Discover Wilson
24 carefully curated photography spots with GPS coordinates, shooting tips, and local insights
200 North Castle Heights Avenue
The Mitchell House in Lebanon is a historic landmark that transforms into a festive wonderland during the holidays. Photographers will find the grand architecture and elaborate light displays perfect for seasonal portraits and lifestyle photography. The combination of classic Southern charm and vibrant holiday decor offers numerous creative framing opportunities, especially during the evening when the lights are fully illuminated.
609 Fairgrounds Court
The Wilson County Fairgrounds in Lebanon, Tennessee, offers a vibrant and high-energy environment for photographers, especially during the annual fair. The location is characterized by a kaleidoscope of neon lights, colorful carnival attractions, and graphic signage, making it a premier destination for environmental portraiture and street photography. The mix of artificial lighting and nostalgic Americana provides endless creative opportunities for capturing dynamic, colorful compositions.
460 Wilson Boat Dock Road
Small public boat dock on a calm Tennessee lake offering classic waterscape compositions: piers, moored boats, reflections and marsh fringes. Best at sunrise or sunset for warm light and mirrored water; spring and fall add color and fewer bugs. Easy roadside access and informal parking; likely no fee but check local signs. Weekdays are quieter; prepare for muddy banks and insects in summer.
480 Wilson Boat Dock Road
Located near the shores of Old Hickory Lake, this area offers serene wooded lanes and proximity to the water, making it a prime spot for outdoor portraiture and nature photography. The dense canopy provides beautiful dappled light, while the quiet access roads offer clean, natural perspectives and leading lines for lifestyle shoots.
1755 West Main Street
A suburban Main Street location offering classic American streetscape shots: storefronts, signage, passing cars and local life. Best for capturing everyday urban textures, reflections, and evening neon. Visit at golden hour or blue hour for warm facades and dramatic sky; weekdays (mornings) are quieter for compositions without crowds. Street parking and public sidewalks make access easy; no special entry requirements. Expect typical Tennessee light and occasional busy traffic on West Main.
36.046584
Semi-rural/suburban spot at 36.046584, -86.412165 offers classic Tennessee visuals — tree-lined roads, open fields, scattered ponds and backroad viewpoints ideal for low-contrast landscapes and seasonal color. Easily reached by car; roadside pullouts and small public parking areas nearby. Best visited at sunrise or golden hour for warm directional light and mist over fields; weekdays are quieter. No special permits required for casual shooting but respect private property and farm gates.
Nashville Cars and Coffee
Weekly Cars & Coffee meet featuring a wide mix of classic, exotic, and modified cars in an open parking-lot setting. Shoot car details, profiles, owner portraits, and dynamic arrival/driving shots. Best at early-morning event hours (arrivals ~7–10AM) for soft light and active scenes. Easy roadside parking; expect crowds on weekends—bring a small tripod and be respectful of owners. No formal entry fee; ask before shooting interiors or posed portraits.
Chad's Winter Wonderland
Seasonal drive-through and walkable holiday light display with dense, colorful installations, animated scenes and tunnels — ideal for night photography, light trails and festive details. Best visited at blue hour to capture sky plus lit displays; weekdays or early/late evenings reduce crowds. Venue is ticketed and vehicle-accessible with on-site parking; bring warm clothing in winter. Expect car headlights and moving visitors; plan for tripod-friendly spots at pedestrian viewing areas.
Nashville Superspeedway
Large oval track near Lebanon, TN offering dynamic racing action, pit/paddock details, grandstand lines and illuminated night races. Best visited on event days for on-track shots; arrive early for paddock access and golden hour exteriors. Weekdays or non-event days allow empty-track architectural abstracts. Large on-site parking; tickets and media credentials required for pit/track access. Drone use requires permission and FAA compliance.
Boxwell Scout Reservation
Wooded campgrounds, lakeshore, cabins, rope courses and rustic architecture offer intimate nature and activity shots. Best at golden hour and during fall foliage; water reflections at sunrise. Site is a Scout reservation — access often restricted to organized groups, so arrange permission or visit during public events. Parking at trailheads/camp lots; wear boots for trails. Weekdays outside camp season are quiet for landscape work.
Heron Island
Small island and waterside habitat on Old Hickory Lake known for wading birds, shoreline reflections and seasonal foliage. Best for bird and waterscape shots at golden hours; calm mornings produce mirror-like reflections. Accessible from nearby shore parking and short walks—check local signage for public access and private property. Expect mosquitoes in warm months; bring long lens for skittish birds.
Duck Head campsite
Small riverside campsite offering classic Tennessee landscape shots: river reflections, tree-lined banks, meadows and campfire scenes. Best at golden hour and blue hour for warm light and long exposures; clear nights offer star trails. Site is vehicle-accessible from Camp Craig Rd with basic parking; check local park/campground reservations and leave-no-trace rules. Weekdays and shoulder seasons mean fewer campers.
