Your guide to the most essential things to do in Nolensville

Nolensville doesn’t try to be Nashville, and that’s exactly why people are paying attention. It’s grounded, growing fast, and packed with the right kind of flavor, schools, and lifestyle perks that high-end buyers are actively looking for.

If you’re scoping out things to do in Nolensville, TN, consider this your insider’s guide. You’ll get a glimpse of why this town’s no longer just a quiet suburb, but a serious contender for the next best place to live in Middle Tennessee.

EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH NOLENSVILLE

Craving bold flavor and a taste of the local scene? Nolensville might be small, but its dining spots are packed with personality. From smoky barbecue to inventive sushi, here are the go-to places locals swear by.

1. Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint
   7223 Nolensville RdMartin’s may have a few outposts across Middle Tennessee, but this Nolensville location holds its own, and then some. It’s where folks go for no-fuss, big-flavor barbecue and sides that taste like they’ve been passed down for generations. The vibe is laidback, the portions generous, and the smoker out back does the talking. Not exactly a secret, but always absolutely worth the stop.

   Must-try: The signature pulled pork shoulder sandwich with a side of hushpuppies or mac and cheese.

2. Yuno Sushi and Asian Cuisine
   Brittain Plaza, 7175 Nolensville RdModern, unexpected, and downright delicious. Yuno has built a loyal following with its fresh, creative sushi rolls and savory rice bowls. The relaxed, stylish setting makes it a favorite for both lunch breaks and casual dinners. It’s not what most expect from a small-town strip mall, and that’s part of what makes it so good.

   Must-try: The Nolen Roll—crab, shrimp, avocado, and cream cheese topped with eel sauce and spicy mayo.

3. Itty Bitty Donuts & Specialty Coffee
   7311-B Nolensville RdTiny donuts, big following. This quirky local favorite dishes out hot, made-to-order minis with playful toppings that change often so there’s always a reason to come back. Pair them with a latte from the custom coffee bar, and you’ve got a sweet way to start your morning or satisfy an afternoon craving. It’s a quick pick-me-up with serious local flavor and charm to spare.

   Must-try: Cinnamon sugar mini donuts paired with The Winnie (honey, cinnamon, and cardamom) latte.

4. Mama’s Java Café
   305 Sheldon Valley DrA longtime local favorite, Mama’s Java serves up fresh coffee, made-from-scratch breakfast, and a welcoming small-town vibe. It’s the kind of spot where the baristas know your order, and the biscuits actually taste like home. Start your day here once, and it quickly becomes part of your routine.

   Must-try: The house-blend coffee and a sausage, egg & cheese biscuit—or one of their famous breakfast burritos if you’re really hungry.

5. Happenchance Social Lounge
   7180 Nolensville Rd, Ste 101An elevated hangout for cocktails, conversation, and relaxed bites. It’s Nolensville’s go-to lounge when you’re in the mood for light fare, stylish interiors, and a local wine or bourbon pour. Between the live music, trivia nights, and pop-up events, it’s become the town’s unofficial living room.

   Must-try: The charcuterie board paired with a Pink Cockatoo cocktail.

6. Mill Creek Brewing Co.
   2008 B Johnson Industrial BlvdWith its laid-back vibe and crisp, locally brewed beers, Mill Creek is a favorite for craft lovers and community gatherings. The spacious taproom and patio host events, food trucks, and live music year-round. It’s where Nolensville comes to kick back, catch up, and enjoy the kind of weekends you don’t want to rush.

   Must-try: The Lil Darlin citrus-infused wheat beer, perfect on a warm Tennessee evening.

7. Amico’s New York Pizza & Italian Restaurant
   Brittain Plaza, 7177 Nolensville Rd, Ste 4BFamily-owned and full of flavor, Amico’s serves up thin-crust, New York-style pizza, baked pastas, and house-made sauces that don’t cut corners. Coming here is one of the most delicious things to do in Nolensville, TN, especially when you’re craving comfort food and community in equal measure.

   Must-try: The House Special pizza loaded with pepperoni, sausage, mushrooms, sweet peppers, and onions.

8. Mojo’s Tacos
   7263 Nolensville RdWith multiple locations across Middle Tennessee, Mojo’s isn’t just Nolensville’s secret—but this spot still brings the flavor. The street-style tacos are bold and unfussy—birria, Baja fish, smoked chicken—and the house-made salsas seal the deal. You don’t have to drive to Franklin for great tacos anymore—Nolensville’s got you covered.

   Must-try: Fried avocado taco with a side of street corn.

9. Better Days Diner
   7240 Nolensville RdHearty breakfasts, stacked burgers, and blue-plate specials that don’t mess around—Better Days is Southern comfort at its most classic. The checkerboard floors, counter banter, and familiar faces give it that lived-in feel, like it’s been holding down this corner of Nolensville forever.

