WELCOME TO NASHVILLE’S BIG BACK YARD
Jus shville’s Big nnessee experience. This scenic corridor connects the energy of Nashville with the soul of Muscle Shoals through small towns, historic communities, rivers, and music landmarks.
Outdoor adventure and small-town discovery naturally come together in this region of Tennessee. Between the Duck, Buffalo, and Tennessee Rivers, state parks, scenic trails, waterfalls, and campgrounds, travelers have plenty of ways to get outside. Just beyond the trailheads and riverbanks, historic squares, farm markets, cozy coffee shops, local restaurants, galleries, antique stores, boutiques, wineries, and museums are waiting to be discovered.
It is close enough to Nashville for an easy getaway, but far enough away to feel like a real escape. Out here, there is plenty of room to explore, reconnect, wander, and discover gems along the way.
March - Blooming Arts Festival (Linden)
May - Natchez Valley Pro Rodeo (Waynesboro)
June - Highland Realm Blueberry Bash (Hampshire)
June - Summertown Bluegrass Reunion (Summertown)
August - SkyDog: The Shoals Experience (Muscle Shoals)
September - Middle Tennessee District Fair (Lawrenceburg)
September - Music on the Porch Series (Mount Pleasant)
October - National Banana Pudding Festival (Centerville)
October - Oktoberfest (Loretto)
October - ShoalsFest (Muscle Shoals)
November - Pickin’ Leiper’s Fork (Leiper’s Fork)
December - Almost Famous Christmas Parade (Leiper’s Fork)
RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES
DINING OPTIONS
Bold Wind Coffee Bar
118 S Main St, Lobelville, TN
A specialty coffee shop roasting beans in-house and serving sandwiches and pastries. Clifton Marina Bar & Grill
111 Harbor Drive, Clifton, TN
Full service marina with onsite bar & grill serving burgers, steaks, and chef specials.
Emerald’s Restaurant
126 Public Square W, Waynesboro, TN
Comfortable eatery offering a variety of American classics on the Waynesboro square.
Lewis & Clarke’s Restaurant
35 Maple St, Hohenwald, TN
Burgers, pizza, steak, and other comfort food served in a laid-back setting.
Mt. Pleasant Grille
100 S Main St, Mount Pleasant, TN
An American eatery featuring beers, burgers, sandwiches, and homemade ice cream. Odette
120 N Court St, Florence, AL
A rustic-chic bistro offering New American fare with Southern & global flavors.
Rick’s Barbecue
121 N Military St, Loretto, TN
A local drive-through barbecue chain, serving slow-smoked barbecue since 1979.
Santa Fe Diner
2507 Santa Fe Pike, Santa Fe, TN
The owners of this diner smoke their own BBQ and also serve the classic meat and 3. Shaffer Farms BBQ
4 Vaughn Staggs Rd, Summertown, TN
A butcher shop with an attached eatery serving brisket, ribs, and other Texas BBQ.
Skeeter’s Pub & Grub
206 E Public Square, Centerville, TN
Classic sports bar serving a wide variety of options, including wings, shrimp, and steak.
The Country Boy
4141 Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot for southern favorites like pancakes and fried chicken.
The Dragonfly
100 2 Ave N, Collinwood, TN nd
Cozy cafe serving coffee and baked goods and a gift shop filled with handmade goods.
The Southern Baking Co.
111 N Main St, Mount Pleasant, TN
A local bakery serving from-scratch Southern pastries, coffee, and tea.
The Video Corner Cafe
169 Hill St, Linden, TN
A casual restaurant offering classic Southern comfort far, as well as a salad bar.
Q Barbecue Co.
100 Depot St, Collinwood, TN
A casual, counter-serve family restaurant serving BBQ, burgers, and sides.
360 Grille
10 Hightower Pl, Florence, AL
A revolving restaurant with a sophisticated ambiance offering breathtaking views.
LODGING OPTIONS
Dogwood Inn
307 E Broadway St, Collinwood, TN
A newly contructed six-suite property right off of the Natchez Trace Parkway.
