Heralded as “The artist colony of the Midwest” since the early 1900s, the quaint village of Nashville lies within southern Indiana’s Brown County. The popular tourist destination teems with 200 unique craft, specialty, and antique shops, plus top-notch music and theatre venues. And, of course, great food!
Chicago to Nashville, IN: 3 Hours 45 Minutes
Bird’s Nest Cafe
Address: 36 Franklin St, Nashville, IN 47448
As the accompanying café to the beloved Robinwood Inn, the Bird’s Nest supplies a woodsy, comfortable atmosphere conducive to unwinding amidst locally produced art, spirits, and food. Always seasonal and small batch, the inventive brunch, lunch, and espresso menus are inspired by life in Brown County, and both vegan and vegetarian options abound. Apothecary-style cocktails come infused with out-of-the-box ingredients like herbs and housemade infusions.
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Big Woods Pizza Co.
Address: 44 N Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448
The second offering from what has become a prolific restaurant group, Big Woods Pizza Co. has been serving up artisan pizza, salads, and overstuffed hoagies alongside Brown County-made craft beer and spirits, since 2011. Set along Nashville’s bustling strip of shops and art galleries, it’s a homey, family friendly spot that’s ideal for refueling or meeting up with friends for beers.
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Heavenly Biscuit
Address: 165 N Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448
Not only are fluffy, homemade biscuits (served as breakfast sandwiches, smothered in gravy, or straight up) a draw, but you’ll find gooey cinnamon or pecan rolls, plus full breakfast and lunch menus and bottomless mugs of coffee. A dog-friendly patio is popular in warm months, while the cozy interior doubles as Hoosier Barn and Table—a family-owned business creating wood products and custom home furnishings from reclaimed barn wood and salvaged materials.
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Artists Colony Inn & Restaurant
Address: 105 N Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448
The restaurant counterpart of this boutique downtown hotel is a 100-seat dining room with beamed ceilings, oriental rugs, and a large stone fireplace. A front porch with Windsor chairs affords diners a scenic vantage-point from which to observe the downtown Nashville bustle. An all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet is available daily, both to guests of the Inn and the public. Lunch and dinner menus showcase entrees, homemade soups, and desserts, and the crowd-favorite sweet potato fries.
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The Nashville House
Address: 15 S Van Buren St, Nashville, IN 47448
Family owned since 1927, this Brown County landmark—which originally served as a hostelry during the Civil War—turns out savory, home-cooked meals alongside antique collectibles and gadgets. Great stone fireplaces adorn the rustic dining room, where fried biscuits accompany hearty, Southern-style entrees. Fresh pies and cookies satisfy post-meal sweet tooths, and the famous apple butter sold at the accompanying country store is a must-try.
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