
Weekend Getaways Near Major Cities in Nashville, United States
1. Leiper's Fork
A charming arts and antiques community in rural Tennessee, offering a unique blend of galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.
- Artistic Haven: Home to numerous artisans and galleries, perfect for art lovers.
- Scenic Beauty: Surrounded by rolling hills and horse farms, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
- Relaxing Atmosphere: Quiet and peaceful, providing a break from the bustle of city life.
2. Franklin
A historic town with unique shops, museums, and great dining options.
- Civil War History: Home to the Carter House, a key site during the Civil War Battle of Franklin.
- Shopping Destination: Features a variety of boutiques and antique stores for shopping enthusiasts.
- Culinary Delights: Known for its Southern cuisine, especially barbecue and meat-and-three meals.
3. Natchez Trace Parkway
A scenic drive through history with hiking trails, picnic areas, and historic sites along the way.
- Scenic Drive: Offers beautiful views of forests, fields, and farmlands.
- Historic Sites: Passes through numerous historic sites, including antebellum homes and Native American mounds.
- Outdoor Activities: Provides opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
4. Perry County
A quiet rural area with picturesque landscapes, antique shops, and historic sites.
- Natural Beauty: Features rolling hills, forests, and the beautiful Duck River.
- Antique Treasures: Home to numerous antique stores and auctions for collectors.
- Historic Sites: Includes the historic district of Linden, with antebellum homes and a historic courthouse.
5. Columbia
A small town with unique shops, restaurants, and historic sites, including the Dixie Cafe and Apollo Theatre.
- Culinary Delights: Home to the famous Dixie Cafe, serving classic Southern cuisine since 1922.
- Historic Sites: Boasts the Apollo Theatre, a historic venue that hosted performances by Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
- Quirky Shops: Features unique stores like the Columbia Antique Mall and the Doll Museum.
6. Sewanee
A picturesque college town with hiking trails, historic sites, and stunning architecture.
- Stunning Landscapes: Surrounded by the Cumberland Plateau, offering beautiful views and hiking opportunities.
- Historic Sites: Includes All Saints' Chapel, an English Gothic-style chapel with stunning stained glass windows.
- Educational Experience: Home to the University of the South, with tours and educational programs available.
7. Chattanooga
A vibrant city with a rich history, outdoor activities, and unique attractions like the Incline Railway.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers rock climbing, hiking, and river sports at places like Rock City and Lookout Mountain.
- Historic Sites: Boasts the Tennessee Aquarium, the Incline Railway, and the National Museum of African American Music.
- Vibrant Culture: Known for its music scene, food, and art, with numerous festivals throughout the year.
8. Knoxville
A dynamic city with a mix of history, culture, and outdoor activities, including the Smoky Mountains.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
- Historic Sites: Boasts the Bijou Theatre, the Sunsphere, and the Tennessee State Museum.
- Cultural Experiences: Known for its thriving music scene, museums, and arts organizations.
9. Memphis
A city rich in music history, with iconic attractions like Graceland and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
- Music History: Home to Graceland, Elvis Presley's mansion, and the birthplace of rock 'n' roll.
- Culinary Delights: Known for its barbecue, soul food, and Memphis-style pizza.
- Cultural Experiences: Home to the National Civil Rights Museum, Sun Studio, and Beale Street Entertainment District.
10. Jackson
A small city with historic sites, unique shops, and a charming downtown area.
- Historic Sites: Includes the Old Courthouse, now a museum, and the beautiful Averell College.
- Unique Shops: Features boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries in its charming downtown area.
- Culinary Delights: Known for its Southern cuisine, especially barbecue and catfish.
11. Huntsville
A city with a space-themed history, science museums, and outdoor activities.
- Space History: Home to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, with the Saturn V rocket on display.
- Science Museums: Boasts the Alabama Constitution Village and the EarlyWorks Children's Museum.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers hiking, biking, and boating at places like Monte Sano State Park.
12. Birmingham
A city with a rich history, unique attractions, and a vibrant food scene.
- Historic Sites: Includes the Vulcan Park and Museum, the Birmingham Museum of Art, and the Civil Rights Institute.
- Cultural Experiences: Known for its vibrant music scene, especially blues and jazz.
- Food Scene: Features Southern cuisine, barbecue, and a thriving food truck scene.
13. Gulf Shores & Orange Beach
A beach destination with beautiful coastlines, golf courses, and water sports.
- Beautiful Beaches: Offers white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and gorgeous sunsets.
- Golf Courses: Boasts numerous golf courses for all skill levels.
- Water Sports: Offers fishing, surfing, and parasailing opportunities.
14. Atlanta
A bustling city with a rich history, world-class attractions, and a vibrant food scene.
- Historic Sites: Includes the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site and the Atlanta History Center.
- World-Class Attractions: Boasts the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola, and the CNN Center.
- Food Scene: Known for its Southern cuisine, especially barbecue, soul food, and fried chicken.
15. Asheville
A mountain town with unique shops, historic sites, and stunning natural beauty.
- Historic Sites: Includes the Biltmore Estate, the largest private home in America.
- Unique Shops: Features boutiques, antique stores, and art galleries in its charming downtown area.
- Stunning Landscapes: Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.