A Glorious Middle Tennessee Afternoon: Loveless Cafe and Natchez Trace
Sometimes getting out of the city is just what our soul needs. A simple drive, vibrant fall leaves, and delicious biscuits are the ticket to a glorious middle Tennessee afternoon.
Brunch at the Loveless Cafe
Ever since we moved to Nashville I’ve heard people talk about The Loveless Cafe. It’s famous for made from scratch southern food. On the huge neon sign, it says, “hot biscuits, country ham”. How could we resist? We had to try it out.
At one point the property was a restaurant and a motel. Although you can no longer rent a room, you can find all kinds of treasures while you shop through the motel room-size shops. You’ll find jewelry, clothes, home goods, and a market full of specialty items.
Every time we’ve driven by there’s a line out the door which proves it’s popular. We went for brunch knowing there would wait (could be two hours) and signed up for a table. They do have open table reservations online for weekday reservations but not for weekends before 3pm. Once you’re on the waitlist you’re free to walk around the campus, play corn hole, shop, or take silly photos in the face-cut-out photo boards.
Even though I would like to say the name “Loveless” came from a heartbreak story it’s actually the last name of the couple, Lon and Annie Loveless, who originally opened their front door to travelers enticing them with fried chicken and biscuits.
Can I tell you about the biscuits? They make 10,000 a day! Can you believe that? In the past they’ve given tours of the buscuit room in the kitchen but it’s not something they currently offer.
They also host large-scale events. I know a couple of people who’ve had their wedding reception on the property. After I visited for myself I feel it’s a must-do for anyone visiting Nashville, a way to taste and feel the remarkable Southern hospitality of this land.
A Hop, Skip, and Jump from the Natchez Trace Parkway
Once our bellies were stuffed to the brim with comfort food we set out on a drive. We’d heard a lot about Natchez Trace so we figured autumn would be a good time to see what all the fuss was about.
Natchez Trace Parkway is a scenic route running through three states, Alabama, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In total it’s 444 miles. We drove only a small portion nearby The Loveless Cafe. It holds a rich history, and for thousands of years, people have walked Natchez Trace as a travel corridor. Besides the picturesque drives; hiking, camping, horse trails, and biking can be enjoyed.
Live too far to make it to Loveless? Their website offers recipes to make at home.
Kids may like a Natchez Trace Junior Ranger Booklet, available here.
You may also be interested in Walden Pumpkin Farm or Holiday Kitchen Towels.
