If you’re looking for easy day trips from Nashville, you’re in luck. Just under an hour north of Nashville, you’ll find several small towns worth exploring. Depending on where you go, you can find historic downtowns, farm experiences, scenic views, live music, and outdoor adventures.
I was invited to explore Robertson, Sumner, and Cheatham counties during a hosted trip, and each one showed me a slower, more local side of Middle Tennessee beyond Nashville. Coming from a busy city like New York, I honestly loved the slower pace of life here.
Everyone was super friendly, the sense of community was strong, and the food was amazing. In this guide, I’ll share a few places and experiences you can use to plan your own small-town day trip from Nashville.
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Nashville Day Trips at a Glance
| Destination | Drive from Nashville | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Robertson County | ~ 40 minutes | Farms, agritourism |
| Sumner County | ~ 35 minutes | Music, history |
| Cheatham County | ~ 35 minutes | Outdoor recreation, creative projects |
Day Trip 1: Robertson County
Robertson County is a great day trip from Nashville if you want small-town charms and farm experiences. During my visit, Springfield stood out with its historic square and buildings dating back to the 19th century. There’s even an old post office turned museum you can visit to learn more about the history.
This area has deep farming roots, so agritourism feels like a natural part of the Robertson County experience. It’s also well known for its tobacco crops. I heard the scent of burning tobacco is surprisingly nice, so if you’re curious, keep an eye out for tobacco-scented candles. I wasn’t able to find one during this trip, so that’s something I’ll have to come back for next time.
After spending some time downtown, you can check out the local farms, enjoy farm-to-table dining, and experience farm life in Tennessee. Bernard Farms served a fresh pork tenderloin with seasonal fruits, and it was so delicious. Krazy W Farm was one of the most memorable experiences for me, with its exotic animal petting zoo. I never expected to see a kangaroo here, much less hug one!
I also loved how many women-owned businesses we came across in Robertson County. A lot of the women I met had moved here for love or family, and ended up building businesses around farming, food, and hospitality. The support they have for each other creates such a heartwarming community.
Day Trip 2: Sumner County
If you love music and history, Sumner County is a fun day trip from Nashville.
Hendersonville has been home to many world-famous artists, including Johnny Cash and Taylor Swift, making it a great place for a self-guided music history drive. Keep an eye out for Music Pathways markers around the county. They’re an easy way to learn more about the musicians and stories connected to this part of Middle Tennessee.
There are also a lot of live music events and local concerts throughout the year, so it’s worth checking the event calendar before you go. During my trip, I went to the Hendersonville Hometown Jam, where The Isaacs performed. It was really nice seeing the entire community come together, though I definitely stood out as the only Asian in the crowd.
Bonus: If you love alpacas, definitely check out Long Hollow Suri Alpacas in Gallatin. You can learn about how alpaca fiber is used and buy beautiful pieces made from it. They are incredibly soft. And the cutest part of the experience has to be feeding the alpacas by hand! The girls are food-motivated just like us humans.
Day Trip 3: Cheatham County
Head to Cheatham County if you want a more outdoorsy or creative day trip from Nashville. Since it’s home to thousands of acres of wildlife areas, it’s the place for outdoor recreation activities such as hiking, horseback riding, archery, paddling, and more. I originally planned to go kayaking, but had to scrap it because of the rain.
So if the weather is not on your side, Mud Puddle Pottery in Pegram is a fun rainy-day backup. I tried the hand-building class and made a beautiful vase! They had so many props you could choose from to decorate your vase to make it uniquely yours.
For food, Riverview Restaurant & Marina in Ashland City is a great stop with views of the Cumberland River. I especially loved the broiled catfish, which was highly recommended by our waiter. It was also sweet to see the restaurant featuring his artwork. There’s also a boardwalk out to the river, so take a nice stroll after your meal to digest.
Tips for Planning Small Town Day Trips from Nashville
For these day trips, having a car will definitely make things much easier. Some towns offer limited commuter service, such as between Nashville and Springfield, and many farms, restaurants, parks, and local attractions are scattered. So driving provides you the greatest flexibility.
Before you go, check the opening hours since many small-town attractions have seasonal or limited hours. Also, keep an eye out for local events which can make the visit feel a lot more special.
Which Nashville Day Trip Should You Choose?
If you want to see more of Tennessee beyond Nashville, these small-town day trips are the place to start. Robertson County, Sumner County, and Cheatham County each offer a different side of Middle Tennessee depending on your interests.
Choose Robertson County for farms, Sumner County for music, and Cheatham County for the outdoors. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be sure to have a fun time!
