Tennessee is home to several sought-after travel destinations, especially during the fall. You can indulge in a number of pastimes here — from exploring state parks and attending seasonal events to dining at renowned eateries. Throw in small-town charm and beautiful scenery, and you’ve got these five places throughout the state to consider for your next fall getaway: Brownsville, South Central TN/TN Whiskey Trail, Johnson City, Hartsville, and Claiborne County.
Brownsville, TN
In addition to serving as the hometown of legendary singer Tina Turner, Brownsville offers a vibrant art scene, stunning natural scenery, and a charming downtown district. Here are some ways to make the most of your time here!
The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center and Tina Turner Museum is a popular destination that offers three regional museums, each dedicated to the culture of rural West Tennessee. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll also find Flagg Grove School, Tina Turner’s childhood school that houses some of her costumes, records, photos, and other memorabilia from her career.
SB Tip: Be sure to also visit the last home of blues musician and Brownsville native Sleepy John Estes, located right next door!
Another local museum, the Dunbar Carver Museum, sits inside the once-segregated Carver High School. Located along historic Jefferson Street, once known as Brownsville’s “Black Wall Street,” the museum highlights the lives of African Americans in Haywood County through a collection of documents, media, and artifacts.
For a unique photo op, visit Tennessee’s tallest metal sculpture, “The Mindfield” by Billy Tripp. Using salvaged materials, Billy has been working on the art piece since 1989, and it now stands over 130 feet in height. Located on South Monroe Avenue, the sculpture is said to represent Billy’s own emotions, personal growth, and life in general.
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure amidst beautiful scenery, spend the afternoon at the Hatchie National Wildlife Refuge. Located on over 11,000 acres, the federal preserve invites you to bring your own canoe and enjoy up-close views of a wide variety of bird species.
Brownsville’s Historic Downtown Court Square is another must-visit destination. The town’s courthouse sits in the middle of a roundabout, surrounded by local boutiques and stores. As you stroll through the streets, stop and explore the murals, the local amphitheater, and Tamm Park.
When you’re ready to refuel, stop into Livingston’s Soda Fountain & Grill, located in the Historic Court Square. The 1950s-style diner includes a working soda fountain, a jukebox, and a menu of sandwiches, burgers, and salads.
South Central TN/TN Whiskey Trail
An easy way to explore Tennessee distilleries, the TN Whiskey Trail highlights over 20 of the best local options. The attraction offers much more than just whiskey, though — everything from outdoor adventure and shopping to delicious dining options.
Kick off your adventure at the trail’s official starting point in South Central Tennessee, where there are a few great places to book an overnight room or two. Popular lodging options include The Silos at Promise Manor (Lynchburg), Miss Elizabeth’s Place (Lynchburg), Lakeside Cottages at Twin Creek Marina (Winchester), and The Enchanting Castle Hall (Fayetteville).
When you’re ready to start exploring the distilleries, there are a few ways to get your TN Whiskey Trail passport. You can pick up a physical passport from one of the participating distilleries or download a digital version HERE.
Popular South Central TN distilleries along the trail include Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Prichard’s Distillery, Big Machine Distillery, Nearest Green Distillery, and Cascade Hollow-Home of George Dickel.
SB Tip: Many distilleries on the trail are dog-friendly and offer a special Pawsport!
Before or after your whiskey tastings, carve out some time to go leaf-peeping! Perhaps the most well-known destination, “The Cross” at Sewanee offers sweeping views and a kaleidoscope of colors, from yellow and red to orange and brown.
South Cumberland State Park is another popular destination for taking in the fall foliage. Popular treks include those to Fiery Gizzard, Denny Cove, Lost Cove, and Grundy Lakes.
Savage Gulf State Park is also known for its autumn views, as it offers the first-ever viewfinders that use a special lens to help people with color blindness see the vibrant colors of fall!
If you’re looking for quintessential fall fun on the farm, Limoland Pumpkin Patch in Pulaski is the perfect place! In addition to pumpkins, the farm offers a giant slide, corn maze, barrel train rides, and animals.
When you’re ready for lunch or dinner, there are plenty of local eateries to choose from. Conveniently located inside Jack Daniel’s Distillery, Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant offers an ever-changing menu of authentic Southern dishes. Offerings include favorites like fried chicken, meatloaf, and catfish.
We also recommend visiting Ken’s Fast Foods to try the iconic Lincoln County Slawburger, featuring the restaurant’s signature vinegar-mustard slaw dressing. And don’t forget the fries!
Johnson City
Nestled in the heart of the mountains in East Tennessee, Johnson City offers fun for all types of travelers — whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a music lover, or a foodie. These are the spots not to miss!
You’ll likely need a day or two to explore, so we recommend booking a room at the Carnegie Hotel. The boutique hotel offers 137 beautifully appointed guest rooms, and it’s conveniently located near some of the best local restaurants and shops.
For an unforgettable meal, reserve a table at Juniper. In addition to a variety of craft cocktails, the restaurant offers standout entrées like North Carolina trout, filet mignon, and ribeye.
If you’re traveling with children or prefer more casual dining, Cootie Brown’s is also nearby. While there are three locations throughout Tennessee, the flagship eatery is in Johnson City. It’s known for delicious tamales, pizza, and burgers. And don’t forget to order a slice of their famous key lime pie!
