VISITOR GUIDE
Welcome to Pulaski, a town surrounded by farmland, local makers, and a whole lot of fresh air. As the heart of Giles County, Pulaski is rooted in agriculture, and it shows up everywhere you look Rolling fields, family farms, and hardworking growers shape the landscape and the way of life here. It also means the food is as fresh as it gets, with farm-to-table meals, locally sourced ingredients, and restaurants that know exactly where their produce came from this morning
Historic Downtown Pulaski pairs that agricultural backbone with charm and community. You'll find historic streets, local shops, friendly faces, and makers who take pride in doing things the right way. While Pulaski anchors the county, the surrounding communities of Lynnville, Ardmore, Elkton, and Minor Hill each add their own character to the experience.
It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, when you Visit Pulaski, Tennessee you'll always find a home away from home! Come hungry, come curious, and come ready to slow down just enough to enjoy a place where fresh food, wide open spaces, and genuine hospitality are simply part of everyday life.
Find more travel information such as business listings, event info, booking links for lodging, itineraries, and local blogs on the official website.
This guide is developed in partnership with the South Central Tennessee Tourism Association and Experience Tennessee. To learn more, visit SCTTA.org or ExperienceTN.com. Don’t just Travel Tennessee, Experience Tennessee!
TABLE OF CONTENTS
April - Campbellsville Run the Rolling Hills Trail Race
June - SunDrop Festival
July - Lynnville Blackberry Festival
August - Here’s the Beef Ag Week
August - Firehawk Welcome Week Concert & Fireworks
September - Ardmore Crape Myrtle Festival
October - Campbellsville Heritage Festival
November - Giles Chamber Chili Cook-Off
December - Mingle Jingle & Tree Lighting
RECOMMENDED EXPERIENCES
by:ExperienceTNcom
DINING OPTIONS
The Yellow Deli
219 S 3 St, Pulaski rd
Made-from-scratch meals with a menu inspired by wholesome, natural ingredients.
Kitchen 218
218 N 1 St, Pulaski st
A fresh take on Southern classics made with farm-fresh ingredients with a full bar.
Storybrook Farms Eatery
320 W College St, Pulaski
Cozy eatery serving elevated sandwiches, burgers, soups, salads, and more.
Common John Brewing Company
Local chain serving steaks, seafood, and Southern comfort fare.
Hickory House Restaurant
306 N 1st St, Pulaski
330 S Patterson St, Pulaski
Hickory-smoked BBQ and steaks in a laid back setting with a bar and buffet options.
Second Street Coffee House
102 S 2 St, Pulaski nd
Cozy coffee shop serving rich, bold espresso, breakfast sandwiches, and more.
Lynnville Fried Pie Company
121 Mill St, Lynnville
Offering fried pies with hand-crimped flaky crusts and homemade fillings.
Soda Pop Junction
141 Mill St, Lynnville
Serving classic fried comfort food, local burgers, and old-fashioned ice cream.
Rick’s Barbecue
25663 Main St, Ardmore
Local barbecue chain dishing up sandwiches, baked potatoes, and other comfort food.
Lirette’s Cajun Kitchen
6553 Minor Hill Hwy, Goodspring
100% authentic Louisiana Cajun home-style meals, fresh seafood and bold flavors.
Corner Pit BBQ
107 Dellrose Rd, Dellrose
Casual eatery firing up all-wood pits for TN barbecue, plus ribs, and sandwiches.
LODGING OPTIONS
Hampton Inn Pulaski
100 Bre Ave, Pulaski
Hot breakfast buffets and warm rooms only 2 miles from UT Southern and downtown. Giles Hotel Inn & Suites
1140 W College St, Pulaski
Business-friendly hotel with friendly service, free wifi, and free parking.
The Cozy Corner on College
511 W College St, Pulaski
Short term rentals within walking distance of UT Southern and the Historic Downtown. Fish Tales Lakehouse
1283 Lake Logan Rd, Ardmore
A cozy, two-story lakefront retreat tucked into a quiet cove on scenic Lake Logan.
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES
LewLew’s
300 Bennett Dr, Pulaski
A gift shop full-to-the-brim with jewelry, decor, chandeliers, and more.
Kayfabe Cave
110 S 1 St, Pulaski st
A haven for toy enthusiasts of all ages selling classic action figures and collectibles.
Trail of Tears Interpretive Center
220 Stadium St, Pulaski
A museum & educational center honoring the history and legacy of Native Americans. Willow + Reed
113 S 1 St, Pulaski st
Stylish women’s apparel, gourmet jams and jellies, and one-of-a-kind items for men.
The Outlook
115 N 1 St, Pulaski st
A family owned business offering the very best clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The GOAT Vintage Collective
223 Villiage Square, Pulaski
Antique mall featuring vintage treasures from over 80 booths.
Col. Littleton
113 Mill St, Lynnville
Shop offering timeless, handcrafted leather bags, belts, accessories, and more.
