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Sumner County Tourism
Tennessee Getaways and Trips with Mom
Make a lifetime of memories with the influential woman in your life
February 18, 2023
Big City or Small Town?
Make a lifetime of memories with the influential woman in your life whether it’s mom, grandmom or another strong female by planning to spend time in Tennessee at the many B&B’s, spas, shopping destinations and more across the state once travel is possible again. You’ll find experiences you’ll both love in Tennessee’s small towns and big cities. Plan your own getaway below.
Big City or Small Town?
Collierville
Browse fashion boutiques, home furnishings, a gourmet food shop and boot store in the Historic Collierville Square. The Brooks Collection is a must-stop to find unique and collectible treasures, distinctive gifts, accessories, furnishings and accents for your home, lawn and garden. Other shops include C.J. Lily, Patricia’s, the Bizarre Food Shop, Southern Farm House and Hewlett & Dunn Boot & Jean Co. You can also find Southern comfort food, fine dining, mom-and-pop eateries, pizza and coffee shops. Zopita’s on the Square features sandwiches on daily-baked bread, salads, desserts like homemade eclairs, pavlovas and chocolate salami. Nestled beneath century-old magnolias, the elegant bed and breakfast Stratton House is one of Collierville’s most historic homes, built in 1859. Learn about Collierville’s 150-year history in the free, Morton Museum of Collierville History, inside a restored church that dates back to 1873. Be sure to visit the train display and original coach cabin around the square.
Memphis
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@ebransford
Raise a glass on the rooftop at Old Dominick Distillery to taste vodkas, whiskeys and the 60-proof Memphis Toddy. Tours, cocktail hours and live music are also on tap. Sip classy brunch cocktails while you dine on beignets, fried oysters and Egg Sardou while seated under vintage hairdryers at The Beauty Shop. Located in the hip Cooper-Young neighborhood in what used to be Priscilla Presley’s styling salon, the restaurant’s motto is “Look Good. Eat Good.” Relax and escape with a session at RelaxH2O Aqua Massage Therapy and Oxygen Bar in downtown Memphis. Listen to piano and live bands play soul, jazz and blues and be sure to order the Soul Burger at Earnestine & Hazel’s. Stay in downtown’s Central Station Hotel just a mile from Beale Street. The converted 1914 rail hub features a listening room with daily curated playlists and podcasts, a vinyl record wall, an in-house DJ and room speakers.
Paris
Shop to your heart’s content in downtown Paris among antiques, jewelry, clothing and gift shops. Be on the lookout for murals and catfish statues while you browse. Plan your trip around Paris’ annual World’s Biggest Fish Fry each April where more than 12,500 pounds of catfish are fried and served. Satisfy your sweet tooth with white chocolate popcorn, pink & green mints, fudge, chocolate bark, homemade candies and treats at Sally Lane’s Candy Farm. Snap a photo in front of a scale-size replica of the Eiffel Tower. Enjoy the playground, tennis courts, swimming pool and walking paths in Eiffel Tower Park. Make a toast by a roaring fire at Paris Winery. Tours and tastings occur daily in the winery designed with Venetian-style architecture.
DIY or Buy (making class or shopping)?
Ignis Glass Co. – Chattanooga
Enjoy a day of blowing your own glass figurine at Ignis Glass Co. A great afternoon activity with mom, choose between four ornaments, four paperweights, a vase or a bowl with your own colors. You’ll turn the pipe to heat in the glass color and blow the piece yourself with the help of the on-site profession artists. you can even trap your own breath in the glass. Appointments are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome as the schedule allows.
Downtown Historic Jonesborough
Spend time in historic Jonesborough, shopping all the local boutiques, dining at family-owned restaurants and stay at a historic inn or B&B. You’ll find a variety of shops lining both sides of Jonesborough’s main street. Shop for antiques at Jonesborough Antiques & Artisans, folk art and jewelry at The Crafty Peddler, local products like honey, candles and food items at Boone Street Market, clothes at Kaley’s & Co., home décor at Mauk’s of Jonesborough and so much more.
Luxury Hotel or B&B?
Whitestone Inn - Kingston
Escape to a quiet, secluded retreat for a mom/daughter trip, tucked into the mountains at Whitestone Inn in Kingston. Each room comes with a country breakfast in the Farmhouse restaurant, three sides with windows with incredible views of meadows, the lake and mountains, a soaking tub, free WiFi, fireplaces and cozy beds. There are also two cottages available – The Rivendell Cottage that has two suites and Rose Cottage has three, perfect for traveling groups. Enjoy area outdoor activities like hiking and whitewater rafting, strolling the grounds, dipping into the outdoor heated pool and hot tub, fishing, disc golf, play tennis and basketball and curl up in the farmhouse library.
