Five stars for the museum grounds and preservation of The Hermitage. It was easy to find and a pleasant walk despite the scorching heat.
Andrew Jackson's Hermitage is well preserved and beautiful. The mansion tour was very lackluster and somewhat disappointing. The tour guide didn't even know where our free wine tasting was...a big red flag. Another tour guide said it was in the first building area where we presented our tickets. Our tour guide was difficult to listen to and understand unfortunately. Maybe she was having a bad day. The tour groups seem to be disorganized and conflict with each other. I found myself overhearing other tour guides and groups since we were so close to each other in the mansion. I would have preferred the VIP tour, but it was sold out. I got more information about the Hermitage and Andrew Jackson online than the tour guide. This was a problem for me.
The wine tasting was so so. I had to locate the place by asking the people in the ticket center area and another tour guide. Once I located it, I noticed there were no lines or anyone to direct me where to go. You just walk up to the crowded bar and show your ticket & ID. The lady giving the wine tasting gave the best service in the Hermitage.
The gift shop staff were semi polite yet cold. One of the gift shop ladies at the cash register said she could not give me change for $20. I told her I only had a $20 bill. I just needed change for $5 to use the penny press machine. She forgot to give me pennies though. I had to remind her. She said she could only give me 20 pennies or less for change to use for the penny press machines. She could have offered to help me get change from other sales people or ticket vendors. I decided not to say anything. I never had this problem with getting change.
The highlight of the tour was seeing the garden and the cemetery area by the mansion. Very beautiful flowers and picturesque. I do have to take away one star for the mansion tour an other factors. My companion thought it was lacking and overpriced. My suggestion is to save your money and pay for the VIP or Commander in Chief tour. It may cost more but you are saving money by getting better quality tour service. If you love revisiting museums, get a year membership. You get a discount on the pricier tours and unlimited passes for a year for the grounds pass and mansion tours tickets. I really wanted to give this place an excellent rating, but I can not dismiss some of the flaws I...
Read moreTime can either be your friend or enemy...in my case, it was my enemy (or just poor planning) because we ran out of time during the day and our entire Nashville trip. This was on the list of places to visit, but it also wasn't at the very top of our list either. I decided to drive here on a whim, late afternoon to see if maybe we could sneak in that final hour to get the entire experience at the Hermitage, but we fell short. We were met by security personnel that stated they already concluded their final tour but the gift shop was still open to visit - so we took advantage of that.
After we parked and started to walk towards the main facility, I couldn't help but realize how quiet/tranquil that area was. The landscape and building were beautifully maintained and the employees on site were very hospitable. The gift shop had a lot of phenomenal items to purchase; not just the ordinary post card, shot glasses, and/or refrigerator magnets. We ended up purchasing a few things and were thankful that the store provided a box with padding for one of the ceramics and padding for our glassware because we had to fly back home with those items.
The prices at the gift shop were adequate and I highly respect this business for their continued support to the active service members of the Armed Forces, including its Veterans - thank you for that! Unfortunately, I can't provide more information about this visit so this review is just a placeholder until I can visit this area again to actually take the tour. If you're highly interested in visiting this place, go online and research their tour hours and prices beforehand. Keep in mind that they have a winery so you're able to enjoy the tour with some adult beverages and/or experience their wine tasting event(s). I'll update this review and rating (if applicable) if I get the opportunity to actually experience the entire Hermitage. As of now, I highly recommend this place to everyone. Sorry, no pictures attached to this review - there was a sign that prohibits picture taking...unless I...
Read moreVisiting Andrew Jackson's Hermitage in Nashville was an enriching and profoundly educational experience that I would recommend to anyone with an interest in American history. The Hermitage, once home to the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson, is not just a museum but a journey back in time that offers a glimpse into the early 19th century and the complex figure of Jackson himself.
The grounds of the Hermitage are impeccably maintained, spanning over 1,000 acres of beautifully preserved land, offering visitors the chance to explore not just the mansion itself but also the gardens, slave quarters, and other historical buildings that provide insight into the era's way of life. The mansion tour was a highlight, where the knowledgeable and passionate guides shared fascinating stories about Jackson, his family, and the times they lived in, making history come alive in a way that was both engaging and informative.
What impressed me the most was the Hermitage's commitment to telling the full story of Andrew Jackson's legacy, including the controversial aspects of his presidency and his role in the Trail of Tears. The exhibit on slavery at the Hermitage was particularly moving, offering a poignant reminder of the darker chapters of American history and the lives of the enslaved people who worked on the plantation.
The Hermitage also offers a variety of interactive exhibits and educational programs, making it an ideal destination for families and visitors of all ages. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a day out in a serene setting, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage offers something for everyone.
In summary, my visit to the Hermitage was not only enjoyable but also deeply impactful. It provided a well-rounded perspective on a pivotal figure in American history and offered a meaningful reflection on the past. The Hermitage is a testament to preserving history and educating future generations, making it a must-visit...
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