5 Beautiful Tennessee Fall Weekend Getaways
If you're in the midst of planning a fall getaway, consider adding Tennessee to your list. Here are some of the best places to visit this season β all located in the Volunteer State!
Tennessee is home to several sought-after travel destinations, especially during the fall. You can indulge in a number of pastimes here β from exploring state parks and attending seasonal events to dining at renowned eateries. Throw in small-town charm and beautiful scenery, and youβve 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, youβll also find Flagg Grove School, Tina Turnerβs 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 Brownsvilleβs βBlack Wall Street,β 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 Tennesseeβs tallest metal sculpture, βThe Mindfieldβ 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 Billyβs own emotions, personal growth, and life in general.
If youβre 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.
Brownsvilleβs Historic Downtown Court Square is another must-visit destination. The townβs 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 youβre ready to refuel, stop into Livingstonβs 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 β everything from outdoor adventure and shopping to delicious dining options.
Kick off your adventure at the trailβs 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 Elizabethβs Place (Lynchburg), Lakeside Cottages at Twin Creek Marina (Winchester), and The Enchanting Castle Hall (Fayetteville).
When youβre 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 Danielβs Distillery, Prichardβs 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, βThe Crossβ 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 youβre 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 youβre ready for lunch or dinner, there are plenty of local eateries to choose from. Conveniently located inside Jack Danielβs Distillery, Miss Mary Boboβs Restaurant offers an ever-changing menu of authentic Southern dishes. Offerings include favorites like fried chicken, meatloaf, and catfish.
We also recommend visiting Kenβs Fast Foods to try the iconic Lincoln County Slawburger, featuring the restaurantβs signature vinegar-mustard slaw dressing. And donβt forget the fries!
Johnson City
Nestled in the heart of the mountains in East Tennessee, Johnson City offers fun for all types of travelers β whether youβre an outdoor enthusiast, a music lover, or a foodie. These are the spots not to miss!
Youβll 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 itβs 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 entrΓ©es like North Carolina trout, filet mignon, and ribeye.
If youβre traveling with children or prefer more casual dining, Cootie Brownβs is also nearby. While there are three locations throughout Tennessee, the flagship eatery is in Johnson City. Itβs known for delicious tamales, pizza, and burgers. And donβt 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 Founderβs 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 thatβs 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 ArtsΒ hosts a variety of exciting events. The Fall 2024 calendar includes performances of The Book of Mormon andΒ 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 β the perfect send-off on your last night in the area.
Hartsville, TN
βGet to the Hartβ 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 thereβs 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, youβll see historic buildings and homes that were once used as hospitals, as well as river crossings and a cemetery.
After your driving tour, visit Hartsvilleβs Historic Town Square, where youβll find a variety of charming restaurants, including Hartsville Taco Company, Goose Creek Coffee, and Dillehayβs 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 Farmerβs Harvest. The local staple offers locally sourced meats and veggies, homemade ice cream, and an after-hours speakeasy all under one roof!
SB Tip: Farmerβs Harvest is also known to host live music and trivia nights, so check out their Facebook page to see whatβs happening during your stay.
For an adventure thatβs 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, youβre 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, theyβll be offering a brand-new breakfast buffet in addition to the already-beloved lunch and dinner menus. Youβll find everything from traditional barbecue and burger to seafood dishes β 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 β New Tazewell, Tazewell, Harrogate, and Cumberland Gap β Claiborne County deserves a spot on your must-visit list. Hereβs 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 parkβs 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 lakeβs 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 βthe best-kept golf secret in the South,β 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,Β 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 Americaβs 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 youβre 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.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprintβs Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.