Nashville, Tennessee, is centrally located to a number of state parks in the surrounding area where you can explore the natural landscape by foot or boat. While many parks offer picnic pavilions, you don’t need to pack a picnic to enjoy a meal in the parks. After a full day of hiking and boating, head to one of the restaurants located inside the parks to dine on the local cuisine.
Montgomery Bell State Park
- About 35 miles east of Nashville in the green hills of Dickson County, Montgomery Bell State Park’s restaurant is part of the park's inn and conference center. A steak buffet is offered on Saturday nights, while an all-you-can-eat catfish option and regular buffet are available on Friday nights. Sip on a glass of Stonehaus Seyval Blanc, which commemorates Tennessee State Parks 75th anniversary, or many other libations from the beer and wine menu. The restaurant is open from 7 to 10 a.m. for breakfast, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch and 5 to 8 p.m. for dinner.
Henry Horton State Park
- In the town of Chapel Hill, roughly 48 miles south of Nashville, Henry Horton State Park features the family-friendly Henry Horton Restaurant. Dine on classic southern cuisine and barbecue buffets, or feast on crab legs at the Friday night seafood buffet. A breakfast buffet is available on weekends. The restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. for dinner and 7 to 10 a.m. on weekends for breakfast.
Edgar Evins State Park
- Edgar Evins State Park in Silver Point is located about 63 miles west of Nashville and includes the Galley Restaurant in the Edgar Evins Marina. Dine on the deck while enjoying the scenic views of Center Hill Lake and passing boats or enjoy a cold one at the bar. Kick back and relax while listening to the live music and enjoy a variety of events hosted throughout the year. Reservations are recommended for dinner and the restaurant is open seasonally on the weekends from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday.
David Crockett State Park
- Located 85 miles southeast of Nashville, in Lawrenceburg, the restaurant at David Crockett State Park overlooks the 40-acre Lindsey Lake. The menu offers a variety of home-style meals, and buffets are offered on the weekends. The restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for lunch, Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 to 10 a.m. for breakfast, and 4:30 to 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday for dinner.
