Tennessee Vacation

Random bits of history in Middle Tennessee

8 Places to Visit | Plan for 6-7 days

Go straight to the heart of Tennessee’s history to Middle Tennessee. The center of the state offers a look into a variety of well-known historical references as well as a few off-the-beaten path stops. Historically speaking, Middle Tennessee is about presidents, music, horses and homes.

Nothing starts out a trip better than with a stop at Whiskeyland – Lynchburg, TN. Known for its “Lynchburg Lemonade”, Lynchburg is home to the oldest distillery in the nation, Jack Daniel Distillery. It’s a quaint little town with a lot to offer, including antiques, local crafts, delicious country restaurants, the old courthouse and Moore County Jail and the Tennessee Walking Horse Museum.

Continue your education on the Tennessee walking horse in Shelbyville, TN, home of the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration. Year-round shows and events take place here enlightening visitors with the breed’s history.

Next, jet to Columbia and visit the President James K. Polk home. The 1816 Polk home is the only surviving resident of the president, besides the White House. The grounds feature furnishings from the family, the Sisters’ House Museum and the formal gardens featuring original Polk fountain. A short stop, the Polk homestead a worthy stop on you journey.

Next stop leads you to Centerville, TN and Minnie Pearl’s town, Grinder’s Switch. Although an imaginary place created by Minnie Pearl, Grinder’ Switch was created from an actual county railroad junction located near Centerville. Centerville is now home to Grinder’s Switch Center, Minnie Pearl’s memorabilia, recordings, artifacts from when Minnie Pearl grew up and a gift shop.

Franklin is filled with beautiful Victorian homes and grandiose farms, charming antique shops, Civil War memorials and over 200 years of history.

A little north and into the city, Nashville presents more of an overview of Tennessee’s history than any other city. Visit Bicentennial Park and learn about the history, geography and architecture of Tennessee. The Tennessee State Capitol is only a few blocks away. As one of the oldest working capitol buildings in the country, it’s a museum, a memorial and a must-see historical attraction.

Finish your trip with one final look at America’s history through the eyes of Tennessee. The Hermitage was President Andrew Jackson’s mansion. A tour of the grounds include the home itself, the 19th century garden, Jackson’s tomb, Hermitage church, slave cabins and more.