Commodore Hotel – Linden
Travel to the artsy town of Linden, where you’ll find the historic Commodore Hotel, built in 1939 and restored in 2007. Book your stay in one of the spacious rooms that showcase the building’s historic charm like original hardwood floors and brick walls. Some suites include oversized bathrooms with Jacuzzi tubs, sitting areas and more. Ghost hunters will want to stay in Captain Lawrence’s Quarters, where guests have felt “a presence” and have heard voices.
Live Music or Live Theater?
Ryman Auditorium - Nashville
The Ryman Auditorium is a must-visit when you’re in Nashville. And experiencing the acoustics during a live music concert is the cherry on top. The Ryman is one of the most celebrated venues today and the premier music hall for concerts and events. Take a daytime tour to get backstage access to dressing rooms and experience what the Ryman was like when it first began. Then, see some of the biggest country music stars, up-and-coming artists and folk music legends as well as comedy tours, live podcast tours and much more.
Tennessee Performing Arts Center – Nashville
If you want to see a touring Broadway show while in Nashville, head to the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. Get tickets in advance to one of the shows coming to town. TPAC has hosted famous musicals like Wicked, Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera. Each season is full of must-see live theater. Additionally, TPAC hosts Nashville Ballet performances, comedy tours, concerts and more.
Upscale Dining or Southern Classics?
Vida – Knoxville
Photo Credit:
@knoxfoodgirl
Enjoy a girl’s night of tapas and cocktails at Vida, located in the Historic Holston in downtown Knoxville. Pan-Latin tastes with an Asian flare are represented in each dish. Start with the smoked guacamole or tomato bread – seared focaccia, tomatoes, smashed garlic, lemon and grated Manchego cheese. Share vegetable emapanadas, stuffed piquillo peppers, panko crusted white fish, mussels and crispy pork belly. After dinner, don’t miss The Vault, a gold-accented cocktail lounge, reminiscent of old Hollywood.
Sweet P's Downtown Dive - Knoxville
If you're craving barbecue, head to Sweet P's Downtown Dive for daily specials like bbq burritos, smoked meatloaf and smoked andouille sausage as well as barbecue classics from ribs to brisket, pulled chicken and pork. Enjoy sides like mac n' cheese, potato salad, pinto beans and sauteed greens as well desserts like banana pudding and chocolate chess pie.
Sons of Smoke - Loudon
Have some delicious barbecue from Sons of Smoke in Loudon, Tennessee, a city about 34 miles outside of Knoxville. Enjoy smothered ribs, pulled pork sandwiches, giant burgers and even barbecue pizza in a laidback atmosphere. It’s a great place to fill up after a day of shopping and exploring Loudon.
Hiking or Outdoor Lounging?
Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area - Oneida
Discover the wide variety of trails available at Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area. You’ll find hikes that lead to overlooks and waterfalls, beside creeks and historic farmhouses. The trails range from easy to difficult. You can do a short, easy hike or choose a long and strenuous day hike, complete with backcountry camping for a full Tennessee nature experience. Check out the Big South Fork itineraries for more ideas.
Lookout Winery - Guild
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Lookout Winery
If you consider sitting on a patio as a recreational sport, you’ll love the views and mountain breezes at Lookout Winery. Get a table on their covered patio overlooking the Tennessee River and views of three states on clear days. Order a tableside tasting with the new Bordogna flight paddle or choose from the extensive list of wines, hand-crafted using family techniques passed down over generations. Each is uniquely crafted to pair with their wood-fired pizzas. It’s a great way to spend a sunny afternoon.
Spa Day or Wellness Weekend?
Feathers Spa at Peabody Hotel - Memphis
As one of Spas of America’s Top 10 Spas, you can guarantee that your time in Feathers Spa will be full of memorable relaxation. A variety of luxury spa and salon treatments are available including body wraps, massages, facials and facial enhancements and wax treatments. You’ll want to try the Vichy Shower Bed which includes a steam massage and chromo light therapy and aromatherapy, creating whole-body hydrotherapy. Steam and sauna rooms are available as well as a variety of branded products, including soy scented candles and bath bombs to take home with you.
Tennessee Fitness Spa - Waynesboro
Escape to Tennessee Fitness Spa for a week-long fitness program with a live-in campus and pet-friendly housing. Exercise, pamper and relax in facilities open 24 hours a day. Sauna, hot tub, massage therapy, meals full of nutritional food, a general store with fitness gear, souvenirs and basic necessity items and bike rentals are available to guests. Hiking trail wind throughout the property, leading to an ice cave, a natural bridge and more.
Farm Tour or Winery Tour?
Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm – Camden
Did you know Tennessee’s official state gem is the freshwater pearl? Did you also know the Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm is the only freshwater pearl-culturing farm operation in North America? And, you can get an up-close look at the operation. A great halfway stop between Memphis and Nashville, book the full tour that includes an orientation, a visit with a local diver, meet the farm manager, enjoy a catered barbecue lunch, enjoy some shopping and choose your favorite pearl jewelry piece, and visit the Tennessee River Folk Life Museum, full of things like like a brail boat used for musseling before the electric motor, artifacts from pearl button factories and much more.
