6 Beautiful Tennessee Destinations to Visit This Year
If you're in the midst of planning a weekend getaway, consider adding Tennessee to your list. Here are some of the best places to visit in the Volunteer State!
Tennessee is home to several highly sought-after travel destinations where you can indulge in a number of pastimes — from exploring the beauty of state parks to attending seasonal events and dining at renowned eateries. Throw in small-town charm and beautiful scenery, and you’ve got these six places throughout the state to consider for your next getaway: Wilson County, Humphreys County, Springfield, Livingston Overton County, Jackson, and Fayette County.
Wilson County
Located less than an hour from Nashville, Wilson County (or ‘WilCo’ for short) is home to gorgeous state parks, an exciting racetrack, and a collection of charming boutiques. Here are some of the standouts!
One of the best ways to experience the allure of WilCo is by visiting one of its parks or green spaces. Long Hunter State Park and Cedars of Lebanon State Park are both popular options for hikers and campers.
Charlie Daniels Park in Mount Juliet is another sought-after destination. It’s dedicated to the legendary country music icon and offers a walking trail, tennis court, skateboard park, playground, and splash pad.
For a mixture of serene walking trails with the occasional food truck, Lebanon’s Don Fox Community Park is the place to be.
In addition to pristine parks, WilCo is also home to two spectacular golf courses: Pine Creek Golf Course and Lebanon Golf & Country Club.
If you’re visiting in August, make plans to attend the Wilson County/Tennessee State Fair (August 15-24, 2024). The beloved annual event offers plenty of family-friendly fun — from live music to carnival rides and contests.
Also in Lebanon, the Nashville Superspeedway is a 1,330-mile race track known for hosting exciting events, including a NASCAR race weekend (June 28-30, 2024) and the Music City Grand Prix (September 13-15, 2024).
History enthusiasts will enjoy a stroll through Fiddler’s Grove Historic Village, which invites visitors to examine WilCo’s past. Museum-goers can tour an old blacksmith shop, law office, barber shop, and hardware store.
For a laidback evening activity, Stardust Drive-In in Watertown is a family-run drive-in movie theater, typically in-season from March through November.
Be sure to also check the event calendar for the Farm Bureau Expo in Lebanon. This spring, the venue hosts Brick Universe, a family-friendly event featuring displays of over-the-top Lego sculptures.
If you want to indulge in some retail therapy, visit the boutiques in Historic Lebanon Square or Watertown Square. Providence Marketplace in Mount Juliet is also home to a variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment. When you’re done shopping, stop by local creameries Shop Springs Creamery or Main Street Mercantile & Creamery for a sweet treat.
Humphreys County
To immerse yourself in history or enjoy an afternoon on the water, plan a trip to Humphreys County — these are some of our favorite places to visit in the area.
If you plan to stay overnight, book a stay at Rock ‘n Refuge. Offering four properties over 200 acres, it’s the perfect place to unplug and recharge.
Loretta Lynn’s Ranch is another popular place to stay. As one of the largest camping areas in Middle Tennessee, the attraction offers sites for RVs and tents as well as cabin rentals. The ranch also hosts frequent events, so check its online calendar to see what’s going on while you’re there. Past events have included live music, horseback riding, and Jeep rides.
Before leaving the ranch, be sure to tour the ranch’s Doll & Fan Museum, Native American Artifact Museum, the historic home, and a replica of the Butcher Holler home.
If you find yourself visiting Humphreys County on July 26 or 27, visit McEwen, TN, to attend its annual St. Patrick’s Irish Picnic. A tradition for over 165 years, the family-friendly event offers plenty of authentic Southern barbecue.
Johnsonville State Historic Park is another popular attraction. The 1,075-acre park offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and birding. It’s also known to sometimes host events, so keep an eye on the events calendar HERE.
For a green space that is equal parts park and museum, visit Walls Art Park. Located in Waverly, the free park invites artists to use its walls as a canvas. You can easily spend an hour or two looking at 30 beautifully painted murals!
Historic Downtown Waverly is a popular destination among both locals and tourists. Offering everything from antique shops to local eateries and a movie theater, there’s something for everyone here. When you’re done shopping, visit The Milkshakery for specialty ice cream and soda.
A great option for lunch or a midday snack, nearby Overholts Farm Market is known for serving homemade ice cream and milkshakes — and a variety of crafts, toys, and quilts!