Flowers Creamery
2734 Rhea Branch Rd, Ethridge
Award winning small batch artisan cheeses, fresh milk, and ice cream.
Brick Church Meats & More
3865 Blackburn Hollow Rd , Pulaski
Local chain serving steaks, seafood, and Southern comfort fare.
The Local Farmer
419 W College St, Pulaski
Farm-raised beef and locally made sauces, seasonings, cutting boards, and a deli.
Flatrock Cheese & More
2825 Minor Hill Hwy, Pulaski
A one-stop country variety store for gourmet cheeses, specialty foods, and more.
Big Creek Winery
1900 Crescentview Rd, Pulaski
A local winery offering tours and tastings, with occasional events and live music.
Historic Downtown Pulaski
Centered around the historic Giles County Courthouse, Historic Downtown Pulaski blends long-standing tradition with a growing mix of shops, restaurants, and gathering spaces. The courthouse itself is a standout, a Beaux-Arts, French-influenced structure completed in 1909 and widely recognized for its architectural beauty. With the University of Tennessee Southern just a block away, the energy here feels rooted and active, shaped by locals, students, and visitors.
A walk around the square reveals a wide range of locally owned businesses. Boutiques like Willow + Reed, She Blooms, and The Clothes Pen offer everything from everyday style to unique finds, while the Giles County Makers Market brings together local artisans and craft vendors under one roof. For something a little different, Kayfabe Cave stands out with its collection of memorabilia and collectibles.
Food and drink are just as much a part of the downtown experience. Reeve’s Drug Store is a local favorite, with a classic food and ice cream counter inside of the historic pharmacy that feels like a step back in time. For a more modern setting, Kitchen 218 serves as both a restaurant and bar, with an upstairs event space that often hosts live music and gatherings. Second Street Coffee House offers a relaxed spot to recharge, while Common John Brewing Company, one of the newest additions to downtown, brings a fresh energy with craft beer, live events, and a welcoming place to gather.
Downtown Pulaski also has a strong connection to the arts. The STAAR Theatre at Antoinette Hall is a unique part of that story, operating beneath what is considered the oldest surviving opera house in the south. While the upper-level opera house is not regularly open to the public, it remains an important historic structure currently undergoing a long-term restoration effort. The building is still being stabilized, with steel supports holding the walls in place. Visitors can occasionally access the space through special events, annual ghost hunts in the fall, or by arranging visits.
Events play a major role in bringing the square to life, and one of the most anticipated each year is the SunDrop Festival. Held every June, the festival transforms downtown into a full day of activity, celebrating local culture with music, food, and creative events. From the crowd-favorite Milk Drop, where participants attempt to pour milk from the courthouse balcony into a container below, to cake contests, live performances, and vendor booths, the festival highlights tradition and community spirit.
Historic downtown Pulaski offers a welcoming, walkable experience filled with local flavor and a strong sense of place.
THE YELLOW DELI PULASKI STORYBROOK
Outdoor Recreation
For visitors who like to experience a place outdoors, the area has a strong mix of cycling routes, trail running, walking paths, and river access that shows off the countryside from a different perspective.
One of the best ways to take it all in is on the Bike TN Minor Hill Loop. Do not let the name fool you. This route is named for the nearby town of Minor Hill, not because the hills are minor. Cyclists should expect rolling roadways, challenging climbs, and fast descents, all wrapped in some of the prettiest rural scenery in the county.
The loop begins and ends in Minor Hill, with the route moving quickly into quiet country roads, creek crossings, wooded climbs, and open fields. Riders pass through areas like Shoal Creek, Liberty Hill, Puncheon Branch, Peach Road, and Shannon Creek, with a mix of tree-lined stretches and wide-open views. Some climbs are long and gradual, while others are short, steep, and demanding. For experienced cyclists, that variety is part of the appeal. The route rewards the effort with peaceful roads, beautiful hollows, and the kind of terrain that keeps the ride interesting from start to finish. Cyclists should be comfortable sharing the road with occasional vehicle traffic and should use caution at highway crossings and on steep descents.
For runners, the annual Run the Rolling Hills trail race in Campbellsville offers another way to experience Giles County’s landscape. Held each April, this popular event draws trail runners to a scenic cross-country course that winds through the rolling countryside. The 5K course covers a 3.1-mile loop with a few out-and-back sections, while the 1-mile Kids Fun Run gives younger participants a chance to take part. The setting is beautiful, but the course still offers a challenge, making it a favorite for those who enjoy trail running with a view.
Visitors looking for a slower pace should make time for Wolf Gap, located just outside Pulaski. This 50-acre nonprofit campus is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk, with walking trails, picnic areas, porches, lawn games, and open green space. The bush-hogged walking trails guide visitors through rolling fields, making it a good stop for birdwatchers, wildflower enthusiasts, families, and leashed dogs. On weekends, the Education Center opens with exhibits, restrooms, water fountains, and nature scavenger hunts for kids.
