Day Trips from Nashville

Nashville is an awesome city, there can be no questioning that. Even with all the cool things it has to offer don’t let that shroud the fact that there are other great places within a good day trip of Nashville. Allow me to tell you about some of them.

Within a day trip from Nashville, you will find waterfalls, great hiking trails, tours, more music, and lots and lots of history! Also, there are some other great cities such as Chattanooga, Knoxville, and Lynchburg. Don’t forget the home of Elvis Presley located in Memphis.

Those are just a quick summary of places to visit that are an easy day’s visit away from Nashville. For the most part, the places listed will be within a couple of hours’ drive or less. Places like Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge and Memphis are more like 4 hours from Nashville. So, they may be an overnighter depending on your energy levels and how you drive. I’ll note the approximate travel time for each location. Wanna know more? Well, read on then 🙂

Tennessee Attractions that are a Day Trip from Nashville

Lynchburg

At about an hour and a half away, we will start out with Lynchburg as a Nashville day trip. Why? Well, it is home to one of Nashville’s most popular tours leaving out of downtown Nashville. That tour would be the Jack Daniels Tennessee Whiskey Distillery.

Taking the tour out of Nashville would be great and all but honestly I recommend driving there yourself. You are not on a time frame set by someone else. You get to Lynchburg, take the JD tour, go back into downtown and explore the shops and eateries. As for places to eat there are 2 main places that I can recommend.

Places to eat in Lynchburg

The most popular place is Miss Mary Bobo’s Restaurant. This is a sit-down family-style restaurant where you pass the food around to the person sitting beside you. You have to make reservations, no exceptions. This is because of the way they serve the food, it is made fresh for each reservation.

It is totally worth the wait for the reservation. The food is GREAT!! Plus, as you are eating you get a great story about how the restaurant came to be.

The second place I recommend, which is actually my personal favorite, is Barrel House BBQ. They use JD Whiskey in many of their recipes. Not to the point of the whiskey is the dominant taste, but just enough you pick up a hint of the warmth and the whiskey overtone. On the TripAdvisor website, Barrel House is the actually #1 place in Lynchburg to eat.

Then there is the BBQ Caboose Cafe. I personally haven’t eaten here. There are lots of great reviews about the food, atmosphere, music, and even a music radio show.

After you eat go explore the shops. Downtown Lynchburg is like walking back in time. Life there is a bit more chill and slow-paced.

Chattanooga

Here we have about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Nashville. For a fun day trip from Nashville, you can’t go wrong with Chattanooga. There is so much to do there!!

Chatanooga is in many ways a lot like Nashville. There is nature to experience, clubs to party, museums to visit, and some awesome food!! I’ve been to Chattanooga quite a few times. Love it there!

I’ll list a few of the attractions. The Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga Choo Choo, Ruby Falls, Rock City, and Lookout Mountain. That my friend is just scratching the surface.

For nature lovers, there is hiking, kayaking, the Riverwalk, fishing, boating, and lots more.

Sparta

Located about an hour and a half from Nashville is Sparta. No … not Sparta in Greece where the movie 300 was based. This part of Tennessee is home to some of the best hiking, waterfalls, and natural rock formations in Tennessee. I personally LOVE this area of Tennessee. I have spent several overnighters in a tent or just hanging from a hammock at Virgin Falls State Park.

The waterfalls in this area are nothing short of amazing. There is Burgess Falls, Lost Creek Falls, Cummins Falls, and Wildcat Falls. Twin Falls and Great Falls are located in Rock Island State Park. There are lots more but those are the main ones that tourists and locals frequent the most. Most of these hikes and waterfalls can easily be a day trip from Nashville.

Virgin Falls Warning

I am putting Virgin Falls in its own paragraph. Why? Well, it’s like this. I have come across hikers several times thinking they were just going to hike back and see Virgin Falls and then hike back out. It is not that easy!

The trail going back to Virgin Falls is a rough long hike. You have to get there early and be in at least decent shape to pull it off. It is a 9-mile hike in and out with about 900 feet of elevation change. Depending on your physical conditioning, allow 5 to 9 hours to make the hike in and out. There are several areas where you will be boulder hopping. Other places that getting on your hands and feet to climb a short hill are almost needed. There is a water crossing that has a cable stretched across the creek to aid in keeping your footing. You will need to carry plenty of water and snacks with you.

