Folks settle in the city of Nashville and its surrounding suburbs for a myriad of reasons, from the local community to affordable housing and career opportunities. No matter how incredible a city may be, however, every once in a while you simply need to get out of town. These 7 small towns just outside of Nashville are perfection destinations for a day trip with friends and family. Take a look, fall in love, and jump in the car. There's a little something for everyone.
1. Franklin
Perhaps one of the most popular Small towns near Nashville, the city of Franklin is known for its Antebellum history and close-knit community. Out-of-towners visit for the annual Dickens of a Christmas Festival during the holidays, and the historic downtown area is perfect for a quiet afternoon of shopping and feasting at one of the restaurants and coffee shops along the strip.
2. Columbia
The city of Columbia is oft-forgotten due to its distance from the heart of Nashville. Old "Muletown" is the home of the annual Muletown Festival and has experienced a resurgence in its historic downtown in recent years. 3rd wave coffee shops and newly minted bakeries have since taken up residence amidst the antique shops downtown, and the affordable housing makes it a great spot to visit and settle down.
3. Kingston Springs
Kingston Springs is tucked away roughly 45 minutes from the heart of Nashville, and it's a lush, leafy suburb that offers plenty of hiking opportunities and gorgeous homes tucked away in the woods. This is the place to head if you're looking for a true small-town experience with a rustic twist.
4. Pulaski
Pulaski is a little over an hour from the city, and it's a prime spot to visit if you have a sweet tooth! You can tour Milky Way Farms, the home of Frank Mars' who introduced the world to candy such as Dove chocolate, M&M's, and 3 Muskateers, or you can walk the historic square. We'd recommend stopping by Second Street Coffeehouse if you get a hankering for something delicious, with both breakfast and lunch on the menu.
5. Lynchburg
Lynchburg is perhaps best known for being the home of the Jack Daniel's Distillery. While it's definitely a solid spot to visit, we'd also recommend you visit the Moore County Jail Museum for a bit of local history, or perhaps make your way to Tims Ford State Park to hike the rustic, unpaved trails that cross the park.
6. Linden
You'll find Linden 90 minutes from Nashville to the west. It's a great spot for outdoorsy folks, especially since the Buffalo River Resort offers all sorts of sporty rentals and Mousetail Landing State Park boasts five hiking trails and two mountain bike trails. Once you make your way out of the woods you can head over to the Commodore Hotel & Cafe for a classic southern meal.
7. Waverly
Waverly is known for being the home of the Johnsonville State Historic Area. There's a quiet downtown that is truly reminiscent of southern community, and a two-mile trail through the park that takes you through land dotted with Civil War-era forts and even a cemetery.
You can learn more about all the fun that Tennesse has to offer with a visit to our Nashville archives. There's a little something for everyone!
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