Richland Creek adds one more outdoor option, though it takes a little more planning. Three public access points make it easy to enjoy a short float, a long float, or a fishing trip. The Elk River is also accessible through the Matt Gardner Access Area in Elkton, with a large parking area and concrete ramp making it a convenient place to reach the water. There is not currently a local outfitter for rentals, so visitors will need to bring their own kayak or canoe.
BIKE TN LOOP
MINOR HILL
COLONEL LITTLETON
LYNNVILLE
THE ELK RIVER
ELKTON
Lynnville and Beyond
In Giles County, the smaller communities are often where you find the most unexpected experiences. At the center of it all is Lynnville, a former railroad town that proves to be more than you expect. With a mix of craftsmanship, history, and local flavor, it stands out as a destination.
Lynnville is home to the original Big Machine Distillery and tasting room, where the brand first began before expanding across Tennessee. Visitors can step inside and experience the place where it all started, with a welcoming space to sample, tour, and learn more about the distilling process. Not far from there, craftsmanship takes center stage at Col. Littleton, The Great American Leather Company. Known around the world, Col. Littleton produces handcrafted leather goods using traditional tools and techniques. From bags and belts to smaller accessories, each piece is built with durability and timeless design in mind.
The town’s railroad history is still part of its identity The local railroad museum, open to the public, preserves the story of the trains that once shaped Lynnville’s growth. Just across the road, Soda Pop Junction offers classic comfort food, serving burgers made from local beef alongside thick milkshakes. For something sweet, the Lynnville Fried Pie Company offers its well-known “Tennessee Turnover,” a flaky, golden fried pie available in a variety of flavors. The shop has even earned national attention, with its pies making their way to events in Washington, D.C.
Beyond Lynnville, other communities in Giles County each offer something a little different. In Minor Hill, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the Bike TN Minor Hill Loop. This route is known for its rolling terrain and challenging climbs, making it a favorite among experienced cyclists. After a ride, many visitors stop by Lirette’s Cajun Kitchen and Seafood, where a Louisiana family brings authentic Cajun cooking to southern Tennessee with bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
To the south, Ardmore sits directly on the Tennessee-Alabama state line, giving it a unique identity that spans two states. It is a growing community known for its small-town feel, the annual Crape Myrtle Festival, and the popular Dog Days Flea Market.
Elkton offers a quieter setting along the banks of the Elk River, where visitors can enjoy scenic views and a slower pace. Nearby, the community of Campbellsville attracts runners each year for the Run the Rolling Hills trail race, known for its challenging course and beautiful countryside.
Together, these towns create a well-rounded experience across Giles County. Each stop offers its own character, but all share a sense of authenticity that makes exploring beyond the main roads well worth the time.
MILKY WAY FARM
PULASKI
Milky Way Farm
Just outside Pulaski, Milky Way Farm stands as one of Tennessee’s most unique historic properties. Spanning more than 1,100 acres of rolling hills and open pasture, the farm offers a glimpse into a story that begins with one of America’s most recognizable names in business.
Frank Mars, founder of the Mars Candy Company, created Milky Way Farm in the early 1930s following the success of his Milky Way candy bar. What he built was far more than a working farm. It was a showplace, complete with a 20-bedroom manor house, dozens of barns, cottages, and carefully maintained grounds. The farm was home to champion racehorses, prize cattle, and sheep, all supported by an operation designed with both function and beauty in mind. Even today, the craftsmanship in the stonework and wood details reflects the care that went into its original construction.
Over the years, the property changed hands, but its significance never faded. In 2010, Charles Jones and his daughter Lynn Golden purchased the farm and began an extensive restoration effort. Their work focused on repairing historic structures and preserving the integrity of the land. With the help of the Tennessee Land Trust, much of the property was placed under a protected agricultural easement, ensuring that its open landscape would remain intact for future generations.
In 2018, Lynn Golden and her sister Kathryn Hanley took ownership and continued that mission. Their goal has been not only to restore the farm, but to honor its history while keeping it active and relevant. Today, Milky Way Farm operates as a private event and meeting space, hosting weddings, corporate gatherings, and special events throughout the year. Visitors can also schedule tours by reservation, offering a closer look at the property and its story.
The setting itself is part of the experience. Wide-open fields stretch in every direction, with select vantage points offering views that seem to go on for miles. It is easy to understand why Frank Mars chose this location and invested so much into its development.
Milky Way Farm’s influence can also be seen beyond its gates. In downtown Pulaski, the Trail of Tears Interpretive Center is housed in the Mars Stone Chapel, a Gothic-style building constructed using limestone sourced directly from the farm. Originally built in 1941 as a Catholic church with support from Mars’ family, the structure was later relocated and preserved as part of the county’s historical efforts. Today, it serves as a meaningful connection between the farm’s legacy and the broader story of the region.
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