Amber Falls Winery & Cellars – Hampshire
Spend a day among the vines at the picturesque Amber Falls Winery & Cellars. Try international award-winning wines in the tasting room in the underground winery cellar. Buy a bottle of your favorite wine and enjoy the rolling hills and vineyards on the property. Want to stay a little longer? Book the Guest Cottage for a quiet stay close to Nashville. The cottage includes a full kitchen, spacious living area and beautiful vineyard views.
More Areas to Explore with Mom
Cookeville, Monterey & Baxter
Take a journey through the scenic Upper Cumberland region, about 80 miles east of Nashville. Stop by the tasting room for a glass of Whistle Stop Red or try delicious dishes at the new on-site restaurant Toast at DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards in Baxter which sits on 52 acres full of vineyards in Putnam County. Shop for the perfect bag at Urban Southern in Monterey. Founder Regina Bauman wanted to create timeless leather handbags that would fit everyday lifestyles of women from all walks of life. Rest in style at The Saltbox Inn in Cookeville. The rustic inn made with reclaimed timbers, barn board and bricks sits on a 22-acre farm with landscaped gardens, outdoor patios, fire pits and an outdoor pool. It’s just a short drive from Rock Island State Park. Satisfy your hunger at Seven Senses Food & Cheer in Cookeville. Executive Chef and World Chef Challenge Winner Chad Combs creates unique and memorable Southern flavors.
Nashville
Stay at the chic and stylish downtown hotel, Bode within walking distance to some of Nashville’s popular spots. Head to 12th Avenue South, a half-mile shopping and dining destination full of restaurants, coffee houses, bakeries, bars and boutiques by local designers and makers. Make sure to stop at White’s Mercantile and Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James for the latest fashions and snap an Instagram-worthy photo at the “I Believe in Nashville” mural. Sample celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan’s creations you’ve seen on shows like Food Network’s “Chopped” at her quartet of globally-inspired restaurants – Chauhan Ale & Masala House, The Mockingbird and Tansuo. Rejuvenate mind and body with massage therapy, advanced skincare, body treatments, hydrotherapy and relaxation at Escape Day Spa and Salon.
Gallatin & Hendersonville
Gallatin, about 30 miles from Nashville, is thriving with unique shopping boutiques, delicious dining, festivals and a historic downtown square. Everyone gets a special treat at Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cafe in Gallatin, which serves sandwiches, gourmet soups, salads and quiche with a chocolate covered strawberry. Save room for one of their other tempting desserts. Taste a creative menu and sip on a glass of wine at Rosie Food & Wine in Hendersonville. Get inspired browsing art exhibits at Monthaven Arts & Cultural Center. Learn how to kayak in three hours at Nashville Kayak Lessons with an American Canoe Associated Certified Instructor. Relax for the night at The Cabin at Spring Haven in Hendersonville. Located on the property of Spring Haven Mansion and Estate, the historic cabin is a great location for music fans, history buffs and anyone looking for a quiet, private getaway.
Chattanooga
Savor rustic Italian cuisine at James Beard nominee, Chef Daniel Lindley’s Alleia. Dishes like the wood-fired pork shoulder with strawberry and balsamic glaze incorporate regional flavors of Southeast Tennessee with ingredients imported from Italy’s local farms. Satisfy your sweet tooth with artisan chocolate truffles, hot chocolate, pastries and desserts at The Hot Chocolatier. Stroll Bluff View Art District filled with restaurants, a coffee house, an art gallery and gardens with breathtaking views of the Tennessee River. Vinyasa to relaxation with a yoga class at Hunter Museum of American Art. Afterwards, spend some time among the galleries browsing the extensive collection of national and internationally-acclaimed artwork. Relax in luxury at the Chattanoogan Hotel, an urban oasis within walking distance of shops, restaurants and a block away from the city’s complimentary electric shuttle. At Warehouse Row, you’ll find a collection of upscale boutiques with items for your home, kids, clothes and shoes. Gallery 1401 features fine art from more than 30 nationally and world-renowned artists.
Pigeon Forge
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Jonathan Howard; Bohan
For an adrenaline boost, take a ride with Pink Adventure Tours which conducts off-road expeditions in pink Jeeps through Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the country’s most visited national park. Unwind and breathe in the mountain air at the full-service Dollywood’s DreamMore Resort & Spa. The salon and spa offer customized treatments for the ultimate pampering session. Explore Pigeon Forge’s newest entertainment, dining and shopping destination, The Tower Shops at Mountain Mile. Junction 35 Spirits & Restaurant, a distillery and full-service restaurant, blends the tradition of distilling spirits with a contemporary railroad-themed atmosphere. Cream & Sugar Sweet Shoppe offers ice cream and homemade treats and the family-owned Currahee Vineyards Tasting Room offers hand-crafted wine. Relax around the fire pit with beautiful mountain vistas at The Lawn at the Tower Shops. When it’s time to call it night, settle in for a glamping experience in safari-inspired tents with pristine mountain views at Under Canvas.
