Carthage, Tennessee, is a quiet town in Smith County, situated along the Cumberland River and part of the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area. With a population of approximately 2,291, it offers a peaceful retreat for travelers seeking historical charm and Southern small-town atmosphere. The city is most famous as the hometown of former U.S. Vice President Al Gore and his father, Senator Albert Gore Sr. The historic Smith County Courthouse serves as a key landmark, where Al Gore announced his presidential and vice-presidential bids. For hotel guests, Carthage provides a serene base to explore local history and riverfront scenery, distinct from the bustle of larger urban centers.
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It is recommended to stay in the downtown area for easy walking access to historical landmarks like the Smith County Courthouse. The Cumberland Riverfront offers scenic views suitable for travelers preferring tranquility. Given the small size of the city, choosing accommodation near main streets ensures convenient access to local dining and attractions.
Located within the Nashville Metropolitan Statistical Area, Carthage does not have a major international airport but offers convenient road connections to downtown Nashville. For frequent flyers, combining rental cars or intercity bus services is advisable to connect to broader transportation networks and explore other parts of Tennessee.
Spring and autumn offer mild weather, ideal for outdoor strolls and visiting historical sites. Summers can be hot but are pleasant for leisurely riverside activities. Winters are relatively cold with fewer tourists, suiting those seeking ultimate quiet. The city is visitable year-round, but pack accordingly for seasonal weather changes.
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With more than a decade of history behind it, this stylish looker in Brookhaven Circle is a feast for the senses. Light rushes in through countless windows with generous seating and attractive booths stretching from the lively bar to the bustling dining room. A wood-burning oven chars puffy pies dressed with the likes of pepperoni and honey or pork belly with eggs. The kitchen’s knack for creative, bold combinations extends beyond pizza. Think oysters roasted with Calabrian chili oil or poutine buried in pork neck bone gravy.
WebsiteScarlet-red banquettes, a long marble bar and checkered tile cut a striking, seductive figure in downtown Memphis. This is a restaurant whose identity is never in question thanks to veteran Chef Felicia Suzanne, now situated in a swanky new dining room where she sources quality ingredients and honors Southern traditions with class and elegance. Plucky Gulf shrimp set with tasso ham sauce and jalapeño cornbread is a superb signature and a reflection of this kitchen at its very best. Other hits on this finely curated menu include buttermilk fried quail with greens and spiced honey as well as fri
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WebsiteSunlight streams in through tall windows that look out on quaint South Main. Globe lights, handsome wood tables, and gold accents lend a mid-century vibe to this vintage space. Such a look doesn’t at all tell the story of what this kitchen is putting together. Indian, Mexican, Thai, Italian—there are seemingly no culinary borders that cannot be crossed, mixed, and matched on this menu. Corn mash with acorn squash set in a rich bacon jus speaks to this restaurant’s big, bold, and satisfying style. Roast potatoes tossed in a finely spiced masala gravy is another successful mash-up. Portion sizes
WebsiteOpened in 2008, the flagship restaurant from Chefs Andy Ticer and Michael Hudman remains one the city’s most enticing efforts. Divided into several small rooms, the cozy house in Brookhaven Circle celebrates Italian cooking with Southern influences. Appetizers and pastas are the strongest features, starting with the signature house breakfast of pork belly, pork rinds, polenta, and a runny egg. For a lighter beginning, swing for the tuna tartare with sundried tomatoes or tender squid stuffed with Barese sausage and set in a sharp puttanesca sauce. Mafaldi coated in a rich bianco veal ragu is as
WebsiteOpened in 2013, this Chinese restaurant has taken the city by storm—and rightly so. Although there are a number of offshoots around town, the original location in an unsuspecting Cordova strip center is the place to be. For those who love heat and savor spice, this is ground zero for fiery, tongue-numbing, chili-laden Sichuan cuisine. Focus on classics like the umami-packed mapo tofu, stir-fried cumin lamb, crispy chicken tossed in a mound of dried chilis and properly charred green beans. Portions are generous so bring friends and order with abandon.
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