Aesha E.
Yelp
Belmont Mansion was one of my favorite stops during my trip to Nashville. I arrived just as the place opened--I love that you're asked to ring the doorbell for the tour. It's a charming little request that makes you feel like you're truly visiting someone's home.
A new guide showed me through the first few rooms of the home, and he was pretty good and Adelicia Acklen's early life and the beginnings of Belmont Mansion. As we moved into another room, a second tour guide took over, and I learned more about what happened to Adelicia after she found herself a widow for the second time. The home was beautifully decorated and the guides were quick to point out little touches that I wouldn't have noticed. I was even told that a woman who married into the family is still alive, living just down the block in a retirement home. It kind of brought a different feel to the place, knowing that family members are still alive and near and owned the home so recently.
An interesting point of the home that was mentioned was the upstairs floor. The guide explained that the owner had the floors (at least upstairs) painted to look like marble. I wouldn't have realized it until I was told because it was so well done. These are the little things I like to learn about when visiting historic sites. It brings history to life for me and I felt like I got a peek into the life and thoughts of Adelicia.
Speaking of Adelicia, she is another reason I loved this home so much. She was a smart, strong woman, and I love learning about historical women. She was very independent, even though she was married three times with the final marriage being more a business arrangement. She never changed her name when she married that third time, even though this was in the 19th century. When she married in the 1850s or 1860s, she had what is essentially a prenup to protect herself! I'd like to learn more about her because she seemed like a woman ahead of her time.
This tour lasted about one hour. I think some reviewers (here or on Trip Advisor) are annoyed by the fact that people can join the tour at any point, but this doesn't bother me at all; you would get to see the entire home regardless of where you started. Because I was there just as they opened, my tour was a private tour for the duration of the first floor; there was a family that joined us just as we were about to go upstairs. It was great for me that I was the only one for the majority of the tour, because I was able to ask many questions and the guide was able to kind of expand on information that I showed an interest in.
When I was ready to leave, a staff member showed me out. Again, I felt like I had been a visitor in someone's home; the staff at Belmont Mansion were very hospitable. I love the little touches to make visitors feel welcome.
This site is part of the Battle of Nashville ticket, which includes three attractions: Belmont, Traveller's Rest, and Belle Meade. As of this writing (8/3/14), that ticket costs $30. There is no expiration on the Battle of Nashville ticket, and you're welcome to visit the sits on different days. If you plan to visit more than one of these sites the Battle of Nashville ticket is worth it, and I certainly feel that Belmont is a worthwhile stop whilst in Nashville regardless.