When summer rolls around and the urge to escape Nashville’s heat and hustle kicks in, there’s no need to hop on a plane to find your next adventure. Within just a few hours’ drive, a variety of unforgettable destinations await. Whether you’re craving mountain air, lakeside lounging, charming small towns, or adrenaline-pumping activities, these regional gems make it easy to trade city life for a weekend of exploration. So, pack a bag, fill up the tank, and set your sights on one of these escape-worthy weekend trips from Nashville.
Old 96 District, South Carolina
Just a five-hour drive from Nashville, South Carolina’s Old 96 District is an underrated summer gem offering the perfect mix of relaxation, history, and adventure. Its natural beauty, small-town charm, and distinctive Southern culture make it the ideal destination for a weekend escape.
Start by exploring the district’s five unique counties — Abbeville, Edgefield, Greenwood, Laurens, and McCormick — each bursting with character. Wander through Abbeville’s colorful downtown streets lined with vintage shops and colonial architecture, or dive into Edgefield’s artistic heritage with iconic stoneware pottery and working blacksmiths.
Outdoor lovers will find a haven in the district’s numerous state parks. From hiking the trails of Baker Creek to boating on Lake Greenwood or teeing off at Hickory Knob’s championship golf course, there’s something for every type of adventurer. Plus, history buffs can stroll through Revolutionary War sites like Ninety Six or Musgrove Mill, complete with reenactments and interpretive trails.
When it’s time to unwind, sip craft beers at Good Times Brewing or toast with local wine at South Bend Winery. And the dining is equally memorable. Savor seasonal Southern fare at eateries like Christine’s Farm to Fork.
Whether you stay in a cozy bed and breakfast or a lakeside resort, you’ll be surrounded by Southern hospitality. And with vibrant summer festivals, there’s always something happening.
From rich history to artistic expression, from scenic serenity to culinary delights, Old 96 offers an authentic taste of the South … without the crowds. For Nashville travelers craving an authentic, off-the-beaten-path summer getaway, Old 96 District delivers.
Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
A serene coastal oasis just a day’s drive or a direct flight from Nashville, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is the kind of destination that delivers elegance, adventure, and rejuvenation in equal measure. This private island is renowned for its natural beauty, with 10 miles of pristine Atlantic shoreline framed by swaying palms and untouched salt marshes — a setting that promises tranquility and inspiration.
Ideal for families, couples, and groups alike, Kiawah Island offers curated experiences that make it easy to reconnect and recharge. Children can explore marine life on guided nature walks, while adults enjoy dolphin-spotting sunset cruises or simply unwinding beneath a palmetto-fringed sky. Multi-generational travel flourishes here, where activities are intentionally designed to span interests and energy levels.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find ample ways to stay active and entertained. Glide through tidal creeks on a paddleboard or kayak, bike along scenic trails (beneath a canopy of moss-covered oak trees!), or serve it up on one of the many pickleball or tennis courts. Golfers can challenge themselves across five award-winning courses, including the famed Ocean Course, a host of PGA Championships. For those new to the game, the Tommy Cuthbert Golf Learning Center provides a welcoming introduction.
Accommodations are tailored to suit every style, from the luxurious Sanctuary Hotel (the only destination in South Carolina with a Forbes Triple Five-Star rating) to private villas and homes that blend privacy with top-tier resort access. Guests enjoy exclusive benefits like priority dining reservations, use of pool complexes, and preferred tee times.
Dining at Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a culinary journey in itself. Whether you’re indulging in fine seafood or steaks, savoring wood-fired pizza, or feasting at the legendary Mingo Point’s legendary Oyster Roast and BBQ, every meal is an event.
For a coastal getaway that feels worlds away but is closer than you think, Kiawah Island Golf Resort is a destination that rewards every kind of traveler.
Helen, Georgia
Tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Helen, GA, blends outdoor adventure, natural beauty, and quirky alpine charm into one unforgettable summer escape. Just a half-day drive from Nashville, this mountain town offers cool elevation and a sense of being far from the everyday.
For nature lovers, Helen is a wonderland of waterfall hikes, forested trails, and winding river paths. Explore the region’s four stunning cascades: Anna Ruby, Dukes Creek, Horse Trough, and Raven Cliff Falls. They all offer a scenic reward at the end of your trek.
If you prefer lakeside serenity, try the trails at Unicoi State Park or Yonah Preserve. Ambitious hikers can also venture onto a segment of the famed Appalachian Trail.
The Chattahoochee River adds excitement and refreshment in equal measure. Float downstream in a tube, paddle a kayak, or experience the rush of the rapids. Those craving a unique aerial perspective can zipline above the treetops at Cool River Adventures or trot through meadows on horseback from Chattahoochee Stables.
Helen’s Bavarian-style architecture sets the scene for spirited seasonal celebrations. For an offbeat twist, explore Uhuburg Castle, a Renaissance-inspired fortress that feels plucked from a fairy tale.
