Bluegrass, beauty and barbecue in McMinnville, Tennessee

Stay in the charming and historic Southern Blue, a collection of boutique lofts equipped with full kitchens, bedrooms and sumptuous living rooms, perfect for relaxing after a full day of exploring the outdoors, shopping and local dining found in McMinnville, Tennessee. After a day of exploring, unwind with a craft beer and local flavors at the on-site Barren Fork Brews, the town's go-to spot for a sophisticated and relaxed atmosphere. The property offers a front-row seat to breathtaking sunrises and sunsets painting the sky over the surrounding Tennessee mountains. 

Evins Mill is the picturesque boutique resort you’ve dreamed of but haven’t experienced just yet. Book a stay to experience all the luxurious amenities of a resort in an intimate setting. With breathtaking views, rooms where you can fall asleep listening to the bubbling creek, and delicious meals, you’ll fall in love with this tucked away property. Wake up the next morning to Chef Evans’ wonderfully-prepared biscuits and gravy, fruit, and of course, bacon before heading out to the hiking trails exclusive to overnight guests. Be sure to pick up a curated picnic to enjoy in nature.

Start your day off with a journey under the earth in Tennessee's largest show cave. Cumberland Caverns stretches more than 32 miles and hosts daytime caving tours and even overnight caving expeditions. Tours vary from the leisure explorer to the adventurer who likes to get dirty.

McMinnville is a great, central location to go hiking to some of Tennessee's best waterfalls. Explore the lesser-known secret spot of Suter Falls on the West Collins Gap Trail in the stunningly gorgeous Savage Gulf State Park. A more difficult one-mile, round trip hike will lead you to see a large trail along an alcove with Suter Falls pouring over. 

Have fun on the water with Smooth Rapids Outfitters. They can equip you with all you need for a great day on Tennessee's waterways. Book an hour or two for a short cruise in a boat or tube where you'll be equipped with a paddle, life vest and shuttle to and from the launch area. You can also do a longer float, a 4.5-hour adventure or an 8-mile, 5.5-hour excursion. After your float, enjoy a hand crafted burger, salad, wings or blackened shrimp tacos at The Grill at Smooth Rapids.

Located within Rock Island State Park and about 15 miles north near McMinnville, the iconic Twin Falls is a must-see marvel that cascades 80 feet down a sheer limestone bluff. For the best views, head to the overlook at sunrise or sunset, when the golden light hits the mist and the surrounding mountain ridges. It’s the perfect rugged backdrop for an unforgettable Tennessee adventure.

When the sun goes down and your outdoor adventures have ended, freshen up and attend a show at The Park Theater, a restored 1939 landmark that serves as the cultural heartbeat of downtown McMinnville. The venue hosts a premier lineup of live music of all genres but especially bluegrass, theatrical performances and community events. It offers a nostalgic yet high-tech setting for an evening of entertainment just steps away from the city's best local restaurants.

If you're craving eggs Benedict, French toast, buttermilk pancakes, and country gravy and fluffy biscuits, go to Cumberland Biscuit Company where breakfast and brunch are served as well as Saturday night dinner 4:30-7:30 p.m. On Saturday nights, you can dine on shrimp and grits, salads and burgers like The Bamboshka - a 2/3 lb. beef patty topped with bacon, gouda, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles and spicy mayo. Save room for dessert which includes an apple tart, cheddar cheese apple pie and Baileys Irish Creme brownie topped with vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate sauce and white chocolate rum sauce.

Hiking and playing outdoors makes you quite hungry, so head to downtown McMinnville to grab some barbecue because this is Tennessee, after all and a brew at Collins River BBQ & Cafe. Baby back ribs, pulled pork, beef brisket and hickory smoked wings are waiting to be devoured. Along with mouth-watering barbecue, Collins River also offers salads, veggie wraps, homemade chicken salad and much more. The menu is also kid-friendly with grilled cheese, crispy chicken or pulled pork sliders, chicken tenders and mini corn dogs. 

Get active in McMinnville for a memorable outdoor vacation. Explore even more places and things to do in this adventure town.