Before leaving, enjoy a drive through the 3 Rivers Quilt Trail. Showcasing various quilt patterns mounted on barns, it’s an immersive way to learn more about the rich history that surrounds Humphreys County.
Springfield, TN
When you visit Springfield, prepare to be captivated by its picturesque farms, delicious food, and Southern hospitality!
We recommend starting your day at Historic Perk. You can’t go wrong ordering the Cuban latte, Porky’s Got Back sandwich (egg, ham, cheddar, and chipotle ranch), or avocado toast. When you’re done with breakfast, visit Head’s Farm to pick fresh strawberries. Hancock Family Farm and ZK Ranches are also known for their farm-fresh goodies.
Next, visit downtown Springfield for an antiquing adventure. Doc’s Architectural Salvage, Springfield Antique Barn, and Pappy’s Knives & Antiques are popular shops offering one-of-a-kind treasures.
For on-trend clothing, head to Southern Threads Boutique or Re:Defined Boutique. Other popular spots include Cedar Hill Apothecary and McClelland & Co.
For a bit of self-care, schedule a massage at Safe Haven Wellness & Spa or a facial at SKINriched. Then, top it all off with ice cream! We recommend visiting Deja Moo Coffee & Creamery to try its Jacked Up Tennessee Toffee or Banana Pudding flavors.
Springfield hosts a variety of events throughout the spring and summer. You can almost always watch live music at BS Brew Works and Willie Mae’s BBQ.
Visit Main Street in downtown Springfield on the first Friday of every month from May through October for a family-friendly evening of fun. The event includes a cruise-in, a kids’ zone, and 80+ vendors.
Other popular attractions include the indoor climbing gym at 504 Climb and the painting classes at Willow Oak Center for Arts & Learning. Meanwhile, golfers will love The Legacy, a Raymond Floyd Signature Golf Course offering rolling hills, woodlands, and scenic views.
When you’re ready for dinner, make a reservation at Public House. Nestled in the downtown district, the restaurant offers a chef-driven menu, complete with lemon-seared salmon, pork belly nachos, and a pimento cheese BLT.
For brunch, Mystic Picnic Wine & Whiskey Bar is known for its Sunday Cinema Brunch, which features different themes throughout the month. The event is only for those 21+, and reservations are required.
If you’re looking to spend a night or two in Springfield, popular lodging options include a stay in The Ark, The Civil War Cabin, or The Treehouse at Kelley’s Jubilee. Downtown Springfield is also home to the popular Yellow Dog Stay.
Livingston Overton County
For the perfect combination of natural beauty and Southern Charm, Livingston Overton County is the ideal place to unplug and unwind. Here are a few standout attractions!
We recommend starting your day by strolling through Livingston’s Courthouse Square — which is home to a variety of merchants, including antique stores, boutiques, and jewelers.
In addition to local boutiques, the area is home to the 1806 General Store — a combined museum, antique store, and barbecue restaurant.
Sitting just off the historic courthouse square is Central Park. Home to an open grass area, a playground, walking trails, and a splash pad, this is the ideal place to spend a sunny afternoon. Be sure to bring a picnic blanket or lawn chair, too, as the park is home to Live in Livingston, a summer concert series that offers free live music.
The park also hosts Pioneer Days, a two-day event filled with live music, vendors, kid-friendly activities, and contests. Event hours are June 14, noon to 9 p.m., and June 15, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Another popular outdoor activity space, Standing Stone State Park is home to over eight miles of hiking trails. If you wish to stay overnight, the park includes 36 campsites, 17 historic cabins, and seven modern cabins for rent.
The park is home to Kelly Lake, which offers plenty of fishing, boating, and birding opportunities. You can also cool off by taking a dip in the nearby Olympic-sized swimming pool.
For a hike that rewards you with beautiful views, plan a trip to Waterloo Falls. Located about 15 minutes outside Cookeville, the trail is relatively moderate and dog-friendly. Day passes are required and can be purchased at the park or online for $6.
Thrill-seekers will enjoy spending time at Cub Mountain ATV Park. The family-friendly attraction invites you to hop on an ATV to enjoy views of nearby waterfalls, creeks, old coal mining areas, and scenic overlooks.
