Discover Nashville's Big Back Yard: The Perfect Fall Getaway
This fall, plan an unforgettable family adventure in Nashville's Big Back Yard, where stunning landscapes and vibrant small towns invite visitors to create lifelong traditions. Nestled just south of Music City, NBBY connects 12 charming towns in Tennessee and The Shoals of North Alabama through the scenic 100-mile Natchez Trace Parkway.
Take part in the iconic National Banana Pudding Festival on October 5-6 in Centerville, TN, or experience the beauty of autumn along the Natchez Trace Parkway, where the dazzling fall colors reach their peak in mid to late October. Scenic stops like Jackson Falls (milepost 404.7) and Fall Hollow (milepost 391.9) in Tennessee, as well as the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall (milepost 338) in Alabama, offer stunning views and meaningful history.
The Shoals region of Alabama, located on the Tennessee River, adds a dynamic blend of outdoor adventures, world-class music, and Southern hospitality. Stay at the acclaimed GunRunner Hotel, voted the No. 1 Boutique Hotel in the U.S., and explore a rich mix of music, art, and culture.
Key fall events include:
- Fork Fest (Oct. 6) in Leiper’s Fork, featuring live music and local arts.
- Shindig (Oct. 11-13) in Florence, AL, a 20th-anniversary celebration hosted by designer Billy Reid with food, music, and fashion.
- Oktober Heritage Festival (Oct. 11-12) in Hohenwald, TN, featuring crafts, food vendors, and family fun at The Elephant Discovery Center.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy Davy Crockett State Park in Lawrenceburg, TN, and the serene Stillhouse Hollow Falls, a hidden gem perfect for hiking.
With cozy lodging options like The Commodore Hotel in Linden, TN, and the luxurious Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa in Florence, AL, Nashville's Big Back Yard offers the perfect setting to embrace fall and create cherished memories with loved ones.
