Sit On A Porch, Take A Walk, Float A River, Ride a Bike, Dine Creek Side
Consider this a personal invitation to come and play in Nashville’s Big Back Yard. It’s a simple idea meant to inspire rest, relaxation and rejuvenation. NBBY is 13 rural Tennessee communities and The Shoals of Alabama, connected by 100 miles of the meandering Natchez Trace Parkway, speed limit 50. This is a case study in slow travel and has been since the Native Americans walked the trace some 10,000 years ago.
Leiper’s Fork is for porch sitting or guitar picking. Whether relaxing in the swing at Leiper’s Creek Gallery, the back porch of Patina Home & Garden, or enjoying creekside dining courtesy of BAMFoods, Leiper’s Fork is the village of your dreams for a slow day. Shop, porch sit, sip whiskey at Leiper’s Fork Distillery, or take in world-class music and southern food at Fox & Locke. Late night features s’mores at the firepit.
Natchez Trace Parkway is for easy riding. NTP is a bucket list item for bikers, whether powered by two legs or on your free-wheeling motorized ride. The National Park Service has designated the Parkway, one of America’s oldest roads, as a bicycle route. It’s a slow roll, though at 50 mph.
The Shoals of Alabama is for birdwatching. Enjoy birding and foot trails for an uncomplicated outdoor experience in The Shoals of Alabama. This is home to a vintage restored railroad bridge, a natural waterfall, and more than 11 miles of foot trails. Natural beauty is abundant all around.
The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail is for golfing. The Shoals of Alabama is home to two 18-hole championship courses near the Tennessee River. Waiting for the spouse to play 18 holes? No problem. Explore the “Hit Recording Capital of the World,” including tours at Fame and Muscle Shoals Sound studios.
The Buffalo River is for floating. Drift along on a scenic kayaking excursion. Start in Linden, (population around 1000), home to the historic Commodore Hotel. Their speakeasy is laid-back, and the no-pressure service is like “old home week.” Nearby Lady’s Bluff Loop Trail is a beautiful hike that leads to far-reaching views of the Tennessee River.
David Crockett State Park is for outdoor living. The 1,319-acre park in Lawrenceburg has paved bike trails and more than ten miles of hiking trails. Enjoy scenic vistas of Shoal Creek and Crockett Falls, abundant wildlife, and serene forests. The David Crockett Museum is a highlight.
Elephant Discovery Center in Hohenwald is for watching elephants. This Discovery Center exists to support the private Elephant Sanctuary nearby and offers hands-on exhibits and educational programming. This one is good for the soul.
We love the rural community that naturally forms in Nashville’s Big Back Yard and invite all to join us for a weekend or a lifetime.
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