Millstone Harbor
Small marina on the eastern shore near Mt. Juliet offering docks, moored boats, calm water reflections and tree-lined shore — ideal for golden-hour skies and mirror reflections. Visit at sunrise or sunset for warm light and dramatic clouds; weekday mornings are least crowded. Easy roadside parking and no formal entry fees; accessible by car with short walks along piers. Seasonal foliage and storm-sky drama make it special for intimate waterscape shots near Nashville.
Boxwell Reservation
Wooded ridges, open fields, a small lake and rustic scout buildings make Boxwell Reservation a versatile spot for nature and environmental portraiture. Best at sunrise/sunset for warm light and long shadows; spring/fall offer wildflowers and foliage. Trails are mostly moderate; parking and picnic areas available. Note: Boxwell is an active Boy Scout camp—check event schedules and request access or permission for extensive shooting, especially on weekends.
Harbor Island Cove at Vanderbilt Road
Small tranquil cove on Old Hickory Lake offering calm water reflections, shoreline trees and occasional boating/wildlife — great for serene waterscapes and intimate nature frames. Best at sunrise or golden hour for warm side-light and mirror reflections; weekdays reduce boat traffic. Accessible from Vanderbilt Rd with roadside parking; observe private property signs.
Camp light
Small rural summer camp set in rolling Tennessee woods and meadows — good for photographing cabins, campfire scenes, trails, reflections in small ponds and wide open skies for dramatic sunsets or stars. Best light is golden hour and after dusk for milky-way/long exposures. Access from Creighton Ln; parking likely limited at a small lot or pull-off. Confirm access/booking before shooting — may be private or reserved for groups. Spring–fall offers foliage and active camp life; winter gives stark,
Rose Celebrations Rentals
Rose Celebrations Rentals is an event rental venue with stylized tablescapes, floral arrangements, backdrops and staged event sets — ideal for detail, editorial and portrait work. Photograph tabletop vignettes, linens, decor and any on-site gardens or ceremony setups; golden hour brings warm light to outdoor setups, while interiors benefit from window light and controlled flash. The venue is privately operated — contact ahead for access and permission. On-site parking is typically available; mid
Craig Conservation Yard
Small conservation site on the outskirts of Lebanon offering rural landscapes, native-plant habitat, and ponds — good for close-up nature, seasonal wildflowers, and quiet landscape compositions. Best visited at golden hour for warm side-light and reflections; weekday mornings have the fewest people and calm water. Easy roadside access and informal parking; no formal entry fee but respect posted signs and habitat areas. Useful as a short stop between nearby parks for mood shots of Tennessee's low
Camp Craig
Camp Craig offers wooded campsites, rustic cabins, waterfront scenes and trails — great for intimate landscape, nature and lifestyle camp shots. Best at golden hour for warm light on lake and trees; spring/fall foliage adds color. Accessible by car with on-site parking; quiet weekdays outside summer program. Respect private/camp schedules and any posted rules; ask permission before photographing groups or staff.
Nashville East / Lebanon KOA Journey
Wooded KOA campground with RV sites, cabins and open fields—good for campsite lifestyle, golden-hour landscapes, starry-night shots and intimate campfire portraits. Easy roadside access off Safari Camp Rd, free parking for visitors who check in; request permission for commercial shoots. Best light at sunrise/sunset; weekdays and shoulder seasons have fewer guests. Summer foliage and autumn colors add variety; expect typical campground noise and seasonal traffic.
Craig Green Bar Yard
Craig Green Bar Yard is a small community green space in Lebanon, TN offering open lawns, mature shade trees and informal paths — good for environmental portraits, small-group lifestyle shots and low-key landscape frames. Visit at golden hour (sunrise or late afternoon) for warm side-light and long shadows. Weekdays and early mornings are least crowded. On-site parking and easy pedestrian access make gear transport simple; check local event schedules for festivals or weekend crowds.
Craig Activity Field
Open community sports field with wide skies, manicured grass and surrounding trees — good for minimalist landscapes, long shadows at golden hour, and event/action sports photography. Easy roadside access and parking; no entry fee. Best at sunrise or late afternoon for warm side-light and cloud drama; weekdays are quieter. Modest local vibe makes candid community shots possible; bring protection from sun and wind.
Inflatables-R-Us MJ
A local inflatable rental yard and event setup spot — colorful bounce houses, obstacle courses and slide rigs offer bold shapes, saturated colors and tight textures. Best for shooting event prep, delivery/installation action, or staged product-style images. Visit during late afternoon golden hour or overcast midday for even color; weekdays are quiet for setup shots, weekends host busy backyard parties. Site is roadside with parking; ask owner for permission before shooting children or private on
Jeffrozenfoods
Small-town frozen-food shop on Sparta Pike offering colorful signage, storefront textures and roadside character. Best for documentary/street-style frames and detail shots. Visit golden hour or overcast days for even light. Easy roadside parking; wheelchair-accessible sidewalks likely. No entry fee; weekdays quieter. Combines Americana charm with local commerce—best as part of a broader Watertown road-trip shoot.