Once you’ve experienced the vibrant honky-tonks and savored the renowned hot-chicken scene, a day trip from Nashville should be on your to-do list. Thankfully, neighboring cities and towns offer an abundance of natural and historical marvels, all set amidst picturesque hills that become even more captivating as the seasons shift.
From tasting Tennessee whiskey at a prominent distillery to delving into the enigmatic depths of a subterranean lake, here are eight fantastic day trip destinations, all within a three-hour car drive from Nashville – ideal for your upcoming escapade.
Embark on these memorable day trips from Nashville, Tennessee:
1. Immerse Yourself In History & Wine In Franklin, Tennessee
Franklin has evolved from its Confederate history and the site of the Battle of Franklin, one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War, into a charming suburban city teeming with unique shops and vibrant restaurants.
Begin your journey by visiting three significant Civil War landmarks in Franklin – Carnton Plantation, Lotz House, and Carter House – either through a guided tour with a local operator or by embarking on your own self-guided adventure. Later, make your way to downtown Franklin’s enchanting Main St for boutique shopping and indulge in delicious Southern cuisine at Gray’s on Main. End the day by savoring a bottle of honeysuckle wine at the nearby Arrington Vineyards.
2. Discover Waterfalls, Mountains & Railways In Chattanooga, Tennessee
Located six miles from downtown Chattanooga is Lookout Mountain, a mountain ridge spanning Tennessee, Alabama, and Georgia, offering a trio of nature-based attractions: Ruby Falls, Rock City, and the Incline Railway.
Embark on a guided cave exploration or a thrilling 700ft zip-line adventure at Ruby Falls, home to the world’s largest underground waterfall. Continue your day by wandering through the diverse plant life and picturesque scenery of Rock City Gardens.
Finally, hop aboard the Incline Railway, one of the steepest passenger railways globally, for an incredible bird’s-eye view from the Lookout Mountain observation deck.
3. Experience The Natural Beauty Of Rock Island State Park Tennessee
Covering 883 acres, Rock Island State Park offers a variety of nature-based activities suitable for both relaxed explorers and adventure seekers.
The park features a striking landscape, complete with a 30ft horseshoe waterfall that once powered a 19th-century cotton textile mill located above it. Choose from 9 hiking trails below the dam or, if you’re an experienced kayaker, paddle along the rushing stream.
The park is also a popular spot for fishing, swimming and birdwatching, with osprey, belted kingfishers as well as great blue herons frequently seen in the area.
4. Taste Whiskey In Lynchburg, Tennessee
The Jack Daniels Distillery, located in Lynchburg, has become synonymous with Tennessee whiskey, drawing enthusiasts of this renowned brown spirit. Although situated in a dry county, you can still sample whiskey from individual barrels during one of the informative distillery tours.
Lynchburg itself is worth discovering. For wine lovers, drop by the Lynchburg Winery and then treat yourself to a taste of rich Southern culinary history at Miss Mary Bobo’s Boarding House Restaurant.
Don’t forget to browse the nearby shops for an array of delightful handmade crafts.
5. Explore The Depths In Cave City, Kentucky
Families adore the subterranean rivers, glistening crystals, jagged stalagmites, and unique cave-dwelling wildlife of Mammoth Cave National Park, home to some of the most extraordinary ecosystems on the planet. The 400-mile surveyed passageways boast intriguing stories, such as the cave’s past as a tuberculosis hospital and its prehistoric mummy inhabitants.
Spend the day uncovering the mysteries of this US national park through cave tours and experiences, ranging from 30 minutes to six hours. After exploring the blind beetles and eyeless fish within the cave system, venture above ground for an afternoon of hiking, fishing, and zip-lining across 53,000 acres of lush forest.
6. Venture Into Space In Huntsville, Alabama
Huntsville, home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, is a town filled with space enthusiasts and experts. For those captivated by the cosmos, there’s no better place to explore the skies than at the US Space & Rocket Center. This Smithsonian-affiliated museum houses the world’s most extensive collection of space artifacts, including rocket and shuttle components. Both children and adults will be fascinated by the walk-through replica of the International Space Station and the thrilling G-Force simulator.
Huntsville has also emerged as an arts and culture hotspot. A prime example is the Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, the nation’s largest privately-owned arts facility. Housed in a former cotton mill, you can observe artists in over 150 studios, visit one of the seven galleries, or attend a performance in the on-site theater.
Complete your afternoon with a refreshing beer at one of Huntsville’s trendy breweries, such as Salty Nut Brewery, Yellowhammer Brewing, or Straight to Ale. Designated open-container areas around the town make it easy to continue exploring Huntsville with a to-go cup in hand.
7. Uncover Music & Civil-Rights History In Memphis, Tennessee
The journey from Nashville to Memphis spans over 200 miles, stretching the limits of a day trip, but it’s worth the extra time on the road for those interested in the history of rock ‘n’ roll or the civil-rights movement. However, you’ll likely only have time for one, so choose wisely.
For fans of “the King,” there’s no place that brings the legacy of Elvis to life quite like the eccentric and captivating Graceland. The full Elvis Experience tour takes about three-and-a-half hours, leaving time to enjoy the iconic Memphis pulled pork at Central BBQ before returning to Music City.
Another significant Memphis destination is the National Civil Rights Museum, partially housed in the motel where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. The museum chronicles the long and ongoing fight for African American equality in the US.
Inside the former motel, two rooms have been preserved as they were on the day King was killed. Other exhibits feature artifacts and multimedia installations recounting key moments in the civil-rights movement, such as a replica of a Montgomery, Alabama bus that shares the story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955.
8. Discover An Underground Lake In Sweetwater, Tennessee
Though Tennessee is landlocked, it boasts an incredible natural feature: its very own underground lake. Recognized as a registered natural landmark by the US Department of Interior and listed as “America’s largest underground lake” by the Guinness World Book of Records, the Lost Sea resides within the historic Craighead Caverns.
The true size of this body of water remains a mystery, but visitors can float across its 4-acre surface to observe crystal formations and colossal rainbow trout inhabiting the caverns during daily boat tours.
In the nearby town of Sweetwater, the revitalized Main St offers a bakery filled with scrumptious Southern treats, art galleries, and a wealth of antiques shopping opportunities.
Overall, these day trips offer a unique way to experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty surrounding Nashville. These memorable excursions are sure to leave you with a deeper appreciation for the region and a desire to explore more of what the area has to offer.