For outdoor fun and beautiful fall views, Buffalo Mountain Park is a 725-acre green space known for its hiking, picnicking, and nature programs. You can also take a leisurely stroll through Founder’s Park, which boasts beautiful works of art and a free fall concert series.
Cyclists can rent a bike through Local Motion and enjoy a thrilling ride through Tannery Knobs Mountain Bike Park, home to 40 acres of wooded terrain that’s open to all skill levels. Tweetsie Trail is a great option for a more leisurely ride, offering a 9.5-mile trail.
Children and families will enjoy spending the afternoon at Brights Zoo. In addition to housing the only spotless giraffe in the U.S., this zoo offers close-up views of penguins, monkeys, zebras, and more.
Another popular attraction, the Martin Center for the Arts hosts a variety of exciting events. The Fall 2024 calendar includes performances of The Book of Mormon and The Nutcracker, along with a concert by singer-songwriter Ben Folds.
For a nightcap, The Windsor Speakeasy is an upscale bar with a selection of craft cocktails, wine, and beer on offer. In addition to the classics, you can also find fun specialty cocktails like the Red Wine Supernova, the Mama Nina, and the Bye Bye — the perfect send-off on your last night in the area.
Hartsville, TN
“Get to the Hart” with a fall getaway offering riverfront views, leaf-peeping adventures, and seasonal fun. Here are some of the best things to do and see in the city of Hartsville!
Located along the banks of the Cumberland River, Hartsville offers beautiful fall foliage alongside tranquil waterfront views. We recommend taking in the views from the water, as there’s plenty of room to boat, paddleboard, canoe, or even jet ski.
Offering four access points, the river is also a popular fishing destination. In fact, the largest recorded fish caught in the area was said to be 25 pounds and 41 inches long!
Another place with beautiful viewpoints along the Cumberland River is a 17-stop driving tour that dives deep into the history of The Battle of Hartsville. As you drive, you’ll see historic buildings and homes that were once used as hospitals, as well as river crossings and a cemetery.
After your driving tour, visit Hartsville’s Historic Town Square, where you’ll find a variety of charming restaurants, including Hartsville Taco Company, Goose Creek Coffee, and Dillehay’s Cafe.
The Hartsville Town Square is also home to Creebank Stadium, where you can watch the legendary Yellow Jackets play football in the fall!
While Hartsville is a dreamy destination year-round, fall offers some of the best seasonal produce and food. In fact, foodies from surrounding areas flock to Hartsville to take advantage of Farmer’s Harvest. The local staple offers locally sourced meats and veggies, homemade ice cream, and an after-hours speakeasy all under one roof!
SB Tip: Farmer’s Harvest is also known to host live music and trivia nights, so check out their Facebook page to see what’s happening during your stay.
For an adventure that’s a bit more off the beaten path, The Cove Campground & Restaurant is nestled along a tree-lined country road near the Cumberland River. While here, you’re invited to set up your RV, camper, or tent to enjoy an evening under the stars.
When your group gets hungry, the on-site restaurant has you covered. This fall, they’ll be offering a brand-new breakfast buffet in addition to the already-beloved lunch and dinner menus. You’ll find everything from traditional barbecue and burger to seafood dishes — plenty of options to fuel your stay!
Claiborne County, TN
While Claiborne County is undoubtedly beautiful year-round, the fall months are full of seasonal fun and picturesque landscapes. Made up of four cities — New Tazewell, Tazewell, Harrogate, and Cumberland Gap — Claiborne County deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Here’s why!
As home to part of the Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, we recommend spending an afternoon exploring some of its trails. Perhaps the most popular trek is the journey to Tri-State Peak, where you can stand in three states at once: Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.
Another great viewpoint is located at Pinnacle Overlook in Cumberland Gap. Follow the four-mile road from the park’s visitor center to enjoy sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and fall foliage.
Another popular outdoor destination is Norris Lake, which is 129 miles long and the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful afternoon of boating or fishing. You can even stay at one of the lake’s campgrounds to really soak in the fall foliage when the colors are at their peak.
Golfers will enjoy playing a round or two at Woodlake Golf Course, which overlooks Norris Lake. Dubbed “the best-kept golf secret in the South,” the par-72 course includes a unique terrain of bent-grass greens and Bermuda fairways.
For more water-related fun, head to the Powell River Blueway Trail and rent a kayak or boat from Rustic River Resort. Or, for a tubing adventure, turn to the experts at Riverside Rentals.
Then, after a day on the water, head back to the resort to refuel at the on-site restaurant, which offers hearty options like pizza, burgers, steak, and seafood.
History buffs will enjoy the Abraham Lincoln Library and Museum. Having recently undergone a two-year, multi-million-dollar renovation, the center dives deep into the life and legacy of America’s 16th president.
To round out your time in Claiborne County, spend a few hours walking through the streets of Historic Downtown Cumberland Gap. Whistle Stop Antiques is a charming shop full of vintage treasures, while The Village Shops offers on-trend clothing and Cumberland Gap Artists Co-op sells local artwork.
When you’re ready for a pick-me-up, stop into any of the nearby restaurants for a bite to eat. Nineteen19 Grill & Bar is popular among both locals and tourists, serving favorites like chicken and waffles, Wagyu sliders, and a Philly cheesesteak.
This article is sponsored by TN Vacation, Visit Brownsville, TN, Tennessee Whiskey Trail, Visit Johnson City, Hartsville-Trousdale County, and Claiborne Economic Partnership.
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