Need a Change of Scenery? Try These Summer Weekend Trips From Nashville
Need a quick escape? These easy weekend trips from Nashville deliver lake days, river towns, scenic wineries, and plenty of summer fun — all just a short drive away.
When the weekend rolls around, sometimes you just need a change of scenery. Luckily, some of the South’s most charming destinations are just a short drive away, making them perfect day trips from Nashville. From lake days and laid-back river towns to a scenic wine trail and quiet nature escapes, these summer getaways offer just enough distance to feel like a true break without the hassle of a long trip. Pack a bag, cue up a great playlist, and hit the road. Your next weekend plan starts here!
Shelby, KY
About three hours north of Nashville, Shelby offers an easy rural escape with a little bit of everything Kentucky is known for. In Shelbyville and Simpsonville, you’ll find local restaurants, horse farms, bourbon, and plenty of time outside, all at a pace that feels worlds away from the city.
The food scene alone is worth the drive. The Bell House Restaurant is known for serving one of the best Hot Browns in the state, while Claudia Sanders Dinner House brings a dose of Kentucky history. It was started by KFC’s Colonel Sanders for his wife, Claudia!
If you’re a horse lover, you’re in for a treat, with everything from Saddlebred farms like Kismet Farm to unique equine experiences at one of the largest Icelandic horse farms in North America.
And if getting outside is more your speed, Guist Creek Marina and Campground makes a great home base for kayaking, canoeing, or spending the day on the water before heading to nearby bourbon stops like Bulleit Distilling Co. and Jeptha Creed Distillery.
Tennessee Wine Trail
If you’re looking for something a little different, Tennessee’s winery scene delivers a surprisingly (or perhaps not-so-surprisingly?) fun way to spend a weekend. The Tennessee Wine Trail connects wineries across the state, making it simple to turn a casual outing into a full-on tasting adventure. Even better, it’s completely free to participate, so you can sip and explore at your own pace. With more than 100 wineries producing over 1,200 wines, ciders, and meads, there’s plenty of variety to keep things interesting.
If you’re heading west, the West TN Wine Trail offers a relaxed way to explore the Memphis and Jackson areas, with approachable stops and easygoing tastings. In East Tennessee, things really start to come together. The Rocky Top Wine Trail VIP Experience offers a chauffeur-driven tour, making it easy to visit multiple wineries without worrying about transportation. Nearby, the Foothills Wine Trail and Gatlinburg Wine Trail give you access to a dense collection of wineries in the Smokies, where a weekend trip can easily include several tastings in one stretch.
And while Tennessee may be known for sweeter wines, you’ll find plenty of range, from bold Cabernet to crisp Seyval Blanc and other dry varietals that hold their own, making this a worthwhile outing for just about any palate.
Paducah, KY
About two hours up I-24, Paducah is a quick getaway with a vibe that feels totally different from Nashville. Set where the Tennessee and Ohio Rivers meet, this small city is known for its creative energy and peaceful pace. It’s walkable, easy to navigate, and full of locally owned shops, galleries, and restaurants, so you won’t find the usual chains or strip centers here.
Paducah is also one of the few U.S. cities designated by UNESCO as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art, which gives you a sense of just how much the arts shape the community. A stop at the National Quilt Museum is worth it, even if you’re not into quilting. The exhibits are impressive and feel more fine art than folksy.
For something a little different, check out Abstraction Spirits, a newer distillery that pairs small-batch bourbon with a gallery-style setting. And if you’re there at the right time, festivals like Barbecue on the River or Fridays After 5 add even more to the experience with live music, local food, and a strong sense of community.
Elizabethtown, KY
Less than two hours from Nashville, Elizabethtown is an easy weekend trip with a little bit of everything. The walkable downtown sets the tone, with locally owned shops, historic charm, and just enough going on to fill a relaxed afternoon without feeling overplanned.
For something unexpected, Cosmic Golf adds a playful twist to your trip, while Mud Puddle Pottery Co. offers a more hands-on experience, where you can paint or stain pre-made pottery pieces and create a personalized keepsake to take home.
When it comes to dining, Elizabethtown holds its own. Local favorites like Back Home Restaurant, Vibe Coffee, 2B Thai, and Namaste Indian Cuisine & Bar offer a solid mix of options, from casual coffee stops to full sit-down meals, all with a strong local following.
After a good meal, head over to Freeman Lake Park to wind things down. With walking trails, open green space, and peaceful water views, it’s an easy spot to stretch your legs or just sit for a bit before heading home.