Families and couples alike will find plenty of lodging options, too, from rustic cabins at Sunburst Adventures to indulgent stays at Valhalla Resort, complete with spa treatments and mountain-view golf.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, sipping wine with a mountain view, or strolling cobblestone streets that evoke a German village, Helen offers a vibrant summer getaway with plenty of fresh air and fun. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Just over an hour north of Nashville, Bowling Green delivers a surprising mix of high-octane fun and laid-back charm, perfect for a summer road trip. At the heart of the action is Beech Bend Amusement Park, a family-friendly spot with the kind of old-school ease that’s hard to find these days. The Splash Lagoon water park offers a welcome cool-down with its lazy river, twisting slides, and interactive play zones, ideal for younger kids and heat-weary grown-ups. The park feels refreshingly stress-free with short lines, affordable admission, and a manageable layout.
Right next door, Beech Bend Raceway adds an extra dose of adrenaline with an ever-changing lineup of car shows and drag races. Major events like the Tri-Five Nationals (August 7–9) and Holley LS Fest (September 12–14) draw crowds of enthusiasts and casual fans alike. Whether you’re there to admire vintage muscle cars or feel the roar of engines at the starting line, the energy is electric and welcoming.
For even more horsepower, head over to NCM Motorsports Park, where you can get behind the wheel of a Corvette and test your limits on a professional track. Younger visitors can join the fun, too, by tearing around the high-speed go-kart circuit. Nearby, the National Corvette Museum offers automotive history for gearheads and curious onlookers.
After a full day of thrills, Bowling Green offers a gentler side. The Western Kentucky Wine Trail features Bluegrass Vineyard, Reid’s Livery Winery, and Traveler’s Cellar Winery, where you can enjoy tastings in a relaxed countryside setting. For craft spirit lovers, Balance Distilling Company impresses with award-winning gin and rum.
Tishomingo County, Mississippi
For those craving a quiet getaway filled with rugged scenery, rich history, and a slower pace, Tishomingo County, MS, is a hidden gem just a few hours from Nashville. Nestled in the state’s northeast corner, this peaceful stretch of small towns (Tishomingo, Iuka, Belmont, and Burnsville) offers a mix of natural wonders, scenic drives, and heartfelt hospitality.
One of the area’s crown jewels is the Natchez Trace Parkway, a historic and visually stunning drive that winds directly through the county. It’s the kind of route that invites spontaneous detours to local diners, roadside produce stands, and overlooks begging for a photo op. Along the way, antique shops and locally owned businesses provide a glimpse into the area’s warm, unhurried way of life.
Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to explore. J.P. Coleman State Park, located on Pickwick Lake and the Tennessee River, is ideal for water-based fun, from swimming and kayaking to boat rentals. For a dose of elevation, hike to the summit of Woodall Mountain, the highest natural point in Mississippi.
Tishomingo State Park stands out with its dramatic rock formations, swinging footbridges, and densely wooded trails. It’s a favorite among hikers and nature photographers, especially in summer when the waterfalls are at full flow. Adventurers can even paddle through Bear Creek for a peaceful float through canyons and forested banks.
When the day winds down, retreat to a waterfront lodge, rustic cabin, or tucked-away campsite. These stays offer tranquility under the stars and quick access to early morning hikes or sunset lake views.
Shelby County, Kentucky
Just under three hours north of Nashville, ShelbyKY offers a perfect blend of Southern hospitality, wide-open spaces, and unique experiences that make for a memorable summer road trip. Often called the “American Saddlebred Capital of the World,” Shelby County gives visitors a front-row seat to Kentucky’s legendary horse culture. Several farms open their gates to guided tours where you can meet champion horses, learn about the training process, and witness the grace and power that make these animals iconic.
Food lovers will find plenty to savor as well. No visit would be complete without digging into a Hot Brown — a Kentucky classic of roasted turkey, crispy bacon, and rich Mornay sauce. Local restaurants each add their own spin, making it a true taste of the region. Shelby County also invites bourbon enthusiasts to sample Kentucky’s famous spirit at nearby distilleries, where you can tour, taste, and learn the stories behind each bottle.
For family fun, the Shelby County Fair returns for its third annual celebration this June, complete with carnival rides, live entertainment, and local contests that showcase the community’s vibrant spirit.
Outdoor activities abound with scenic greenway trails perfect for walking or biking, campgrounds for peaceful nights under the stars, and farmers’ markets offering fresh local produce and handmade goods. Bargain hunters can explore The Outlet Shoppes of the Bluegrass for a little retail therapy.
With its combination of equestrian tradition, bourbon experiences, family-friendly attractions, and small-town charm, Shelby County delivers an easygoing (but still eventful!) summer retreat — the perfect option for Nashville travelers eager to trade city life for a relaxing weekend filled with authentic Kentucky flavor.
This article is sponsored by Old 96 District Tourism, Kiawah Island Golf Resort, Helen, GA, Bowling Green Area CVB, Tishomingo County, and ShelbyKY Tourism.