Cabins off the Trace
3158 Summertown Hwy, Summertown, TN
Small community of 10 cabins located only two miles from the Natchez Trace.
Camp Wonder Wander
599 Gaither Hinson Rd, Waynesboro, TN
A retreat experience with a certified Forest Therapy guide, lodging for up to 12 guests.
Creekview Farm Retreat B&B
A peaceful three-bedroom guest house with scenic valley views on a working farm.
Commodore Inn B&B
5177 Leipers Creek Rd, Santa Fe, TN 204 W Pillow St, Clifton, TN
A historic Victorian home featuring modern rooms, a pool, and river views.
Fork & Field
Enjoy a highly curated cottage in the heart of historic Leiper’s Fork.
Forest Gully Farms
This enchanting escape offers hobbit-style huts and 15 acres of land to explore.
GunRunner Boutique Hotel
An award-winning, 10-suite luxury hotel with a bar, spa, and rooftop terrace.
Meriwhether’s Retreat B&B
Peaceful Hills Retreat
Piney River Resort
310 E Tennessee St, Florence, AL
A beautifully restored home offering two large suites and a full gourmet breakfast
Secluded retreat offering cozy cabin stays and peaceful camping across 97 acres.
Seven Pines River Resort
100 S Pk St, Hohenwald, TN
Premium RV Sites, Tiny Homes, and luxurious Glamping Tents right on the river bank.
A unique outdoor getaway offering geodome glamping and tent camping by the river. Seven Springs Lodge
An expansive rustic resort featuring horseback riding trails and grain silo lodging. The Commodore Hotel
6869 Piney River Rd N, Bon Aqua, TN
6016 Fly Hollow Rd, Santa Fe, TN 390 American Way, Centerville, TN 1080 Topsy Store Rd, Waynesboro, TN 1292 Mt Mills Rd, Tuscumbia, AL
114 & 120 E Main St, Linden, TN
A restored 1939 hotel with 12 unique rooms on the square in Linden 5521 Joseph St, Franklin, TN
FISHER’S OFF-ROAD TOURS
SANTA FE, TN MUSCLE
SANTA FE DINER
CLIFTON MARINA BAR & GRILL
CLIFTON, TN KENNEDY-DOUGLASS
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
Amber Falls Winery
749 Ridgetop Rd, Hampshire, TN
A locally owned winery offering wine tastings, live music, and a guest cottage. Buffalo River Resort
3520 TN-13, Lobelville, TN
A resort offering rustic cabins, RV sites, and a kayak and canoe rental service.
Elephant Discovery Center
27 E Main St, Hohenwald, TN
Learn about the nearby Elephant Sanctuary through self-guided exhibits.
FAME Studios
603 E Avalon Ave, Muscle Shoals, AL
Tour FAME and disvocer why Muscle Shoals is The Hit Recording Capital of the world. Fisher’s Off-Road Tours
4770 TN-50, Williamsport, TN
Take a scenic tour on middle Tennessee back country roads on an ATV or Side by Side. Fox & Locke
4142 Old Hillsboro Rd, Franklin, TN
A widely-acclaimed live music venue that also serves Southern comfort food.
Grinder’s Switch Winery
2119 Hwy 50 W Loop, Centerville, TN
Small winery in a cozy log cabin, offering complimentary tastings and special events.
Keg Springs Winery
361 Keg Springs Rd, Hampshire, TN
A family-owned winery offering events and wine tastings in beautiful TN Wine Country
Leiper’s Fork Distillery
3381 Southall Rd, Franklin, TN
An artisan distillery bringing back the history of small-batch whiskey production.
Little Creek Ranch
625 Waynesboro Hwy, Waynesboro, TN
Take a guided horseback trail ride through scenic countryside, lodging available.
Mousetail Landing State Park
3 Campground Rd, Linden, TN
A 1,200-acre state park on the banks of the Tennessee River, with hiking and camping Muscle Shoals Sound Studios
3614 N Jackson Hwy, Sheffield, AL
Where Studio musicians “The Swampers” created some of the most popular music. Pink Cadillac Drive-In Theater
2506 TN-100, Centerville, TN
Classic drive-in movie theater offering double features and a concession stand.
