Nashville summers deliver relentless heat, but Middle Tennessee's lakes remain refreshingly cold. This guide maps every worthwhile water destination for city dwellers ready to trade asphalt for anchors. From serene fishing spots to raucous party coves, we've surveyed Music City's liquid real estate.
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Listen to this playlist while you read our guide to feel like you're on the pontoon!!
This sweet jewel of a lake is just twenty minutes north of Nashville. Nestled between Sumner and Davidson counties, this lake has a lot to offer between parks, marinas, and restaurants. Here are the hot spots you should be sure to check out.
WHERE TO EAT:
128 RIVER ROAD
Pull up your boat and get yourself a rum rudderfish bowl after a long day of lakin'. Next to Rockland Park in Hendersonville, you can find the rudder at anchor high. This place is definitely the local's favorite spot with live music every night of the week. Make sure you try their blackened grouper sandwich.
2001 LAKESHORE DRIVE
Yup. You read that right. What' s better than Sam's Sports Grill? Sam's Sports Grill on the lake. Their regular menu kicks butt, but at their Blue Turtle Bay location, they have a few specialties. The Catfish Basket is a personal favorite, and pair that with a $5 Bushwacker on Thursdays and we think you should start your weekend a day early.
115 SANDERS FERRY RD
If you're a seafood fan we have the place for you. Moby Dicky's specializes in all things seafood. Between their Chicago-Style Oysters and Grouper Fingers, good luck choosing what to order. Whatever you decide on definitely won't disappoint!
727 MARINA PRIVATE RD
Known for their specialty drinks, you can't go wrong at Awedaddys. We love this spot every night of the week but especially for brunch. They have a sick Blood Mary Bar and their Strawberry Stuffed French Toast is TO. DIE. FOR.
9120 SAUNDERSVILLE RD
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Fishtales is a great spot to be any time of the day. Pull up Thursday, Friday, or Saturday for live music and their daily $6 drink special.
WHERE TO HANG:
TWO FOOT COVE
This place is the definition of a party cove. Complete with a sand bar and volleyball net; there is always a crowd for you to come and tie up your water vehicle of choice.
WHERE TO RENT YOUR BOAT:
259 SANDERS FERRY RD
259 SANDERS FERRY RD
Percy Priest is Middle Tennessee's prime lake for a reason. Here are some hot spots that we think you should check out!
WHERE TO EAT:
3361 BELL RD
Shipwreck Cove is definitely the local's favorite spot in town. With "bar food, craft beers & signature cocktails on a wooden deck with live music, surrounded by yachts" what could go wrong? Throw their Redneck Nachos into the mix and you will never want to leave this spot.
3157 WEAKLY LN
Wings: ✔
Burgers: ✔
Beer: ✔
Seafood: ✔
Live Music: ✔
What more could you want? We recommend their signature Catfish Sandwich any day of the week.
4027 LAVERGNE COUCHVILLE PIKE
According to them "Flip flops are not an accessory, it's a way of life" and B O Y we are so happy we have found this spot. They're known for their burgers but their Shrimp Po Boy is our favorite.
WHERE TO HANG:
PARTY COVE
Located on the east side of the lake near Long Hunter State Park. Boaters come to tie up, float, and relax (or party) in one cove area of the lake.
where to rent your boat:
4001 BELL RD
3361 BELL RD
One of the most beautiful lakes in Tennessee, this spot has a lot of hidden jewels in every cove. Make sure you rent a boat for a full day. You're going to want to spend every hour checking out all Center Hill has to offer.
WHERE TO EAT:
450 COVE HOLLOW CIRCLE
El Lago Mexican restaurant is open on a year-round basis with hours varying based on the season. Enjoy delicious, authentic, Mexican food right on the water!
2100 EDGAR EVINS STATE PARK RD
Southern style cooking with a lakefront view? Yes, please. That's what The Galley specializes in. Trust us, order the Catfish Bites, we're experts.
WHERE TO HANG:
FANCHER FALLS
Out of all the spots on Center Hill Lake, this one is by far the one you should make the trip out to see. Make sure the river is high enough before you try though!
WHERE TO Rent Your Boat:
2685 CASEY COVE RD
