, easily accessible by car or cab.

Shoppers can step inside the Robinson Flea Market to discover an eclectic mix of antiques and retro decor. The selection changes on a regular basis, with over 90 vendors tempting consumers with their unique wares. Heavy crowds arrive during the afternoon, so plan an early visit to beat the rush. Prices vary from booth to booth.

Book lovers can spend hours browsing the Book Attic in downtown Northeast Nashville for firsthand thrills and second-hand stories. Stuffed with paperbacks, hardbacks and audio books, this shop specializes in classic literature, with many out-of-print editions hidden inside on shelves.

Shoppers may also consider also planning a trip to downtown Nashville. High-end boutiques - such as Louis Vuitton, Kate Spade and Jimmy Choo - await at its Mall at Green Hills, and the Gulch district delights with vintage shops and cafés.

Ample grocery options exist in Northeast Nashville. Central Co-op promotes organic ingredients and local sourcing, and El Paraiso Supermercado y Carniceria provides international options. Visit Amqui Station's farmers markets throughout the year, featuring apiarists, bakers, grill masters, and more.