Ross Creek Landing Golf Course
110 Aiport Rd, Clifton, TN
An 18-hole championship course designed by the legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus.
Speakeasy at The Commodore
114 E Main St, Linden, TN
An intimate lounge with a prohibition-era atmosphere and handcrafted cocktails. Stillhouse Hollow Falls
8716 Lawrenceburg Hwy, Mount Pleasant
A 90-acre State Natural Area featuring a 75-foot waterfall and a moderate 1.5-mile hike. Twisted Copper Brewing Co
121 S Main St, Mount Pleasant, TN
A local brewery serving handcrafted beer, seasonal seltzers, alongside live music. Wayne County Museum
104 Public Square S, Waynesboro, TN
Visit the Walk of Fame and learn about local legends in country and gospel music.
HARPETH RIVER
TENN TURQUOISE CO. LEIPER’S FORK LEIPER’S
FOX & LOCKE
LEIPER’S FORK
Just 30 miles south of Nashville, Leiper’s Fork feels like the kind of place travelers hope to find but rarely do. This unincorporated historic village is small in size, but full of personality, bringing together live music, fine art, antiques, local food, boutique lodging, and countryside beauty in one walkable stop. Protected by a Tennessee Land Trust on either end of the village, Leiper’s Fork has held onto its rural character while becoming one of the most beloved destinations in Nashville’s Big Back Yard.
Located just off mile marker 428 of the scenic Natchez Trace Parkway, Leiper’s Fork is also part of the iconic Americana Music Triangle. That connection feels natural here. Music is not tucked away for special occasions. It spills out of restaurants, shops, patios, and gathering places, giving the village a rhythm all its own.
A good day in Leiper’s Fork can begin with a biscuit from Leiper’s Fork Market before wandering into the village’s shops and galleries. Patina Home & Garden, owned by home designers Brooke and Steve Giannetti, is thoughtfully curated with cozy, practical pieces for the home. Nearby, Tennessee Turquoise Company is tucked inside a historic cabin and curated by owner Morgane Stapleton. Props adds an eclectic mix of antiques, gifts, and unexpected finds.
Art is another part of the village’s identity. Leiper’s Creek Gallery, owned by artist Lisa Fox, showcases work from more than 25 artists in a beautiful and inviting space. Next door, David Arms Gallery features artwork inspired by the warmth, familiarity, and quiet beauty of home. The Copper Fox Gallery brings together handmade art and fine craft from a variety of local and regional artists.
Visitors can also schedule a tour and tasting at Leiper’s Fork Distillery or enjoy a relaxing creekside stop at Crown Winery. For a slower afternoon, Leiper’s Fork Spa offers treatments designed to help guests settle into the pace of the village.
When it comes to live music, Fox & Locke is the town’s anchor. Once a country store, it is now an acclaimed music venue known for its weekly open mic night, which often sells out within hours. You never know who might step on stage, including Grammy-winning artists. The food is part of the draw, too, with comfort dishes that make it easy to settle in for the evening. Across the street, The Country Boy has been serving Southern favorites since 1968, while The Tornado Room downstairs adds a speakeasy-style music venue to the experience.
Leiper’s Fork may not have chain hotels, but that is part of its appeal. Fork & Field offers accommodations in the heart of the village, while nearby Southall Farm & Inn provides a luxury resort experience with trails, paddling, spa treatments, and farm-to-table dining across more than 400 acres.
From Fork Fest to the almost-famous Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade, every season brings another reason to visit. Come for the music, stay for the art, food, scenery, and small-town character, and leave with the feeling that you found one of Tennessee’s rarest places.
