Discover Old Hickory
Located about 15 miles northeast of downtown Nashville, Old Hickory is a hidden gem that offers a laid-back, lakeside lifestyle with a heavy dose of history. Nestled along the banks of the Cumberland River and Old Hickory Lake, the area was originally built as a company town by the DuPont corporation in the early 1900s to house workers for its massive gunpowder and rayon plants. Today, the historic "Old Hickory Village" remains the soul of the community, featuring charming, tree-lined streets and unique architecture that tells the story of its industrious past.
Unlike some of Nashville’s more manicured and rapidly developing suburbs, Old Hickory retains an unpretentious, quirky, and deeply authentic character. It’s a place where the pace slows down, neighbors know each other by name, and the focus shifts toward the water. With the lake on one side and the river on the other, the community is a haven for boaters, anglers, and nature lovers. As Nashville grows, Old Hickory has become a highly sought-after escape for those looking for affordable lake access and a tight-knit, village feel without leaving the county.
THINGS TO DO
Hit the Sandbar: In the summer, the Old Hickory Lake sandbar is the place to be. Boaters anchor, wade in the shallow water, and float the day away in a massive, friendly party cove.
Walk the Historic Village: Take a stroll through the Old Hickory Village Historic District to admire the early 20th-century homes, cottage-style bungalows, and unique brick duplexes that date back to the DuPont era.
Fish or Walk the Lock Dam: The Old Hickory Lock and Dam is a popular spot for casting a line, watching boats pass through the locks, or simply walking the paved trails for a scenic view of the river.
Play at Old Hickory Golf Course: Enjoy a round at this 18-hole, tree-lined course that provides a quiet, affordable, and challenging round of golf right in the neighborhood.
LIFESTYLE HIGHLIGHTS
Affordable Lake Life: Old Hickory offers some of the most accessible waterfront and lake-adjacent living in the greater Nashville area, making boating and water recreation a daily reality rather than a luxury.
Small-Town Village Charm: The DuPont village history created a community with an incredibly strong bond. It has a nostalgic, "Mayberry-by-the-lake" feel that is rare to find so close to a major city.
Authentic & Unpretentious: Without the flashy high-rises or trendy boutiques, Old Hickory is grounded and real, appealing to those who prefer a cold beer on a dock over a cocktail at a rooftop bar.
DINING & LOCAL FAVORITES
Fish Tale Grill: A lakeside favorite located right at the marina. It’s the perfect spot to dock your boat, grab a cold drink, and enjoy casual waterfront dining with a great burger.
Mama's Pizza & Pasta: A long-standing, no-frills local staple that serves up hearty, comforting pizzas and Italian dishes that the community has loved for years.
El Fuego Mexican Restaurant: A vibrant, locally-owned spot serving generous portions of Tex-Mex favorites and fantastic margaritas right in the heart of the neighborhood.
COFFEE SHOPS
(Because Old Hickory is a quieter residential pocket, residents pop just over the border to neighboring Hermitage/Donelson for their coffee runs!)
Steadfast Coffee: Just a few minutes away in Donelson, this is the go-to for high-quality, specialty lattes and pour-overs in a trendy, beautiful space.
Sam & Zoe’s Coffee House: Located in nearby Hermitage, this cozy, welcoming shop is perfect for a morning pastry and a great cup of drip coffee.
Sips Cafe: A fantastic local drive-thru and sit-down spot right on the border in Hermitage, known for fast, friendly service and creative flavored lattes.
Theresa Mayer is a licensed Realtor with eXp Realty in the state of Tennessee and an authority on Middle Tennessee area real estate.
My love for the community I live and work in are why I do what I do.
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(425) 458-8384
888-519-5113 x:1083
All Rights Reserved By Theresa Mayer, Realtor
