Amazon Prime Video subscribers may already be well aware of “Scarpetta,” which premiered on the streamer in March 2026. Based on Patricia Cornwell’s crime novels of the same name, the series explores the life and career of Dr. Kay Scarpetta, the chief medical examiner for various police departments. In the books, the eponymous hero travels the country, solving crimes in numerous states, including Florida, Virginia and South Carolina. On-screen, however, Dr. Kay’s adventures are captured on location in Nashville, Tennessee, with communities such as Old Hickory Village, Spring Hill and Franklin standing in for a variety of other cities. Despite the narrative bouncing back and forth between states all across the U.S., “Scarpetta” does an excellent job at highlighting the beauty of Nashville. If you’re a super-fan of the series, you may even be interested in booking a trip to Music City today, to walk in Scarpetta’s very footsteps.
Luckily, we’ve got the scoop on all the key “Scarpetta” filming locations, as well as a handful of restaurant, hotel and tourist recommendations that are approved by locals. Whether you’ve been meaning to check out Nashville for some time or the exciting city just hit your radar this week, be sure to read ahead as we break down some of the must-see sites for your itinerary. Just be sure to stay clear of any crime scenes, or your dark past might come back to haunt you decades down the road.
Your Guide To ‘Scarpetta’ Filming Locations In Nashville
Key Scenes: As reported by PrimeTimer, “Scarpetta” was shot in numerous locales in and around the greater Nashville area. Some of the core production neighborhoods include Germantown, Donelson, Spring Hill and Old Hickory Village. Old Hickory is a historic part of downtown Nashville, rife with early twentieth-century architecture and retro design schemes. That made it a perfect place for the series to showcase flashbacks to the 1970s, when Scarpetta was making her bones as a young up-and-coming crime scene analyst.
Transportation Options: Transportation in Nashville is generally straightforward. The city’s WeGo public transit buses offer single rides for $2, or all-day passes for just $4, making them ideal for anyone looking to explore everything downtown Nashville has to offer. You can also find Ubers, taxis and electric scooters on most street corners, giving you plenty of paid options for private transportation. If you’re looking to head out of the city and into the suburbs to see all of the “Scarpetta” filming locations, you may need to rent a vehicle, but those staying close to the action should be free to save their money for more adventures.
Best Time to Visit: Though Nashville is a beautiful city year-round, most locals advise visiting in the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Months like May and October offer mild weather, lower humidity, and great access to outdoor events, including music festivals and open-air markets.
Per The Cinemaholic, other sites in Nashville that “Scarpetta” used on-screen include Little Hats Italian Market in Germantown, suburban backdrops in Spring Hill and numerous businesses around the 100 Oaks Mall in Berry Hill. A vacant Amazon warehouse was also used to house interior soundstage sets, which allowed the filmmakers to create large backdrops of police stations, offices and characters’ homes. While you won’t have much luck poking around the Amazon warehouse to find filming locations, a quick jaunt around downtown Nashville will reveal plenty of eye-catching sites from the show.
Things to Do: When you first get into town, be sure to get your bearings with a Hop On Hop Off Trolley Tour, or perhaps a guided local food tour, which will run you through some of the city’s most innovative culinary achievements. From there, you’ll want to get acquainted with some of the most quintessential tourism locations, including the Grand Ole Opry, the Country Music Hall of Fame or the Gaylord Opryland Garden Conservatory. If you love to learn while taking in a few picturesque pieces of Americana, be sure to stop by the Johnny Cash Museum and Lane Motor Museum as well.
Where to Eat: Nashville is known for its food scene, leaving visitors and locals alike with endless culinary creations to explore. If it’s your first time visiting, be sure to check out Sun Diner, Gannons Nashville or the Santa Fe Cattle Company. If you have trouble getting a reservation at any of these highly sought-after eateries, don’t fret, as there are tons of options around every corner worth exploring. Don’t be afraid to ask a local about their favorite place downtown, either, since you’re likely to get a variety of good recommendations.
Where to Stay: Though Nashville has a reputation for being relatively affordable in comparison to other major U.S. cities, the hotel scene is fairly pricey. If cash isn’t an issue for you, and you don’t mind shelling out for an exceptional stay, consider booking a room at Embassy Suites Downtown, the Hyatt House Nashville Convention Center or Tru By Hilton Nashville Downtown. If these centrally located hotels are a little out of your price range, you can still find an affordable room further away from the action; it just might take a little Scarpetta-style investigation to find the best deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “Scarpetta” based on a true story?
Neither the books nor the “Scarpetta” series is based on any one true story, though Patricia Cornwell is said to have been heavily inspired by real-life forensic pathologists such as Dr. Marcella Farinelli Fierro, according to A&E. Likewise, many of the cases and killers in the narrative are inspired by real tales. At the end of the day, “Scarpetta” is a work of fiction, and not based on any preexisting true story.
Will there be a season two of “Scarpetta”?
“Scarpetta” has already received a season two order from Amazon Prime Video as of March 2026. The second season is expected to enter production very soon, and the story will follow up on season one’s gut-wrenching cliffhanger.
