Tennessee has a unique culture and identity all its own. We are distinctly Southern state, from our food to our music -- but some places have a little bit more global flair. Take Germantown in Nashville, Tennessee, for instance -- you might not guess that Europeans built this town, but if you look close enough you can see the echos of the Old Country that made this neighborhood what it is today.
Germantown is a neighborhood in Nashville and has become one of the most popular and highly sought-after destinations within the city.
Built and settled by German immigrants in the 1850s, what you will find in the city today is far from German -- but among the cultural diversity you can see echoes of those who built this neighborhood.
Plenty of buildings have been put on the National Register of Historic Places, and if you look closely enough, you can see European touches.
Several of the brick buildings look like they have been plucked right from Germany and placed in Nashville. You can take a tour of these buildings and see the distinct architectural beauty among all of the more modern and decidedly “Nashville” buildings.
When you are looking for a place to stay, there's no better place than the Germantown Inn.
This small boutique hotel is the perfect place to rest your head within the city. Right in the heart of the oldest section of Nashville, you can enjoy the historic charm found inside and out. You could describe this place as "modern yet historic," "charming yet trendy" -- mixing these styles makes for one unique stay.
You would expect a place called Germantown to have lots of German pub fare like bratwurst or schnitzel, but a lot has changed in the last 150 years.
However, just a block away from the neighborhood you are in luck if what you crave is some good old German cuisines. Von Elrod’s takes the classic staples found across the world and adds a Southern twist to every meal. When the owner took a trip to Munich to partake in a real authentic Octoberfest he was hooked and ready to bring that experience back to the states. So indulge in some Von Eldrod’s classic bratwurst or the spicey but oh so nice Jalapeno Cheddarwurst.
If you are fascinated with local history, just down the road you can enter the Tennessee State Museum. This is a massive museum that takes visitors on a journey through time and it's a must-visit for all Tennesseans!
When you want the most authentic German experience, then say “Guten Morgen!” (good morning) to a day spent at the Nashville Octoberfest.
Held every year right in Germantown, it's truly a Tennessee festival unlike any other. With a pup parade, live music, and (of course) mountains of authentic German cuisine, this is probably the best way to experience this little hidden neighborhood in Nashville.
We say that Germantown Nashville, Tennesse, is hidden because, among the modern touches, you might simply miss the historical significance of the German heritage. So now you know where to look get on out there and enjoy the experience.
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