The Secluded Restaurant Near Nashville With The Most Magical Surroundings

Editor's Note: In April of 2024, Marcy Jo's Shut Down after 17 years in business.

Marcy Jo's Mealhouse is a small town eatery at its best. It's where you'd take your mom if she came for a visit, where you'd love to go on a date or relax after a long, long week with a plate of biscuits and gravy and maybe a cinnamon roll on the side. Don't forget little Columbia, don't forget it's pride and joy - and maybe visit the gorgeous natural area that resides just a couple of minutes away.

Marcy Jo's is known for its tiny location in a former grocery and its kind, genuine ownership. Small and quirky, sweet and full of food, you'll leave with your heart and stomach full. It does fill up quick, so be careful to come as early as you can!

We weren't kidding - even at opening, locals flock to the small town spot with a good-natured vengeance. It's open Thursday to Saturday, from 7am to 2pm. Try their biscuits and gravy, or any of their freshly baked goods.

Need a slice of mile high strawberry cake? We do!

We'd also HIGHLY recommend their cinnamon buns with a mug of hot coffee. It's the perfect, calorie-laden cap to your early morning breakfast. No regrets for a solid bout of southern fare, though - we're headed outdoors!

For one, a simple drive to Marcy Jo's takes you past some of the most picturesque farms and fields of Middle Tennessee. It's a gorgeous trip, one that will ignite a few dreams of a farm of your own, maybe complete with a few chickens and a horse or two.

Then, there's Henry Horton State Park. One of the most overlooked natural areas in Tennessee, it's only a few minutes from our country restaurant of choice. The state park is located near Chapel Hill, and was constructed and protected in the 1960s on the former governor, Henry Horton's, estate.

It's a beautiful park that will transport you back in time, and you can even rent a cabin or pitch your tent for the evening. There's also an inn and 56 RV sites.

Alongside the parks beauty, there is the Buford Ellington championship golf course, a heavily treed and difficult golf course that gives visitors the kind of challenge only Tennessee can give.

The Henry Horton Greenway welcomes bikes on the paved trails, and walkers who need a bit of fresh air and time away from that treadmill. The Adeline Wilhoite Horton River Trail is popular for birding and provides a solid view for those of you searching for yellow-breasted chat or brown thrasher.

When it comes time to leave you'll drive down the same all-American farm studded southern roads you came down the first time, leaving trails of country livin' dreams behind you. Or maybe ahead of you?

You can visit Marcy Jo's yourself at 4205 US-431 in Columbia, Tennessee, and Henry Horton State Park at 4358 Nashville Highway in Chapel Hill. Have you been yourselves? This was a day trip we fell in love with, and think you will, too. Happy adventuring! And eating...

What a sweet little spot! We're always a big fan of Marcy Jo's, and a visit to Tennessee simply isn't complete without a slice of their Elvis cake. If you're still looking for a bit of fun, check out this gorgeous Tennessee town surrounded by insane beauty - it's a trip.