   Must-try: The Better Days Steak and Eggs—chicken-fried steak, two eggs, and a biscuit served with a side of tots.

SHOP SMALL, SHOP LOCAL

Nolensville’s retail scene keeps it local, with small-town charm, one-of-a-kind finds, and zero big-box energy. From antique picks to farm-fresh produce to thoughtful gifts, these shops bring personality and purpose to every purchase.

1. Brittain Plaza
   7177 US-31ABrittain Plaza is one of those spots that covers a little bit of everything—boutiques, barbers, nail salons, and go-to local eats, all in one walkable strip. Whether you’re here to grab dinner at Amico’s or Yuno Sushi, find the collectible card you’ve been looking for at Pretty Cool Cards, or get your nails done at The Nail Loft, one thing’s for sure: Brittain Plaza is where errands and quickly turn into casual catch-ups.
2. Nolensville Feed Mill
   7280 Nolensville RdOriginally built in the 1890s, the Nolensville Feed Mill is one of the town’s most iconic landmarks—part country market, part deli, and fully rooted in community. Inside, you’ll find Amish-sourced meats and cheeses, local jams and honey, fresh-baked breads, and a selection of regional coffees that regulars swear by. It’s just one more reason this place remains at the heart of town life.
3. Small Town Charm
   Brittain Plaza, 7177 Nolensville RdTrue to its name, this boutique gift shop is packed with seasonal finds, personalized treasures, and Southern-style home goods. You’ll find handmade signs, custom door hangers, candles, T-shirts with Tennessee pride, and cozy throws perfect for front porch lounging. It’s the go-to spot for hostess gifts or sprucing up your space between holidays.
4. Nolensville Toy Shop
   9895 Old Clovercroft RdWholesome, imaginative, and refreshingly analog, this locally loved shop is all about screen-free fun. Inside, you’ll find educational toys, wooden puzzles, science kits, plush animals, and party decor. Parents count on it for birthday gifts and holiday surprises, and the kind of toys that spark creativity without batteries or downloads.
5. The Amish House
   7278 Nolensville RdHoused in a 1920s-era creamery, The Amish House has been part of Nolensville’s fabric since 2017 when it was founded by Kurt and Lisa Fuchs. Today, the product of their hard work is known in Middle Tennessee for their solid wood furniture, built by skilled Amish and Mennonite artisans. Here, there are no veneers and no shortcuts, just heirloom-quality pieces made to last.
6. Stillwater Boutique
   7292 Nolensville RdModern style meets small-town soul at StillWater, a curated boutique set inside a restored 1880s building in Nolensville’s historic district. The shop was founded by Gwen Noe, who wanted a space where she could champion women-owned brands and elevated essentials, from soft knits and hand-dyed Italian pieces to artisan jewelry and Nashville-made candles.
7. Nellamoon
   7305 Nolensville RdWhat started as an online candle brand has turned into one of Nolensville’s most effortlessly cool retail spots. Founded by Arielle St. Pé, Nellamoon is known for its clean-burning soy candles—hand-poured, non-toxic, and loaded with cozy, giftable scents. The shop also stocks a curated mix of apparel and home goods, but the real standout would have to be their candle-pouring workshops.

MAKE TIME FOR NOLENSVILLE’S BEST EVENTS

Nolensville doesn’t do boring weekends. From food trucks to full-blown festivals, this town shows up for the moments that bring people together. These are the ones worth planning around.

1. 1. Historic Nolensville Buttercup Festival
      When: May
      Where: Historic Downtown NolensvilleThe Buttercup Festival is easily one of Nolensville’s most beloved spring traditions. Every May, it transforms the historic district into a lively stretch lined with artisan booths, food trucks, live music, all leading to the always-popular Little Miss Buttercup pageant.The 2025 festival, just recently held last May 3, marked its 25th year and comeback after a brief pause. And with more than 100 vendors and a strong turnout, it was clear that the community wasn’t ready to let this one go. Proceeds supported local scholarships and non-profits, proving that this small-town event still makes a big impact.
   2. Nolensville Farmers Market

When: Every Saturday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: 7248 Nolensville Rd

The Nolensville Farmers Market isn’t just a grocery run, it’s a weekly gathering that captures the town’s community spirit. The summer market runs every Saturday from April through October, featuring local produce, pasture-raised meats, artisan goods, and live music. From November through March, the winter market keeps things going with seasonal fare and cozy treats.

A highlight of the year? Pickle Fest, held every summer, draws a big crowd with brine-inspired food vendors, pickle tastings, games, and family-friendly fun. It’s quirky, local, and 100% Nolensville.

