Driving from Franklin to Nashville, Tennessee on Interstate 65

Driving on I-65 from Franklin to Nashville, Tennessee, starting at Interstate 840 and ending at State Road 45, offers a scenic and dynamic journey through one of the most vibrant regions in the state. Here’s a detailed description of the drive:
Starting at Interstate 840
Interstate 840 Interchange:
Begin your journey at the interchange with Interstate 840, a beltway around the Nashville metropolitan area. This area is characterized by rolling hills and green landscapes typical of Middle Tennessee.
Heading North on I-65
Cool Springs Area:
As you head north, you’ll soon approach the Cool Springs area, known for its bustling commercial activity. You’ll pass by the CoolSprings Galleria, a large shopping mall with major retailers like Macy's, Apple Store, and Belk. The surrounding area is filled with restaurants and businesses, including J. Alexander's, BrickTop's, and Stoney River Steakhouse.
Moore’s Lane Interchange (Exit 69):
Continuing north, you’ll encounter the Moore’s Lane interchange. This exit provides access to numerous office parks and residential neighborhoods. Nearby, you’ll find Lowe’s, Target, and Whole Foods Market.
Brentwood Area:
Further along I-65, you’ll enter Brentwood, a wealthy suburb of Nashville known for its beautiful homes and corporate offices. The Maryland Farms office park is visible from the highway, housing companies like Comdata and Healthways. Along this stretch, you’ll also pass Costco, Nordstrom Rack, and Trader Joe’s.
Entering Metropolitan Nashville
Old Hickory Boulevard Interchange (Exit 74):
As you continue north, you’ll reach the Old Hickory Boulevard interchange, a major exit serving Brentwood and the southern parts of Nashville. This area is packed with businesses, including Embassy Suites, Courtyard by Marriott, and Nashville Golf & Athletic Club.
Harding Place Interchange (Exit 78):
Moving closer to Nashville, you’ll pass the Harding Place interchange. This exit serves residential areas and local businesses like Sam's Club and Walgreens. The Harding Mall area has various dining options such as Panera Bread and Chipotle.
Wedgewood-Houston Area:
Nearing downtown Nashville, you’ll pass through the Wedgewood-Houston area, an emerging neighborhood known for its art galleries, breweries, and trendy restaurants. You’ll see landmarks like the Nashville Fairgrounds and Geodis Park, home of Nashville SC.
Entering Downtown Nashville
Interchange with I-440:
Shortly after, you’ll encounter the interchange with I-440, a bypass around downtown Nashville. This is a critical junction for navigating the city's traffic. Nearby, you’ll find the Tennessee State Fairgrounds, hosting various events and flea markets.
Interchange with I-40/I-24:
As you enter downtown Nashville, I-65 merges with I-40 and I-24. This area is dense with urban development, and you’ll see the iconic Nashville skyline, including the AT&T Building (locally known as the Batman Building). Key landmarks include the Music City Center, Bridgestone Arena, and Country Music Hall of Fame.
Exiting Downtown Nashville
Jefferson Street Interchange (Exit 84):
Exiting downtown, you’ll reach the Jefferson Street interchange, serving the historically significant Jefferson Street corridor, home to various cultural and educational institutions like Tennessee State University and Fisk University.
North Nashville and Beyond
MetroCenter Area:
Continuing north, you’ll pass through the MetroCenter area, a hub of office buildings and the Tennessee State Government offices. There are several hotels and dining options, including Monell’s at the Manor and Jack’s Bar-B-Que.
Trinity Lane Interchange (Exit 87):
The Trinity Lane interchange offers access to East Nashville and Inglewood, neighborhoods known for their eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and music venues. Nearby businesses include Kroger, Waffle House, and McDonald's.
Reaching State Road 45
Ending at State Road 45 (Exit 92):
Your journey concludes at the interchange with State Road 45 (also known as Old Hickory Boulevard) in Madison, a suburban area north of Nashville. This area features shopping centers such as Rivergate Mall, with major stores like Dillard’s, JCPenney, and Best Buy. Restaurants in this area include Olive Garden, Red Lobster, and Chili’s.
Final Destination
Madison Area:
Madison offers a mix of residential neighborhoods, commercial districts, and recreational areas like Peeler Park. State Road 45 continues to provide access to various local amenities and routes leading further into Tennessee.
This drive provides a mix of suburban comfort, urban excitement, and scenic views, showcasing the diverse landscape and vibrant culture of the Nashville metropolitan area.