COLLINWOOD
COLLINWOOD
GLENROCK BRANCH
NATCHEZ TRACE
SWEETWATER BRANCH THE NATCHEZ TRACE THE DRAGONFLY
WAYNE COUNTY WELCOME CENTER
THE NATCHEZ TRACE
The Natchez Trace Parkway is more than a scenic drive. It is a 444mile journey through thousands of years of history, following the general path of the Old Natchez Trace, a travel corridor once used by American Indians, traders, European settlers, soldiers, enslaved people, “Kaintucks,” and future presidents. With about 100 miles of the Parkway running through Tennessee, Nashville’s Big Back Yard offers some of the most beautiful and memorable ways to experience this historic route.
Part of the National Park System, the Parkway is designed for travelers who want to slow down and take in the landscape. There are no commercial billboards or busy roadside distractions, just wooded ridges, quiet pull-offs, historic markers, hiking trails, picnic spots, and long stretches of open road. It is a favorite route for scenic drives, motorcycle rides, and cycling, with the entire Parkway officially designated as a bicycle route by the National Park Service.
For visitors who want to stretch their legs, the Parkway offers trails ranging from short nature walks to more challenging hikes. Jackson Falls at milepost 404.7 is a short but steep walk to a 30-foot cascading waterfall. Nearby Fall Hollow Falls at milepost 391.9 offers an easy scenic hike to a tiered waterfall. At milepost 394, Devil’s Backbone State Park adds another chance to explore the Western Highland Rim, with forested terrain and quiet outdoor space just off the Trace.
History is never far away along the Parkway. At milepost 385.9, visitors can stop at the burial site and monument of Meriwether Lewis, the famed explorer of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. At milepost 403.7, a preserved 2,000-foot section of the original Old Natchez Trace follows a ridge high above the Duck River, giving travelers the chance to walk in the footsteps of generations who moved through this landscape long before the modern road existed.
Nature lovers will find plenty of reasons to pause, too. Sweetwater Branch at milepost 363 is a peaceful stop for birders, with songbirds, woodpeckers, a short nature trail, and a bubbling stream. Fishing is also allowed throughout the Parkway, with visitors following the regulations of the state where they choose to cast a line.
The towns just off the Parkway add even more to the experience. Hohenwald is home to the Elephant Discovery Center, while Centerville offers easy access to Fisher’s Off-Road Tours for travelers ready to trade the pavement for backcountry roads. In Waynesboro, visitors can see the only known double-span natural bridge in the world, and Collinwood offers a welcoming stop with local information and coffee at The Dragonfly. Farther north, Leiper’s Fork brings small-town charm, art, food, and music to the journey, with shops like Patina Home & Garden and live music at the iconic Fox & Locke.
A drive on the Natchez Trace Parkway is not something to rush. It is a chance to step back in time, follow a road shaped by history, and discover the communities, waterfalls, overlooks, trails, and stories that make Nashville’s Big Back Yard worth exploring one mile at a time.
ODETTE FLORENCE, AL
FAME STUDIOS MUSCLE SHOALS, AL
WILSON PARK MUSCLE SHOALS, AL
THE SHOALS: MUSIC, CULTURE, AND THE SINGING RIVER
In the northwest corner of Alabama, The Shoals brings together music history, outdoor adventure, creative culture, and Southern flavor in a way that feels unmistakably its own. As part of Nashville’s Big Back Yard, this stretch of the Tennessee River offers a journey from the ancient story of the Singing River to the recording studios that helped shape American music.
The Shoals area includes Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, and Tuscumbia, each adding its own layer to the region’s identity. Long before the area became known for hit records, the Tennessee River shaped life here. Native American communities built a thriving culture along its banks, and the river’s sounds and stories later helped inspire William Christopher Handy, better known as W.C. Handy. Known as the Father of the Blues, Handy carried the rhythms of this place into a musical legacy that still echoes today. Visitors can learn more at the W.C. Handy Museum in Florence, which honors his life and influence.
Music remains one of the biggest reasons travelers come to The Shoals. Known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World,” the area is home to legendary FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. Artists including Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Cher, Bob Dylan, Wilson Pickett, Bob Seger, Paul Simon, Little Richard, Otis Redding, Willie Nelson, Gregg and Duane Allman, and Jimmy Buffett all recorded major hits here. That creative energy continues with artists like Chris Stapleton, Alicia Keys, John Paul White, Alabama Shakes, Drive-By Truckers, and Jason Isbell, who have all helped carry the Muscle Shoals sound forward. R&B, gospel, soul, rock, country, and blues all seem to meet here, creating a sound that is hard to define but impossible to ignore.