• Nolensville Food Truck Festival
  When: May
  Where: Historic Nolensville School, 7248 Nolensville Rd

 

Nolensville knows how to throw a neighborhood party, and the Food Truck festival proves it. Now in its 10th year, this spring staple brings the town together for one seriously tasty evening—think loaded tots, tacos, Thai food, and everything in between. The 2025 fest landed on May 24, drawing big crowds with a stacked lineup of local trucks, live music, and lawn games that kept kids and grown-ups equally entertained.

• Broken Wheel Music & Arts Festival
  When: September 6
  Where: Mill Creek Brewing Co., 2008 B Johnson Industrial Blvd

 

This one’s more than a night out; it’s Nolensville’s biggest community fundraiser. Hosted each fall, the Broken Wheel Festival blends live music, local art, great food, and a whole lot of heart. Proceeds benefit Round Up for Nolensville, a nonprofit helping neighbors through tough times, making it a feel-good event in every sense.

This year’s fest will be held on September 6, Saturday, at Mill Creek Brewing Co., with music from regional acts like John Salaway and The Petty Junkies, plus a food truck lineup worth skipping dinner for. It’s everything Nolensville does best—loud, local, and full of community pride.

• Nolensville Cultural Food Festival

 

When: November 7
Where: Nolensville Farmers’ Market

The Cultural Food Festival celebrates Nolensville’s growing diversity with international flavors, live performances, and stories that reflect the heart of the town. Expect a globe-spanning lineup of eats, from tamales and Thai noodles to Middle Eastern pastries and Southern soul food. With dance, music, and community storytelling woven throughout the day, it’s one of the tastiest, most meaningful things to do in Nolensville, TN before the holidays roll in.

• A Nolensville Holiday
  When: December 5
  Where: Board Room, Nolensville Town Hall

 

This hometown tradition kicks off the holiday season with all the essentials—tree lighting, carolers, Santa sightings, and steaming cups of cocoa in mittened hands. Main Street dresses up for the occasion, lined with twinkle lights and local vendors offering seasonal treats and handmade gifts.

TRACE THE PAST, SEE THE ART

Looking for things to do in Nolensville, TN, beyond food and shopping? Dive into the town’s artistic side and rich heritage. From historic schoolhouses to public art shows, these spots connect you to the stories and creativity that give Nolensville its soul:

• • The Artist Guild of Nolenville: Local artists show their work where life happens—at Mama’s Java Coffee Shop

, Stillwater Boutique, and Happenchance Social Lounge. Exhibits rotate regularly, and the vibe is casual, not gallery-stiff. Check their calendar for upcoming shows and community events here.

• The Nolensville Historical Society: The NHS keeps local history alive through restored landmarks, town-wide markers, and community storytelling. They manage two of Nolensville’s most iconic sites: the Morton-Brittain House, a preserved 1800s home that reflects the town’s earliest roots; and the Historic Nolensville School Museum, with exhibits that spotlight the town’s educational civic past.

 

OTHER ESSENTIAL THINGS TO DO IN NOLENSVILLE, TN

We’ve covered restaurants to try, shops to visit, and events you should mark in your calendars. But we’re not done. Here are a couple of other things to do in Nolensville, TN that make life here a little more connected:

• Visit Nolensville Park: This central park is a favorite for local families and sports enthusiasts. With baseball and soccer fields, a large playground, paved walking paths, and shaded picnic spots, it’s also home base for town events and youth sports year-round.
• Have a doggy playdate at Bark Park: Well-kept and welcoming, this off-leash dog park features separate areas for large and small pups, shaded benches, and water stations. It’s as much for the people as it is for the dogs—and a great spot to catch up with fellow pet lovers.
• Catch golden hour at Morning Glory Orchard: A seasonal staple and family-owned favorite, this orchard offers peaceful rows of apple and peach trees, a farm market stocked with fruit, honey, jams, and baked goods, and special events like cider tastings and orchard picnics. They also host Sunsets & Cider, a two-hour picnic affair.
• Unwind at Serenity Salt Cave: For something truly unique, step into this Himalayan salt cave for a halotherapy session designed to support respiratory health and promote deep relaxation. Serenity Salt Cave also offers guided meditation, sound baths, and wellness-focused workshops—perfect for a midweek reset or peaceful weekend outing.

THE LCT TEAM CAN OPEN THE DOOR TO YOUR DREAM HOME IN NOLENSVILLE

Nolensville isn’t just somewhere to land—it’s where people come to live with intention. From community festivals and farmers markets to scenic trails and standout local shops, it’s a town that balances comfort, convenience, and character in all the right ways.

Whether you’re Nolensville, TN real estate, thinking about relocating, or just curious about houses for sale in Nolensville, TN, the LCT Team – Onward Real Estate is here to help you make your move. We know this market inside and out, and we’re all in on helping you make the most out of your real estate opportunities here.

Let’s talk about what you’re looking for and make something amazing happen. Give us a call at 615.595.5883 or send a message anytime for a consultation.