Kentucky Lake, KY
Just a little over two hours from Nashville, Kentucky Lake is an easy go-to when you’re craving a slower pace and a little time outside. With more than 160,000 acres of water and miles of shoreline, it’s the kind of place where you can do as much or as little as you want. Spend the day cruising, paddleboarding, or floating in a quiet cove, then head back in for a laid-back evening by the water.
It also makes a great girls’ getaway, thanks to a mix of activities that go beyond the lake itself. You can look forward to wine tastings at Poca Terra Winery, browsing local shops, and enjoying tasty dinners with a view. If you’re looking to mix in a little recreation, Kentucky Dam Village Golf Course offers scenic fairways right along the water.
When it comes to where to stay, you’ve got options, from cozy cabins to larger lake houses and waterfront resorts that are ideal for groups. And if your timing lines up, seasonal events like Ameribration bring in live music, fireworks, and a strong sense of community that make the whole experience feel even more memorable.
The Farm at Baker Mountain
Minutes from Alabama’s Lake Guntersville, The Farm at Baker Mountain offers a getaway that’s relaxing and activity-filled. From the team behind the well-known ReTreet Resort & Spa, The Farm offers a place to unplug, spread out, and stay awhile.
One of the property’s standout features is The Farmhouse, a private, standalone rental that sleeps up to 16 guests, making it an ideal setup for girls’ weekends, family gatherings, or any trip where large groups want to stay close.
Beyond the accommodations, there’s plenty to do without ever leaving The Farm. Spend time at the pool, host your own pickleball tournament, book spa treatments, explore the Nordic wellness circuit, or rent kayaks for a more adventurous day outdoors. (You can even rent a seaplane!)
The Farm also offers 24 RV sites with upscale features like private hot tubs, fire pits, and covered pavilions — but you don’t have to stay overnight to enjoy the property.
Currently under construction, the property is now accepting bookings for The Farmhouse rental. Not all amenities may be available immediately, so guests are encouraged to contact the resort team for the most up-to-date information before booking.
Cadiz-Trigg County, KY
Just about an hour from Nashville, Cadiz–Trigg County makes a compelling case for a summer escape that feels far removed from the everyday. This southwestern Kentucky destination, set along the Little River and just east of Lake Barkley, serves as a gateway to the stunning Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. A drive through the Elk and Bison Prairie offers a rare chance to spot these impressive animals roaming freely across the wild landscape.
Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist & Convention Commission
From there, settle into lake life at Prizer Point Marina and Campground, where floating bungalows offer a stay that’s anything but standard. Pontoon rentals make it easy to spend the day cruising Lake Barkley, whether you’re in the mood to fish, swim, or simply drift. For a more elevated take on the outdoors, Nine Pines Retreats brings a thoughtful approach to glamping, blending comfort with the surrounding natural beauty.
Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist & Convention Commission
Cap off your day at Harper House Restaurant, where dinner inside a converted grain bin offers a setting as memorable as the meal itself. Between the water, the wildlife, and the wide-open views, this is a weekend that practically plans itself.
Alabama Mountain Lakes Association
About two hours south of Nashville, North Alabama is having a moment, with new places to stay, plenty to explore, and just enough variety to keep a weekend feeling full without being overwhelming. Recently updated stays like Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa bring a more elevated option to the area, pairing modern comfort with Tennessee River views. For something a little more playful, ReTreet Resort offers a whimsical, design-forward escape that still feels relaxed and easy.
If you’re in the mood to sip a little something and slow down, the Wines & Vines of North Alabama highlights a growing collection of local wineries and vineyards worth a stop. Beyond the wine scene, North Alabama leans into experiences you won’t find just anywhere. You can dig through unexpected finds at Unclaimed Baggage Center or step into something a little more high-tech at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.
Music fans can follow the Music Trail of North Alabama, which connects stops across the region, including the legendary Muscle Shoals. And if you’d rather be outside, spots like Little River Canyon, Bankhead National Forest, and Dismals Canyon offer plenty of ways to explore, especially in the summer when the canyon glows with tiny bioluminescent “Dismalites.”
This article is sponsored by ShelbyKY, Tennessee Farm Winegrowers Alliance, Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, Elizabethtown, KY, Kentucky Lake Tourism, Farm at Baker Mountain, Cadiz-Trigg County Tourist & Convention Commission, and Alabama Mountain Lakes Association.
Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.