Overview
Hermitage is a suburban community on the eastern edge of Nashville–Davidson County, sitting roughly 12 miles from downtown Nashville along the Cumberland River corridor. With a population of around 38,000, it functions as a residential neighborhood within the consolidated city-county government rather than an independent municipality, but it retains a distinct identity and zip code.
The community's most significant draw is The Hermitage, the historic plantation home and estate of the seventh U.S. president, Andrew Jackson. The site is one of the best-preserved early 19th-century presidential homes in the country and anchors Hermitage's identity for visitors. Beyond that landmark, the area offers parks, river access, and easy proximity to Nashville's broader attractions.
Hermitage is a practical base for travelers who prefer a quieter, less congested environment than central Nashville while still being close to the city's music, food, and cultural offerings. It is served by Nashville's public transit system and is straightforward to reach by car.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Hermitage is located in the United States. Entry requirements vary significantly by nationality. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for current requirements applicable to your citizenship.
Climate
Hermitage experiences a humid subtropical climate. Summers (June–August) are hot and humid, with temperatures regularly in the upper 80s to low 90s°F (around 30–35°C). Winters are mild but can bring occasional ice storms or light snow. Spring and fall are the most comfortable seasons for walking outdoor sites like The Hermitage estate grounds.
What to Pack
- Comfortable walking shoes — the Hermitage estate grounds cover several acres
- Layers in spring and fall; sun protection in summer
- Rain gear year-round, as Nashville-area rainfall is fairly distributed across seasons
Practical Notes
- Hermitage does not have a concentrated tourist district; plan transportation in advance
- Most visitor services are car-oriented; verify public transit options if you are not renting a vehicle
Getting There
By Air
Nashville International Airport (BNA) is the nearest major airport, located approximately 8–10 miles west of Hermitage. It is served by most major U.S. carriers and several international routes. Rideshare services, taxis, and rental cars are available at the airport. Verify current ground transportation options on the airport's official website.
By Car
Hermitage is easily reached via Interstate 40, which runs through the area. From downtown Nashville, the drive is typically 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. A car is the most practical way to get around once you arrive.
By Public Transit
WeGo Public Transit operates bus routes connecting Hermitage to downtown Nashville. The Music City Star commuter rail line has historically served the area; verify current service status and schedules at wegotransit.com before your visit, as schedules and routes can change.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle or rideshare app (Uber and Lyft both operate in the Nashville metro area) is the most practical way to get around Hermitage. Distances between points of interest are spread out, and the area is not walkable in the way a city center would be.
The WeGo bus network provides connections to Nashville proper, which is useful if you plan to combine a Hermitage day trip with time in downtown Nashville or other Nashville neighborhoods. Verify specific routes and frequencies directly with WeGo, as service patterns can change.
Bicycling infrastructure is limited in parts of the area, though the broader Nashville greenway network does extend into parts of eastern Davidson County. Check Metro Nashville's parks and greenways maps for current trail connectivity.
Things to See & Do
The Hermitage — Andrew Jackson's Home
The primary visitor attraction is The Hermitage, the 1,000-acre estate where President Andrew Jackson lived from 1804 until his death in 1845. The site includes the Federal-style mansion (rebuilt after an 1834 fire), Jackson's tomb, historic slave quarters, a visitor center with museum exhibits, and working gardens. It is one of the most intact presidential historic sites in the United States. Admission fees and opening hours should be verified at thehermitage.com before your visit.
Long Hunter State Park
Located just southeast of Hermitage near the Percy Priest Lake reservoir, Long Hunter State Park offers hiking trails, wildlife watching, fishing, and lake swimming at designated areas. It is a good option for a half-day of outdoor activity. Hours and amenity details are available through the Tennessee State Parks website.
J. Percy Priest Lake
This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reservoir southeast of Hermitage provides boating, fishing, kayaking, and shoreline recreation. Multiple access points and marinas operate around the lake; verify current facilities and launch fees locally or on the Corps of Engineers' website.
General Nashville Day Trips
Hermitage's location makes it a straightforward launching point for Nashville's broader attractions — the Country Music Hall of Fame, Ryman Auditorium, Cheekwood Estate and Gardens, and the Parthenon in Centennial Park are all within a short drive.
Food & Drink
Hermitage's dining scene is primarily made up of chain restaurants and locally owned casual spots along the main commercial corridors, particularly around Old Hickory Boulevard and Andrew Jackson Parkway. Expect American comfort food, barbecue, and the full range of national fast-food and casual-dining chains common to suburban Nashville.
For a wider variety of dining — including Nashville's well-known hot chicken restaurants, international cuisine, and fine dining — plan an evening in downtown Nashville or the East Nashville neighborhood, both accessible within 15–25 minutes by car.
The Hermitage itself does not have a full-service restaurant on-site; check their visitor center offerings for any café or light refreshment options before visiting. Bringing snacks and water for a long visit to the estate grounds is a practical idea.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for police, fire, and medical emergencies throughout the United States, including Hermitage. Hermitage is served by Metro Nashville Police Department and Nashville Fire Department.
Medical Care
Several urgent care clinics operate in the eastern Nashville area. The nearest major hospital facilities are in the broader Nashville metro; verify the closest facility to your accommodation upon arrival.
Connectivity
Cell coverage from all major U.S. carriers is generally reliable throughout Hermitage and the Nashville metro. Free Wi-Fi is available at many restaurants and the Nashville Public Library system, which has a branch serving the area.
Money
ATMs are widely available at banks and grocery stores throughout the area. Credit and debit cards are accepted at nearly all businesses. Tipping at restaurants is customary — typically 18–20% of the pre-tax bill for sit-down service.
Accessibility
The Hermitage historic site has made efforts to improve accessibility; verify specific accommodations for mobility, hearing, or vision needs directly with the site before visiting.
Safety
Hermitage is a generally safe suburban residential area. Standard urban travel precautions apply: secure valuables in your vehicle out of sight, be aware of your surroundings in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on personal belongings in public spaces.
Outdoor visitors to Long Hunter State Park and Percy Priest Lake should be aware of Tennessee's summer heat and humidity; carry sufficient water, apply sunscreen, and be cautious around lake and river areas if you are not a confident swimmer. Ticks are present in wooded and grassy areas — check yourself after time outdoors and wear appropriate clothing.
