One of Nashville’s most beloved neighborhoods is the small town of Kingston Springs, a bedroom community along the scenic Harpeth river and just west of the city. Located in Cheatham County with neighboring towns like Pegram and Ashland City, Kingston Springs is a picturesque refuge with a close-knit community.

Kingston Springs is a rural community with a municipal population of just under 3,000 residents. In a recent survey, over 95 percent of respondents said that they consider Kingston Springs a good place to live. From other data presented in the research, it’s clear that residents are proud of their town—a majority reported that they like the greenspaces, the quiet, and the cleanliness of the town.

The survey also indicated that many residents commute into Nashville and Brentwood for work each day. A mere 30-minute drive into the city, the lure of Kingston Springs is irresistible to those looking for a change of pace from city life.

"It's refreshing to live in a town so small that the main industry is a wishing well," Edward Morris, an entertainment reporter who's lived in Kingston Springs for three years, told Neighborhoods.com.

History

Although it was not formally incorporated until 1965 with a population of 290 residents, the area has a long history as a bedroom community, and it was first connected to Nashville by rail in 1860. Constructed in 1819, the historic Kingston Springs Hotel once served as lodging for travelers seeking the healing properties of local sulfur water springs, and it still stands today.

Over the years Kingston Springs has managed to maintain its charm and appeal, setting itself apart from the typical small towns in Middle Tennessee.

Revitalized Downtown 

After a concerted revitalization effort in 2009, downtown Kingston Springs is now thriving with local businesses ranging from yoga studios and sports bars to an artisanal pizza joint and coffee shop combination.

“Everything one needs is in a fairly tight cluster here,” Morris says. “There's an office supply store that also functions as a drop off for FedEx and dry cleaning, and the town library is only a Frisbee's throw away from Skyking Pizza.”

Skyking is beloved by locals for its elevated atmosphere and delicious fare. In the mornings they serve coffee and southern breakfast foods in the style of a classic, small-town cafe. By night, the establishment is transformed into a cozy and perfectly-lit, wood-fired pizzeria. Put simply, a date night in Kingston Springs would be incomplete without a meal in this charming restaurant. 

After dinner, a stop at The Fillin’ Station is a must. This “ice house” is a quintessential local bar complete with a garage door that opens onto a patio for those cool summer evenings when the town comes out to socialize and unwind. More than anything though, the establishment has garnered a reputation for hosting talented musicians from all over the world on their modest stage.

“The Fillin’ Station has no glitter, no fame, it’s just a place to play good music. A place where every genre is welcome: blues, jazz, bluegrass, rock, country, Americana,” owner Patrick Weickenand says on the bar’s website. “No prerequisites required except one thing; the music has to come from the soul.” 

Downtown is also home to the Kingston Springs Farmers and Artisans Market which takes place every Saturday May 19 to Sept. 29  from 8 a.m. until noon. The market features handmade crafts, local produce, and, of course, live music.

L. L. Burns Park

The crown jewel of Kingston Springs is perhaps its most successful community development to date: L. L. Burns Park. The 173-acre plot of land recently underwent a million-dollar renovation. It’s home to typical park and recreation hallmarks like baseball diamonds, pavilions, soccer leagues, and walking trails, but in classic Kingston Springs fashion, there are a few surprises in the mix as well.

The park features a professionally designed, nine-hole disk golf course as well as a “challenge” course where walkers and hikers can tackle obstacles as a part of their exercise routine. It’s clear that the city planners and park designers had every citizen in mind when they set out on this renovation as there’s something for people of all ages and abilities. 

The park also hosts the annual free, all-day event Art in the Park on the first Saturday in October. With over 100 local vendors, this event is a staple for the community. The park is framed by the meandering Harpeth river, adding an element of natural beauty to the already glimmering greenspace.