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The United States home of country music, Nashville, has a lot of live music, fun sites and activities for residents and visitors alike, but it is also surrounded by historic sites, state parks recreation, great food, shopping, and much more–just a day trip away. These places, in all directions from Nashville, are a great way to spend a day. So here are some ideas to have the best weekend road trips from Nashville.
Graceland Is A Great Place To Start
Elvis Presley Blvd, Memphis, TN 38116
Just a short drive and fun road trips from Nashville, the small town of Graceland, the home of the late King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Elvis, is located in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, and attracts millions of visitors every year. Walk through the beautiful southern-style mansion–from the Jungle Room to the horse stables to the recording studio.
For a little bit extra, you can tour Elvis’ private jets, and his cars and watch compelling documentaries about the King. Tour prices range between $34 and $70, offering different levels of tickets and different exhibits with each.
Dollywood Is One Of The Best Places To Visit On Your Great Weekend Trip
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd, Pigeon Forge, TN 37863
Just a 4-hour drive from Nashville in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Dollywood is a theme park named after country music star Dolly Parton.
The park is located in the heart of the Smokey Mountains and has rides, concessions, shows, a gift shop, and much more to keep you entertained all day. The park also has a water park and numerous dinner shows.
Mammoth Cave National Park For An Outdoor Adventure Should Be Your Next Stop
Just south of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, Mammoth Cave is only 1.5 hours north of Nashville and road trips from Nashville are super easy. The most visited national park has more than 367 miles of the explored cave (and much more unexplored) and is the world’s longest cave system.
Take the cave tours through the expansive and cavernous cave systems with a tour guide, learning about the geological phenomenon and history behind the attraction. Mammoth attracts millions of tourists every year. The rest of the park offers picnic areas, camping, horseback riding, and activities for children.
You can learn a lot more about Mammoth Cave here: Ultimate Guide to Mammoth Cave, Kentucky (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)
Tennessee Walking Horse Museum Is One Of The Best Things To See
27 Main St E, Wartrace, TN 37183
The Tennessee Walking Horse Museum is the only museum devoted to preserving the history of the Walking Horse. The museum is in Lynchburg, approximately 70 miles south of Nashville. The museum offers information on the formation of the breed, foundation bloodlines, World Grand Champions, care, and training. Admission is free.
The Jack Daniel’s Distillery Is One Of The Top Attractions And A Fun Place
280 Lynchburg Hwy, Lynchburg, TN 37352
The Jack Daniels Distillery is located around an hour from downtown Nashville 75 miles southeast in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Enjoy a guided tour to hear about the rich history of Jack Daniels Whiskey, and perhaps try a sample.
Lucky visitors end up here on the fourth Saturday of October. They get to be around for the World Championship Invitational Barbecue. It has been around since 1989 and offers groups the chance to compete. Categories include pork shoulder, pork ribs, chicken, sauces, desserts, and beef brisket.
The Jack Daniel’s Distillery, in Lynchburg, was licensed in 1866. It is the oldest registered distillery in the United States and a National Historic Site. Tours last approximately one hour and require walking. Visitors are not permitted to bring backpacks, tote bags, or shopping bags on the tour. Taking photographs is limited to certain areas. The distillery is located in a ‘dry’ county. Admission is free.
Music City Raceway Is A Cool Place
3302 Ivey Point Rd, Goodlettsville, TN 37072
The Music City Raceway, established in 1958, was known as Union Hill Raceway or “The Hill” for the first 25 years and is the longest-running drag racing facility in NHRA Division 2. Time trials begin in February and the season runs from March through November.
The racetrack was renovated in 2007 and features air-conditioned restrooms, new grandstands, and an expanded concession menu. Street Legal programs run on Tuesday and Friday nights. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Parking and pit passes are free. It is about 14 miles north of the city of Nashville.
Virgin Falls Is One Of The Best Road Trips from Nashville
2080 Scotts Gulf Road, Sparta, TN 38583
At Virgin Falls, an underground stream emerges from a cave then drops over a 110-foot-high cliff and flows into another cave at the bottom. The falls are in Sparta, about 90 miles from Nashville. Other waterfalls in the area include Big Laurel, Sheep Cave Falls, and Big Branch Falls. The caves are Big Laurel, Sheep Cave, and Virgin Falls Cave.
Caney Fork Overlook offers a view of the Caney Fork River 900 feet below. No camping is allowed above the Virgin Falls. The hike to Virgin Falls and back to the parking area takes five to eight hours depending on the path you choose. The streams are known for flash flooding–call ahead for weather conditions.
The Farm For The Best Weekend Getaways And Outdoor Activities
100 Farm Rd, Summertown, TN 38483
The Farm is an intentional community in Summertown, Tennessee, about an hour and a half outside downtown Nashville. It has a rich history that dates back to free-thinkers in San Francisco wanting to build a commune to escape from the perils of the city.
Although it is a gated community, someone is typically waiting at the front gate. Visitors are welcome to come for different events. For instance, take the Shiitake Mushroom Growing Basics class at the Ecovillage Training Center in February 2010. The Ecovillage also welcomes people to drop in and see its facilities.
Fall Creek Falls State Park Is Great For The Entire Family
2009 Village Camp Rd, Spencer, TN 38585
Fall Creek Falls State Park is located on the Cumberland Plateau around 120 miles from Nashville. It is a traditional place to visit for Tennessee families and romantic couples. The park features Fall Creek Falls, the highest waterfall in the eastern United States.
There are a couple of other waterfalls in the park too including Cane Creek Cascades and Cane Creek Falls. If you decide to stay the night, experience nature on the campgrounds or in a lakeside cabin.
General Jackson Showboat For Your Best Road Trips from Nashville
2812 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
The General Jackson Showboat offers guests midday and evening cruises down the Cumberland River of downtown Nashville. Although you might not travel far, relaxing and being entertained should keep you occupied.
A typical midday cruise means listening to fiddle player and comedian Tim Watson while eating a lunch made up of a salad, entree, and dessert from March to November of 2010. A typical evening cruise explores the classics of country music while you eat Prime Rib or Catfish from March to November.
Canoeing At The Harpeth For A Great Weekend Getaway
The Harpeth River is an ideal location and a popular destination for canoeing because you can get to it within 25 minutes of leaving downtown Nashville. Stop by one of the many canoe rental locations near Kingston Springs to get started.
Take precautions; many young people have flipped and gotten hurt. Be aware and do not party too hard. Although the cops might not seem to be nearby, drinking on the water can be risky. You don’t want to flip when you are drunk beyond recognition, and you might have to drive home.
Tennessee became a state in 1796. Nashville was settled on Christmas Day in 1779 and the city became the state capitol in 1843. The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center is the largest non-gaming hotel in the United States. The city had more than 11.5 million visitors.