Beyond the studios, The Shoals offers plenty of reasons to stay a while. Florence brings together small-town warmth and city-style refinement, with historic districts, local shops, strong dining, and easy access to outdoor recreation. Visitors can play golf on the nearby Robert Trent Jones course, spend time fishing for trophy bass, or simply enjoy the river views that have shaped the area for generations.
The region’s creative influence also reaches into fashion and design. The Shoals is home to the flagship store of designer Billy Reid and the inspiring work of Alabama Chanin, adding another layer to the area’s artistic personality. History lovers can visit Ivy Green, the Tuscumbia home of Helen Keller, where many real-life locations connected to “The Miracle Worker” can still be experienced. Nearby, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Rosenbaum House offers one of the purest examples of Wright’s Usonian style.
A trip to The Shoals is easy to round out with memorable places to stay and eat. Boutique hotels like The Stricklin and GunRunner, along with Renaissance Shoals Resort & Spa, give visitors several ways to settle in. Dining favorites include Wildwood Tavern, Odette, and 360 Grille, Alabama’s only revolving restaurant. From music landmarks to river views, The Shoals offers some of the best of Alabama and Nashville’s Big Back Yard.
FOX & LOCKE
LIEPER’S FORK, TN FAME
WAYNESBORO WALK OF FAME WAYNESBORO,
EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC
There is a reason Nashville is known around the world as Music City. But just beyond its famous stages, Nashville’s Big Back Yard carries its own rhythm. This creative corridor through Tennessee and North Alabama has been shaped by legendary performers, hit recordings, local songwriters, historic theaters, winery concerts, and live music moments that often happen when you least expect them.
Start in Leiper’s Fork, a historic village where music feels woven into the streets. Fox & Locke is the town’s undisputed anchor, an old-time gathering place where visitors can catch live performances in an intimate setting. Its Thursday open mic night has become the stuff of legend, known for surprise appearances and Grammy Award-winning artists sharing the same stage with local talent. Music even spills into the shops, with places like Patina Home & Garden adding live performances to the village experience.
In Centerville, music and storytelling meet through the legacy of Sarah Cannon, better known as Minnie Pearl. The legendary Grand Ole Opry member became one of the most beloved comics of her time, and her famous character hailed from Grinder’s Switch, a fictional version of Centerville. Today, visitors can still connect with that heritage on Saturday mornings during The Grinders Switch Hour, a live broadcast from The Grinders Switch Center that keeps music, humor, and community tradition alive.
The music continues in places that make the region feel both historic and personal. In Mount Pleasant, the restored Mount Pleasant Grille recalls a time when Opry greats like Eddy Arnold, Minnie Pearl, and Roy Acuff regularly performed there. In Hampshire, Amber Falls Winery pairs local wine with weekend music during the spring, summer, and fall, while nearby Hohenwald keeps music at the center of community life through celebrations like Rock the Lot and special events at The Historic Strand Theatre & Art Gallery.
Farther west, Linden’s historic Commodore Hotel & Café offers one of the region’s most memorable listening rooms, with Friday night Dinner & Live Music events in the Music Café and drinks afterward in the Commodore Speakeasy Lounge. Waynesboro adds another chapter with deep musical roots and a Tennessee Music Pathways marker honoring native son and country artist Mark Collie.
The journey reaches a powerful finale in The Shoals, known as “The Hit Recording Capital of the World.” At FAME Studios and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio, some of the biggest names in music recorded songs that still define American sound, including Aretha Franklin, The Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, Cher, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Little Richard, and Gregg and Duane Allman.
In Nashville’s Big Back Yard, music is more than entertainment. It is the backbone of the region, carried through small towns, historic venues, front-porch stories, and unforgettable live performances. Come for the scenery, stay for the sound, and let the Back Yard show you just how far Music City’s influence can travel.
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