When planning your travels, be sure to check out the event calendar at The Old Gray. The open-air amphitheater spans 75 acres and is slated to host the White Pines Music Festival on May 24 and 25. Musicians include Craig Morgan, Nate Smith, Clay Walker, and many more.
Jackson, TN
Halfway between Memphis and Nashville is the charming town of Jackson. Known for live music and authentic Southern cuisine, here are some of our favorite highlights!
When planning your travels, be sure to check out Jackson Hidden Tracks. The local initiative highlights where to find local live music seven days a week. Whether you’re a fan of blues or gospel, their Facebook and Instagram accounts post weekly live music itineraries.
SB Tip: You can also listen to this curated Spotify playlist that highlights some of Jackson’s best local artists!
Jackson’s AMP at the Market is one of many local live music venues. The outdoor amphitheater is known to host free concerts by local and regional artists as well as movies. We recommend bringing lawn chairs or blankets to enjoy a beautiful evening under the stars.
For more live music (with a side of craft beer!), visit Hub City Brewing. As Jackson’s first local brewery, you can enjoy 14,000 square feet of fun, including bowling, volleyball, pickleball, and corn hole.
If you prefer wine, head to Century Farm Winery. In addition to the beautiful tasting room, spend some time exploring the grounds of the fully functioning farm. During your visit, you can sample everything from dry reds to semi-sweet reds, whites, fruit wines, and dessert wines.
Sports fans will love spending time at the West Tennessee Healthcare Sportsplex. A premier youth baseball and softball facility, you’ll find four complexes with 17 lighted fields spread across 70 acres. Each field features electronic scoreboards and covered dugouts. Be sure to check the online calendar to see what’s going on during your visit!
As one of Tennessee’s “top 10 attractions,” Casey Jones Village is another must-visit destination. Enjoy an afternoon playing mini golf, listening to live music, perusing Brooks Shaw’s Old Country Store, or indulging in authentic Southern soul food.
For pop culture enthusiasts and history buffs, Rusty’s TV & Movie Car Museum features two buildings that offer over 50 cars, motorcycles, and memorabilia from legendary movies and TV shows. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
Fayette County
Fayette County is offering plenty of family-friendly fun this season! From exciting annual events to delicious food and charming local businesses, there’s something for everyone to enjoy here.
Taking place in Somerville, the Fayette County Chamber’s 25th Annual Cotton Festival attracts over 4,000 people anually. Taking place on the town’s historic square, the one-day event offers delicious food, live music, and arts and crafts vendors. This year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 14, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We also recommend spending time before or after the event exploring more of Somerville and its offerings. Home to a variety of local shops specializing in home decor, clothing, and accessories, standouts include Farmers Home Furnishings, Parsons Decor & More, and David Kelley Jewelers.
Somerville is also home to a variety of delicious eateries. Main Street Eatery is the ideal breakfast or lunch stop. Dishes include the French toast platter, Meatlovers Omelette, grilled chicken salad, and cordon bleu wrap. Be sure to top off your meal with a slice of pie, too!
You also can’t go wrong paying a visit to The Chicken Coop Cafe. In addition to its famous fried chicken, the restaurant also offers delicious breakfast biscuits, egg rolls, and French fries.
Another beloved event, the 4th Annual Thunder Over Fayette County Airshow takes place at the Fayette County Airport, offering nine spectacular live performances, a beautiful fireworks display, and a kids’ zone. Now in its fourth year, this year’s event takes place on Saturday, September 28. Additional details for the 2024 event are yet to be announced, so visit fayettecountytnairport.com for updates.
For some fresh air and outdoor fun, we recommend spending the afternoon at Herb Parsons Lake. Offering a scenic picnic area, hiking and biking trails, and boat access, this is the perfect place to cool off. There’s also a small store that’s open seasonally, selling bait, fishing licenses, and concessions.
Spend a few hours at the William B. Clark Conservation Area in Rossville for some outdoor fun — you can enjoy everything from hiking to birdwatching.
This article is sponsored by Wilson County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Humphreys County Tourism, Real Springfield Tennessee, Livingston Overton County Chamber of Commerce, Visit Jackson TN, and Fayette County Chamber of Commerce.
All photography provided.
Brianna Goebel
Brianna is StyleBlueprint’s Associate Editor and Sponsored Content Manager. She is an avid fan of iced coffee and spends her free time reading romance novels.