As you hike back to Virgin Falls you will pass Big Laurel Falls as well, which is usually where I camp at. I hang my hammock about 30 yards or so from the falls … oh talk about going into a deep sleep!!! What is unique about both Virgin and Big Laurel is they both just disappear into the ground. Virgin Falls just drops into a sinkhole. My son and I went to the bottom of Virgin Falls, it is really peaceful and surreal looking up the falls as you are sitting on the rocks.

Oh, that I know of this is the only park in this area that allows backcountry camping. There is no electricity, no city water, no camping hookups/amenities/ or any provided comforts of any kind. It is just you and nature. Be prepared!

Memphis

This is another popular tour that leaves out of Downtown Nashville. Located just over 3 hours from Nashville this is a bit longer drive than some of the places mentioned above. But if you plan your time just right, it can be a day trip from Nashville easily. It is totally worth the trip!

Elvis Presley’s Graceland

The first and most popular reason to visit Memphis is Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley. Come check out the 200,000 square feet entertainment complex that features lots of his costumes, memorabilia, artifacts of his music, personal life, and his family. Also onsite is the Lisa Marie, his personal aircraft that he used to fly from show to show. For all you automotive aficionados, there is a museum of all his cars including the Pink Cadillac.

Beale Street

Beale Street has been dubbed “The official home of the Blues”. I’ve been to Beale Street so I can tell you that it is a fun place to check out. Music everywhere! I was walking down the street and heard some music, laughing, and just lots of fun coming from this back alley area. I walked back there to find a small live band jamming out some blues while people were dancing everywhere. Strangers and friends alike were having a great time!! I had a funnel cake in my hand so I just sat down and enjoyed the vibes.

There are many shops, restaurants, and clubs to check out. Even with many “newer generation” places, Beale Street still has that old-time vibe and feel. I really enjoyed my time there.

Memphis Zoo

Memphis Zoo is home to more than 4,500 animals, including Pandas. They have resident animals that can be seen in person and on cameras. They have seasonal exhibits and events for all age groups.

This Zoo also has onsite dining .. no not just a little snack shack. A legit Cafe that has a great variety of food options. also onsite is a frozen treat shop, pizza shop, burger shop, and coffee shop.

Bass Pro Shops Memphis

Bass Pro … an attraction?!? Trust me, you really need to go there to understand. Even if you are not a big outdoors person, this particular location is simply cool! First of all to help you find it easily, look for the big glass pyramid. The pontoon boat display is floating on a shallow lake. NO .. not outside .. the lake is inside!! With HUGE real fish swimming around like they were in a real outside lake. The Sturgeon in the indoor lake is as long as some of the boats are wide. Then there are bass, catfish, crappie, and lots of other species of fish just swimming around freely. Oh .. I almost forgot about the alligator exhibit.

You cross little bridges to get from one area of Bass Pro to the other. There is a bowling alley and 3 restaurants inside. You purchase a pass to ride a glass elevator to the upper-level restaurant to check out the observation decks that overlook Memphis and the bridge. If you time it just right you can see the “Mighty Lights” show on the bridge from the observation deck. It really is a great stop even if you are just site seeing.

There is lots more to do in Memphis on your day trip from Nashville adventure. There is so much that I could create another whole site just about Memphis …. hmm .. that’s an idea.

Gatlinburg/Pigeon Forge

OK .. Google maps said this was three and half hours from Nashville. I’ve been there several times, It’s more like 4 hours. But, aside from Nashville, this place is probably one of the most iconic and most visited places in Tennessee.

Even though you could make this a day trip from Nashville, I wouldn’t suggest it. There is so much to see and do in this iconic area of Tenneessee that you should at least do an overnighter. A couple or three days would be even better.

First of all, the mountain scenery is breathtaking! There are so many back mountain roads you can just go for a drive to experience the beautiful Smokey Mountains. It is a common occurrence to see bears and other cool wildlife.

There are many miles of hiking trails that bring you to awesome scenic overlooks and waterfalls. Lots of great camping places as well. Please prepare and be safe while hiking and/or camping. Lots of water and some food is a must to have with you.

Not an outdoorsy person? That’s all good as well. Downtown Gatlinburg has lots of cool stuff to see and do. Check out Ripley’s Aquarium, Ripley’s Believe-it-or-not museum, Skylift, Space Needle, Anakeesta and lots more. There is plenty of shopping and some great food to fill ya belly! There is a 5.4-mile hiking trail that starts and ends downtown as well.

Pigeon Forge has lots of cool shops, restaurants, museums, and even a huge go-cart track!

