Explore Middle Tennessee’s Most Memorable Stops on Nashville's Trace Trail

Carnton offers a moving window into Tennessee’s Civil War history. This historic home served as a field hospital during the Battle of Franklin, and its preserved rooms, artifacts and surrounding gardens help tell the deeply human stories of those who lived through the conflict. Visitors can tour the house, walk the McGavock Confederate Cemetery and experience one of Franklin’s most significant heritage sites.

A sweet Tennessee tradition, the National Banana Pudding Festival celebrates the South’s most iconic dessert with tastings, live music, local vendors and the famous Puddin’ Path. Held each fall in Centerville, the festival highlights both classic and creative pudding recipes while supporting local nonprofits. It’s a family-friendly stop packed with comfort food and small-town festival fun.

Columbia’s annual Mule Day transforms the downtown courthouse square into a lively celebration honoring the city’s agricultural heritage. Parade floats, craft vendors, mule-related competitions and live entertainment bring thousands of visitors to the historic district each spring. The event has been a local tradition for nearly 170 years, showcasing Columbia’s pride and community spirit.

Step inside the beautifully preserved home of the 11th U.S. president at the James K. Polk Home and Museum. The site includes the main house, period gardens, artifacts from Polk’s presidency and rotating exhibits that explore 19th-century life. It’s one of the most authentic presidential homes in the country, offering an intimate look at Tennessee’s ties to American history.

The restored Hohenwald Train Station and Depot shares the story of Lewis County’s railroad past through historic exhibits, memorabilia and a charming small-town atmosphere. Visitors can learn about the area’s early transportation routes and the role the depot played in local industry. Its vintage architecture makes it a photogenic and educational stop along the trail.

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is a world-renowned refuge dedicated to providing lifelong care for retired elephants. While the habitats themselves are closed to the public to protect the animals, visitors can explore the Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald. Interactive exhibits, educational displays and live-stream “EleCams” offer a close-up look at the sanctuary’s conservation work.

Tucked into the rolling hills of Middle Tennessee, Amber Falls Winery offers a peaceful countryside getaway with award-winning wines and warm hospitality. Guests can enjoy tastings in the cozy cellar, relax on the scenic patio and explore seasonal events that highlight the region’s flavors. The vineyard’s bold reds and fruit-forward blends are local favorites.

David Crockett State Park honors the legendary frontiersman with miles of wooded hiking trails, a serene lake and interpretive exhibits that explore Crockett’s life in Tennessee. Visitors can paddle, fish, picnic, stay in modern cabins or simply soak in the natural beauty that inspired one of America’s most iconic folk heroes. It’s a perfect stop for outdoor recreation and Tennessee history.

Bonnie Blue Farm is a family-owned goat dairy known for handcrafted cheeses made right in the Tennessee countryside. Visitors can learn about goat farming, sample artisan chèvre and see firsthand how small-batch cheese is made. The farm’s peaceful rural setting and dedication to quality make it a flavorful stop for food lovers traveling the byway.