April 10, 2024

Where to Go Horseback Riding this Spring in Nashville, TN

From country music and some of the world’s finest whiskey to ravishing natural scenery, a lot of signature elements help define the great state of Tennessee. A lush, hill-cupped field full of grazing horses has to be another defining image, and, in fact, that idyllic scene—and the opportunity to saddle up—is very much at your fingertips even as you enjoy our premier urban accommodations in the heart of Music City here at The Union Station Nashville Yards!

There’s much to see and do within walking (or biking) distance of your Marriott Autograph Collection guestroom or suite, of course—from Music Row, Lower Broadway, and The Gulch to the Shelby Bottoms Greenway & Natural Area and other greenspaces. But our historic Nashville hotel also positions you for fantastic and varied daytrips around Music City’s big backyard—including daytrips of the equestrian variety!

Today at the blog, we’ll be spotlighting one great option for going horseback riding during your Union Station Nashville Yards getaway—and we’ll direct your attention to a can’t-miss event with very much a horse-related theme coming up here at our luxury boutique hotel on Broadway!

Horseback Riding During Your Stay at The Union Station Nashville Yards: Natchez Trace Stables

Nestled in the lovely rolling countryside of Williamson County, Natchez Trace Stables (6691 Lick Creek Rd, Primm Springs, TN) sits a mere three miles off the Natchez Trace Parkway about an hour southwest of Nashville.

A whole farm’s worth of calm, gentle steeds awaits you at Natchez Trace Stables, which leads guided trail rides lasting about two hours. No prior horseback riding experience is necessary to join one of these group rides, which weave their way among serene forests and meadows and into the glittery flow of Lick Creek.

A trail ride with Natchez Trace Stables ranks among the best ways to appreciate the beautiful hill-country scenery and sylvan vibes so readily accessible to Nashville visitors. Sure, you’ve also got some world-class hiking, biking, and boating at your disposal when you’re based in Music City, USA. But there’s something extra-special about a horseback ride: the rhythm of the saddle and the hoof-beat tempo, the immediate bond forged between rider and steed, and just about the best seats in the house for drinking in the views.

In operation for better than two decades, Natchez Trace Stables is family-owned and operated by a father-daughter team. Besides the wonderful demeanor and reliability of the horses themselves, you can expect engaged, highly trained guides with this outfit. Both beginners and veteran riders are liable to enjoy a really magical day out in the hills with Natchez Trace Stables!

Heads up: The trail rides at Natchez Trace Stables are by reservation only, so some advance planning is required. While the roughly two-hour trail ride is standard, there are options for customizing a different outing. To get more info and to book your horseback experience, call 931-682-3706.

Celebrate the 2024 Kentucky Derby at The Union Station Nashville Yards

On the subject of our equine friends, we’d be remiss not mentioning an upcoming event we’re hosting here at The Union Station Nashville Yards: our very own Derby Party!

That’s right: It’s getting close to that time of year when you ought to dust off your most extravagant hat, start memorizing the creative names of those spectacular Thoroughbreds, and hone your hankering for a good old-fashioned Mint Julep! Our Union Station Nashville Yards Derby Party will run from 4 to 8 PM on Saturday, May 4th: aka this year’s Kentucky Derby Day, which launches the 2024 edition of the Triple Crown.

The Kentucky Derby, of course, is the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” and the best-known and most-watched horse race in the country. We may be some two and a half hours away from Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, but Nashville—a passionate sports town and a place that knows how to put on a good party—is a fabulous perch for enjoying the Run for the Roses.

Our Derby Party here at The Union Station Nashville Yards is the perfect spot for watching the Derby and clinking those Mint Juleps (which, rest assured, will be on offer during our event).

Both General Admission and VIP seating is available for The Derby Party at The Union Station Nashville Yards. You can learn more and nab tickets right here.

Who’ll come in first at this year’s Kentucky Derby? Last year, it was the chestnut colt named Mage. The last time a racehorse achieved that rare triumph of the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing—winning not only the Kentucky Derby, but also the follow-up Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes—was back in 2018, when the now-legendary Justified pulled off the feat. He became only the 13th Thoroughbred to do so, and retired as the only unbeaten Triple Crown winner.

Our Derby Party is just one example of the numerous special events and shindigs we throw here at The Union Station Nashville Yards. You can keep track of our schedule here!

Steal Away to The Union Station Nashville Yards This Spring & Enjoy Horseback Riding & Our Kentucky Derby Party

Built in 1901 as a terminal along the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, The Union Station stands tall as one of the great historical landmarks of Music City. Our Neo-Romanesque/Richardsonian-Romanesque architecture, including our glorious four-story lobby topped with a stained-glass ceiling, has earned this magnificent structure ranking on the National Register of Historic Places, and we’re a proud member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Historical Hotels of America.

Our rich history is combined with pitch-perfect modern luxury boutique hospitality, ensuring our guests the finest in Nashville accommodations. When you’re not out riding the regional trails on horseback, you can savor exceptional bistro-style Modern American Cuisine at our Stationairy restaurant, or enjoy cocktails, elegant bar bites, and live music at ERGO in our lobby.

We’d love to host you this spring here in Nashville, not least for the Derby Party : It’ll definitely be the place to be in Music City, USA on Saturday, May 4th! Book your Marriott Autograph Collection guestroom or suite at The Union Station Nashville Yards today.