Told ya you should make this a more than a day trip from Nashville.

Centerville, TN

OK, I had to add this one. There really isn’t much in Centerville, but it is only about an hour’s drive away for a great southern dessert tradition. But, if you happen to be visiting Nashville and want a day trip for some good Banana Pudding. You must go to the Banana Pudding Festival at the beginning of October! There were so many varieties and they were all good!! When I was there they had a big bouncy slide set up for the little ones, live music on 2 stages, and a live cook-off. Arrive hungrily, leave bloated on lots of delicious Banana Pudding!!

Kentucky Attractions that are a Day Trip from Nashville

Franklin

Head about an hour drive North and you will arrive in Franklin Kentucky. This is a little town that just kinda putt putts along at a slower pace. But, don’t let that fool ya, if you like to gamble, there is excitement to be had!

Kentucky Downs! This is the closest place to Nashville to play cards, dice, slots, bingo, and lots more. There is also horse racing right there at the Downs. So, if you like to gamble, Kentuck Downs in Franklin is where you need to visit.

Franklin has lots of history dating back to the Civil War. So checking out the Octagon Hall Civil War Museum would be worth your stop if you are a history buff.

Nashville has lots of distilleries but I do feel that Dueling Grounds Distillery deserves a shout-out.

There are Mennonites that have little shops that offer leather goods, woodworking projects, and even some good ole fresh jam. Get you a snack or even lunch while you are there. This would be a great stop if you want a very special souvenir for you or a family member or friend.

Bowling Green

Just up the road a bit from Franklin is Bowling Green. I’ve actually spent a lot of time in BG at Beech Bend International Drag Strip. But drag racing isn’t all there is to do in this city. There are TONS of cool stuff to do in Bowling Green!!

National Corvette Museum

Probably the most famous reason to visit BG is the National Corvette Museum. Voted “Best Attractions for Car Lovers” by USA Today, this is Kentucky’s top-rated Museum. There are over 70 Corvettes on display new to old. There is a Kidzone so the little ones have something fun to do as well.

Really wanna turn up the Corvette experience? For additional fees, you can ride around the property in one of the museums ‘Vettes. Or, head over to the motorsports park to get the real thrills!!

Beech Bend Amusement Park

Although not a huge place, Beech Bend Amusement Park and Splash Lagoon is probably the closest amusement park to Nashville. Oh, I miss Opryland Theme Park!! Nashville locals understand what I’m talking about. But, I digress, that has nothing to do with Bowling Green. Beech Bend Park has the Splash Lagoon waterpark. A wooden roller coaster called Kentucky Rumbler, and the infamous Sea Dragon that was once at Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch. They have live entertainment such as magic shows, a wild west show, and a cool game show. Don’t worry, if you get hungry there are several cafes, shops, and diners on-site to get you some grub.

Beech Bend International Drag Strip

This 1/4-mile strip hosts everything from local fun drags to full on NHRA events. You will have to check their schedule to see what events they are running. Either way, if you like cool fast cars on a 1/4-mile track, this is a place to check out.

Lost River Cave & Zipline

Come check out the underground boat tour as you lose daylight floating into the cave. You will be on the same river banks that Native Americans, Civil War troops, and the infamous Jessee James have used.

Kentucky Down Under

Come check out the kangaroos! While you are there watch sheepherding, bird show, and take a horse-drawn wagon ride. Hopefully, you will get to meet the white bison in your visit. Wanna milk a cow or feed a baby lamb? They have that there as well.

Mammoth Cave National Park

It has been said that this is the longest-known cave system in the world! As they have found so far there are about 420 miles of cave passageways. Mammoth Cave is about another 30 minutes outside Bowling Green so if you are doing a day trip from Nashville you may want to take this added time into account.

Alabama Attractions

Huntsville

Head south about 2 hours and you will arrive in Huntsville Alabama, home of the Space and Rocket Center. Huntsville is known as the “Rocket City” because this is where the rockets were developed that put men on the moon. If you are a space enthusiast you really should take this short drive from Nashville to check out the Rocket Center and museum.

Illinois

Metropolis

The home of Superman is only about 2 and a half hours away. Standing right in the middle of the square is a 15-foot tall statue of the Man of Steel himself. The whole town is centered around the Superman theme. Even the local newspaper is called The Planet. So, if you are a comic book fan, this isn’t a far drive from Nashville. Come say hi to Superman!

Pictures coming soon! Thanks for visiting Things In Nashville!!

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