5 Parks + 5 Sandwiches for Fall

By Josephine Wood | October 19, 2015

Cross your fingers for a couple more weeks of leaf peeping and blue sky days and take advantage of the 65 degree weather. Nashville has so many great parks and we put together a list of our favorites, include some hidden gems, and paired them with nearby spots to grab a good picnic sandwich to take to the park. Take full advantage of the last of picnic season with Banh Mis, Burgers, & Tortas.

1. Beaman Park- 5911 W Old Hickory Blvd Nashville, TN 37015

This rugged park, located in northwest Nashville near Joelton, is unique among Nashville parks because it features a wild landscape and a variety of unique plant species. It’s steep slopes, narrow hollows, streams and waterfalls make it an adventurous park well-suited for a day trip.

InterAsian Market

Banh Mi

Banh Mi’s are sported on just about every sandwich menu in town, but this one is about as legit as you can get. This Vietnamese sandwich with French influence hosts rib roast pork, house-made pâté and butter, pickled papaya, carrots, jalapeno cilantro, & cucumber on a french hoagie. Vegetarian options available.

2. Shelby Park- 401 S 20th St Nashville, TN 37206

Shelby Park is in the heart of East Nashville with river views, miles of greenways, a pond, 2 golf courses and several picnic shelters. We even hear there’s a hidden cave- tweet us if you have tips on where it’s located. The park also has a dog park, baseball fields & tennis courts. Catch it on a Wednesday afternoon for the East Nashville Farmer’s Market.

Mitchell Deli- 1306 McGavock Nashville, TN 37216

Turkey Apple Brie

Mitchell’s ingredients are always fresh and mostly local. You can’t go wrong with this toasted hoagie with turkey, jalapeno cranberry relish, apples, honey mustard, and brie. Check out their cold case for pre-made goodies like pimiento cheese and cut fruit to bring along on your picnic. You can even get draft iced coffee or their homemade sodas.

3. Seven Oaks Park- 3474 McGavock Pike Nashville, TN 37217

If you want a great disc golf course, head to Seven Oaks Park. With picnic shelters, a disc-golf course, baseball fields, basketball courts & a playground, this park is a perfect quick picnic destination.

Carniceria Y Taqueria Don Juan- 2910 Nolensville Pike Nashville, TN 37211

Torta

Another hidden gem on Nolensville Pike, Don Juan has these tasty Mexican sandwiches that come in at only $5. Served on a crusty white sandwich roll, this sandwich is filled with your choice of meat, cheese, lettuce, tomato avocado and their signature green sauce.

4. Fort Negley Park- 1100 Fort Negley Blvd. Nashville, TN 37203

Close to downtown, Fort Negley is located in South Nashville and gives you Tennessee history lesson, plus a great view of the city. The visitors center is a great afternoon trip to learn about the relationship between Nashville and the Federal Government during the Civil War. The park is a great place to walk and bring a leashed dog or someone who just moved to town.

Gabby’s Burgers- 493 Humphreys St Nashville, TN 37203

Bourque Burger

Named after a Pred’s player, the Bourque Burger has a single burger patty, with their special 10 spice mix, bacon and cheddar cheese. Gabby’s has one of the best burgers in Nashville and this burger is only there for the month of October.