COLUMBIA

Image: VisitColumbiaTN.com

Come see what makes Columbia a nationally accredited Main Street community, a ‘Top 10 Best Small Town’ by Southern Living AND a ‘Country’s Best Small Town, Top 10’ by Country Living Magazine. Start by getting to know the 11^th President of the United States at the President James K. Polk Home & Museum, where you’re invited to “bring your questions and your curiosity.” One of the most significant Presidential collections in the United States, the museum is located in the heart of downtown Columbia, just a block from the historic Maury County courthouse square. If history, one-of-a-kind shops, quirky murals and restaurants don’t do it for you, check out these Must-Do Outdoor Excursions and other suggested summer activities.  

ETHERIDGE

Image:  AmishofEtheridge.com

Did you know? The largest Amish community in the Southern United States is just over an hour south of Nashville. The Amish Welcome Center offers free Amish maps, Amish goods and souvenirs, vintage glassware, antiques, t-shirts, and the only public restrooms in the area. (Always a good thing to know!) As you drive around, you’ll likely see handmade signs at the end of driveways letting you know what that home has to offer for sale. Before you go, be sure to read this Amish advice page for important information (like bring cash in small bills, don’t take photos, and more). While you’re in the area, you can also step back in time to 1940 at Ike’s Amish Depot and General Store, the greyhound bus depot the Amish use to travel long distances. Come on Saturdays for old school burgers, hot dogs and milkshakes. For something a little different, check out the Plowboy Produce Auction, where farmers—90% of them Old Order Amish—bring wagon loads of their best hand-picked-that-morning products to sell. Auctions start at 1 PM Mon-Wed-Fri, April through October.

FRANKLIN

Image: VisitFranklin.com

If you can make the trip on Tuesday through Friday, take the Franklin Hop Trolley Tour, a vintage trolley ride through history. If Saturday is your only option, treat yourself to a stroll through the Franklin Farmers Market at  The Factory at Franklin. This former stove works turned bedding manufacturing plant is now filled with shops, restaurants and more. Franklin’s Main Street, designated a Great American Main Street and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is just steps away. Whatever day you visit, there will be plenty to see. History buffs will want to visit three homes that tell the story of the Battle of Franklin, dubbed “the last great battle of the American Civil War.” End your day with tickets to whatever’s playing at the beautifully restored Franklin Theatre, which offers movies, live theatre, music, comedy and more.

GRANVILLE

Image: Granville, TN

In the spirit of the Volunteer State, Granville—”Tennessee’s Mayberry Town“—is operated by about 200 volunteers, which means they’re only open Wednesday-Friday 10 AM-3 PM and Saturday 10 AM-5 PM. That’s right, the whole town has visiting hours, and there’s so much to see, you’ll want to make the most of every one of them. Your town tour ticket (just $7 for adults) gives you access to a guided tour of the Sutton Homestead and Pioneer Village and a self-guided tour of other buildings and museums, including the Mayberry – I Love Lucy Museum, Daniel Barber Shop and Post Office Museum, Clemons Car Museum, Granville Whiskey Decanter Museum, Whistle Stop Saloon and Ice Cream Museum and Tennessee Quilt & Textile Museum. See why you need to start early?

HOHENWALD

Image:  The Elephant Sanctuary

Begin your adventure at the 1896 train depot (now a welcome center) to pick up info and do a little shopping before heading out to The Elephant Sanctuary.  The sanctuary itself (where the elephants actually live) is closed to visitors, but you can enjoy hands-on exhibits at the Discovery Center and watch live footage from their “EleCam” solar-powered cameras used to locate and monitor the elephants. Don’t miss the Lewis County Museum of Natural History and Hohenwald Discovery Center—a big name for a place with a lot to offer, including the world-class Maddox Wildlife Collection, an outdoor ‘discovery trail’ and more. Before you head home, pay your respects at the grave of famed explorer Meriwether Lewis, and raise a glass at one (or more) stops on the Natchez Trace Wine Trail.

There are many more delightful places to visit in our part of Tennessee, but this list will give you a place to start. Have fun out there!

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