Summertown | Nashville's Backyard

PEACE ON THE PARKWAY

SUMMERTOWN

Serene Summertown, Tennessee is an unincorporated community nestled into the hills east of the Natchez Trace Parkway. It’s a small community of friendly neighbors, where folks look out for each other but don’t mind a few acres of breathing room. The actual “town” is a cluster of streets where you’ll find most local businesses; however, many Summertown residents opt to stretch their wings a little and settle or build in the picturesque rural areas in the surrounding hills.

Back to the Land, Once Again

Summertown has its own fascinating “Back to the Land” stories. In the 1970s, a caravan of school buses and vans brought 320 “hippie idealists” from San Francisco to pool their resources and put down roots in the Tennessee hills. The Farm remains an active intentional community just outside of Summertown. It’s home to an EcoVillage Training Center, international outreach mission, K-12 school, world-famous Farm Midwifery Center, vegan cookbook publication house and biannual weekend retreat for curious visitors. About 200 people still live on The Farm today, representing four generations of compassion for the planet and peaceful community.

Roadside Attractions

The Summertown area is also home to a sizable Amish and Mennonite population, which means the best of the best roadside farm stands and natural food markets. Don’t miss Yoder’s Homestead Market on Highway 20 on your way into town for the freshest veggies, excellent bulk items, and best homemade breads and pastries you’ll ever try.

Highland Cool

Summertown is part of the Highland Rim, once a popular “summer home” spot for folks traveling on the railroad from Nashville to New Orleans. Those high-class city dwellers were onto something: temperatures run just a bit cooler here in the summer, and the scenery is just sublime. Great hiking awaits at the 90-acre Stillhouse Hollow Falls State Natural Area, or you can catch some amazing views in motion at Wheelin in the Country, a privately-owned off-road adventure park.

SUMMERTOWN

At a Glance

Unincorporated community
Gorgeous scenery
Four-season living
Available acreage
Lewis, Lawrence and Maury counties
Population 900
Schools: Summertown Elementary School and Summertown High School (Lawrence County)

Nearest Hospital: Southern Tennessee Regional Health System-Lawrenceburg, Maury Regional Medical Center (Level 1 Trauma Center)
Airport: Maury County Regional Airport; BNA (1 hour 15 minutes)
Nearest Grocery: Tietgens Super Rama Foods