As the temperatures slowly begin to drop, take advantage of the cooler afternoons—plus, the lingering months of long daylight before they're gone—with a day trip to a new-to-you destination. Seeking inspiration? If you're a fan of whiskey and antiques—with a dash of nostalgia on the side—you needn't look any further than Cannon County.
Eat + Drink
Short Mountain Distillery
Cannon County comprises Readyville, Auburntown, Bradyville, and Gassaway, as well, but it's Woodbury that's the county seat and where much of the action is. The county has been a hot bed of moonshining for decades, but it's recently seen a comeback: The biggest reason bringing tourists to town these days is the 2012 debut of Short Mountain Distillery, the sixth such distillery in the state of Tennessee to focus on small-batch moonshine, its four products of which are made from corn grown and stone-milled on the 300-acre working farm.
- Address: 8280 Short Mountain Rd, Woodbury, TN 37190
- Parking and Accessibility: Short Mountain is fully accessible and has a free, on-site parking lot.
- Hours of Operation: The distillery, cafe and tasting room are open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays, during which guided tours are also available. For those looking to get into the art of mixology, there are now Saturday classes that will help hone your cocktail-making skills.
Sophia's Off the Square
Sophia's Off the Square is the perfect spot to kick-start a day of antiquing or finish a satisfying evening of moonshine-tasting. Situated right off of the historic Woodbury Square, stopping here is a convenient and delightful must for visitors. Start your meal with their signature fried green tomatoes topped with pimento cheese or polish-off your plate with the funnel cake fries.
- Address: 114 W Main St, Woodbury, TN 37190
- Hours of Operation: Sophia's is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Experience
The Arts Center of Cannon County
Photo Credit: Arts of Cannon County
The Arts Center of Cannon County hosts monthly renditions of big-stage Broadway productions like Rock of Ages or The Odd Couple, as well as specialty shows like an Elvis Tribute. It's also outfitted with a small gallery adorned with folk art, plays host to the farmers' market and serves up sustainable food in the Kitchen, its on-site collaborative space.
- Address: 1424 John Bragg Hwy, Woodbury, TN 37190
- Parking and Accessibility: The Arts Center is fully accessible and has a special seating area for those needing accommodations. The center has its own parking lot for guests.
- Hours of Operation: Please refer to their website for the most up-to-date showtimes and dates.
Moonlite Drive-In
If, at the end of the day, you're looking for a way to unwind, grab a six-pack and catch a flick from the comfort of your own car at the two-screen Moonlite Drive-In.
- Address: 931 W Main St, Woodbury, TN, United States, Tennessee
- Hours of Operation: Moonlite opens to the public only on special occasions, please refer to their Facebook Page for any upcoming public events.
Shop
The Old Feed Store Antique Mall
Cannon County is also rife in antique stores, including Old Feed Store Antique Mall (which has its own café, the Gathering Place), Antiques and More. With 2 floors of a menagerie of vendors, the Old Feed Store is a "picker's paradise." It would be nearly impossible to walk through the booths and not find the most unique and cool things to get for Christmas gifts.
- Address: 310 W Water St, Woodbury, TN 37190
- Parking: Street parking is plentiful for guests
- Operation Hours: Old Feed is open until 5PM, 7 days a week.
Willow 210 Vintage Market
Willow 210 Vintage Market has some of the finest curated vintage goods and antique decor. Each booth is laden with its own personality and rich array of "knick-knacks." Just one stroll through the market will provide you with plenty of gift ideas for friends. Currently, Willow 210 is decked out in Christmas decor-- and it's a perfect atmosphere to inspire and provide the most unique Christmas gifts that money can buy.
- Address: 210 W. Water St Woodbury, TN, United States, Tennessee 37190
- Parking: Street parking is plentiful for guests
- Operation Hours: Willow 210 is open until 5PM, 7 days a week. Please refer to their Facebook for the most up-to-date information on holiday hours.
Over the Hill Antiques
Looking for the coolest gifts to give for Christmas while on a budget? Well look no further than Over the Hill Antiques in Readyville-- which is an antique in its own right. The building, which houses over 8000 square feet and 60 distinct booths, is composed of beautiful dark wooden walls and ambient yellow light. Walking through each room is a true delight and you could spend hours admiring the vintage pieces. The best part about their one-of-a-kind treasures? They are budget-friendly, sustainable, and eco-friendly. Shopping from Over the Hill is not only a gift to your friends, but a gift to your wallet and the planet, too.
- Address: 1388 Bradyville rd, Readyville, TN, United States, Tennessee
- Parking: There is plenty of parking for all shoppers directly in front of the enterance.
- Operation Hours: Over the Hill Antiques is open until 5PM, 7 days a week. Please refer to their Facebook for the most up-to-date information on holiday hours.
