Choose Your Middle Tennessee Adventure

Featured in this Article: Outdoor Adventures and Other Activities Close to Nashville

Outdoor Activities near Nashville
History Stops or Downtown Strolls
Brewery or Distillery
Solo Vacation or Celebration
Barbecue Ribs or Hot Chicken
Honky Tonk Highway or Songwriter’s Paradise

• Experience rich Native American Woodland culture with a hike through the beautiful Old Stone Fort State Archeological Park, full of outdoor activities close to Nashville in Manchester, Tennessee

• Witness the sites and traverse the trails where Native Americans resided nearly 2,000 years ago

• Spend the day exploring, take in the picturesque waterfalls and delve into the remarkable history of this park

• A small museum and visitor center are open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and restrooms are available onsite.

AdventureWorks - Kingston Springs

• AdventureWorks in Kingston Springs is the perfect setting 

• Outdoor activities close to Nashville, about 24 miles away from the city

• Surrounded by the Harpeth River

• Take the Canopy Zip Tour, Nashville’s original zip line tour that has you flying fast above their 40-acre forest

• The Haunted Forest Zip Tour features stories of the mysterious Montgomery Bell

• Zip line at night with the Moonlight Tour

• Perfect for family outings or a daytrip with friends

• AdventureWorks is open on weekends and by special request. 

• Visit Downtown Franklin, about 22 miles south of Nashville, which ranks among the best main squares in the U.S.

• Historic preservation meets contemporary shopping and dining - take in the stunning architecture, and enjoy the vast collection of antique and art galleries, quaint gift stores, boutiques, restaurants, and historical locations

• Also home to a number of music, food, and holiday festivals held throughout the year, Franklin’s Main Street District is a must-visit

• Historic sites like the Carter House and Carton in and around the downtown area are must-sees and provide an astonishing glimpse into the expansive Civil War history of Franklin

Downtown Stroll: Columbia

• Delicious food, live music, and trendy shopping experiences, downtown Columbia is always sure to please

• Whether it is enjoying the local breweries and restaurants or walking through the quaint boutiques and shops, downtown Columbia offers fun for the whole family

• Also be sure to check out the nearby Columbia Arts District where you can share in the abounding local artistic and creative expression

• Kayak the Duck River, which wraps around the edge of downtown and is home to over 150 species of fish.

Walk Through History: Cannonsburgh Village - Murfreesboro

• Experience life in Tennessee from the 1830s to the 1930s with a visit to Cannonsburgh Village

• 8-acre site is home to a large tractor exhibit, gristmill, schoolhouse, caboose, chapel, doctor’s office, general store and a functional blacksmith’s shop

• You can even see the world’s largest cedar bucket

• Free to visit.

• Open season is April-November

• Structures are closed December-March

• Grounds are open year-round

• Star Spangled Brewing Company is located in Clarksville, Tennessee

• Veteran-owned brewery

• A rotating selection of small-batch, high-gravity craft beers

• “Hop” on over to the tasting room and sample some of their best brews

• Check out the brewery’s fun outdoor space which is pet-friendly and features picnic tables and yard games

• Food trucks are available with tasty meals and snacks to compliment your drinks.

Distillery: Short Mountain Distillery - Woodbury

• Short Mountain Distillery specializes in making organic Tennessee whiskey, bourbon, and various original spirits

• Nestled on 400 acres of stunning Tennessee farmland

• See firsthand how the spirits are made on the distillery tour

• Be led through a spirits tasting after the tour

• Stop by The Restaurant at Short Mountain Distillery for genuine Southern cuisine accentuated by farm fresh vegetables, herbs and meats

• Cocktail crafting classes offered throughout the year

• Mule rides around the property given April-August each year for the perfect, low-key outdoor activity

• The Treehouse of Center Hill Lake is perfect for a solo getaway and peaceful mountain vacation

• Five balconies with spectacular views of the surrounding peaks

• Hike down to Center Hill Lake on the private trail, which leads to a cove and a perfect spot to kayak. Rentals available through Canoe the Caney

• Gas fire pit

• All cooking/grill utensils, Keurig coffee maker, paper plates, paper towel and basic toiletries are provided

• Finish the day relaxing in the hot tub beside the fire pit or cozying up on the large sectional to watch the sunset. 

Solo Vacation: Wildwood Resort - Granville

• The Wildwood Resort and Marina offers a variety of accommodations and adventures for every traveler

• Located about 65 miles from Nashville

• Unique places to stay include rustic waterfront cabins, harbor cottage houseboats, vintage Airstream village

• Book a pontoon or kayak to explore Cordell Hull Lake

• Partake in the wide variety of water activities

• Dine at the Lakeside Restaurant and enjoy panoramic views of the lake aside shoreline bonfires and live music

Celebration: Pins Mechanical Company - Nashville

• Pins Mechanical Company located in the heart of Nashville has extensive collection of vintage arcade, pinball and yard games

• Duck bowling

• 24 pinball machines in one room

• Indoor bocce

• Life-size pong and Jenga

• Three bars offering a plethora of unique cocktails like the Pinball Wizard or the Game Over, draft beer and wine

• Food trucks are parked outside to satisfy your appetite

• A combination of cozy indoor sitting areas and spacious outdoor patios

• Quick tip: if you are interested in bowling, reserve a lane as soon as you arrive because it's one of the more popular activities.

• Middle Tennessee’s most iconic barbecue at Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint in Nolensville

• This location was the first Martin’s opened in 2006

• Features their award-winning West Tennessee-style whole-hog barbecue

• Try some of the local favorites, including the Redneck Tacos or Farmer’s Salad with smoked turkey

• Served in generous portions and with a number of delicious sides, Martin’s will never disappoint

• Order Martin’s online for takeout or for delivery through DoorDash and savor the flavor from your own kitchen table.

Hot Chicken: Prince’s Hot Chicken - Nashville

• Recognized as the original home of Nashville hot chicken, Prince’s Hot Chicken is located downtown

• Delights heat lovers with chicken rich in flavor

• With a variety of hot (and mild) menu options to choose from, Prince’s hot chicken is coated in flaming spices sure to kindle your taste buds

• Prince’s provides some of the best hot chicken in Middle Tennessee

• Beware though, the “XX-Hot” chicken may cause you to breathe fire.

• Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge is known around the world as one of Nashville's oldest and most prominent honky-tonks

• Tootsie's has hosted thousands of live music concerts since 1960

• Hosted such artists as Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, and Faron Young

• Steeped in history with an unmistakable old-school atmosphere

• Tootsie’s features three levels, each with live music and a full bar

• Complimented by tasty food, great drinks, and enduring history, this Nashville icon is a must-visit

• And be sure to check out the rooftop area for some amazing views of downtown.

Songwriter's Paradise: Grinder House Coffee Shop - Crossville

• Grinder House Coffee Shop is more than just a coffee house, it is a welcoming and cozy community

• Enjoy locally sourced coffee drinks, home-style soups and sandwiches, and live music

• Homey décor, accommodating staff, and plenty of space to sit back and relax

• Grinder serves breakfast all day in addition to their full lunch and dinner menus, accentuated by delicious made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuits and other delightful treats

• Declared the best listening room for live singer songwriters in Tennessee

• Check out their website for a calendar with upcoming live shows.

Continue planning your vacation by discovering even more things to do in and around Nashville.