Ways to Enjoy Nashville in the Fall

Carrie Underwood with a goat at Lucky Ladd Farms
Table of Contents

Ways to Enjoy Nashville This (and every) Fall

Cumberland Park Downtown Nashville Family Fun

Fall brings out the southern charm and magic of the musical alleyways of downtown Nashville. In fact, across middle Tennessee the seasonal changes are embodied through all sorts of events, festivals, and musical concerts. If you’re wondering how to enjoy Nashville in fall, this blogpost will introduce the best foliage spots, Nashville history, and must-see fall themed activities. Fall in love with the city’s autumn-spell and be sure to book yourself a tour to explore Nashville in all its glory. You’ll find the beat of Music City a thorough treat this fall season. 

What Makes Nashville in Fall So Enticing?

It isn’t just the colors of fall that makes Music City so captivating. Fall is the time when festivities fill the air. There is no shortage of family entertainment, spooky events, and music festivals. So, whether you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin patch or ready to enjoy a relaxing weekend trip at the vineyards, booking Nashville this fall is just the answer. Let’s dive in: 

 

Enjoy Nashville this Fall

Set your foot in the city that provides rich history, culture, and urban hospitality. And yes, you’ll find the exclusive fall colors sprinkled all over these locations, because Nashville, Tennessee, experiences one of the best autumn blooms in the country.  

  • Explore Nashville Heritage

There’s no better way to enjoy Nashville in fall, than to discover its gorgeous natural landscapes and changing hues. Head to Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park as the temperature drops, and watch as the surroundings turn crimson. This urban park is excellent for enjoying brisk evening walks, leisurely family brunch, and a tour of Nashville’s historic monuments. It is also within walking distance to many Nashville attractions and the main Nashville strip. Another excellent way to absorb heritage this fall, would be to take a stroll down Riverfront Park. This park houses the historic Fort Nashboro, as well as a train station , and music amphitheater. Just steps away from Broadway, you can’t go wrong with Riverfront! 

  • Trek Through Fall Foliage

If you are looking for more adventure during your trip, then Nashville has great treks to offer. A short drive from the city, lies Edwin Warner State Park. With many hiking trails for all levels and open acreage for roaming, there is no comparison to the fall foliage you will encounter here. If canoeing, paddling, or more serious hiking is your thing, then the Harpeth river is a must-go. Here you’ll find the Harpeth Narrows which consists of the oldest man-made tunnel and a waterfall. Another popular destination in the fall is Cummins Falls State Park. There is no entrance fee, and a short hike will bring you to a breathtaking waterfall and swimming hole. 

  • Camping Retreat 

Camping is uber popular in Nashville during the fall. Be sure to look up your reservation online or call ahead to make sure there is room at all of these locations! The Montgomery state park has a great camping ground around Acorn Lake, where you can live the night in a modern cabin or rent out RVs. This campground is a secluded destination to detox from urban life, click scenic beauty, cycle on mountain trails, boat around the lake, and hike through the most vibrant fall foliage ever. Other notable camping retreats include the Harpeth River and Anderson Road (a local favorite). Any of these locations are exactly how you get the most Nashville fall-vibes.

 

Must-Do Fall Activities in Nashville 

When in south Nashville, you cannot escape the busts of music, wall art, roadside singing and bands playing.  But where are the bonfires and pumpkin farms not always on the top of the tour list? Don’t worry, ole’ Joe is here to fill you in: 

  • Lucky Ladd Farm: Experience Fall Harvest

Head to the popular Lucky Ladd farm to experience one-of-a-kind pumpkin patches and activities for the whole family. Here they host pumpkin picking parties, the largest petting zoo in the state, and a multitude of activities for kids.  The surprise-tag along with Lucky Ladd is the Cedar Glade trail where you can witness the most peculiar plant species in the world. For more family-friendly fall activities see our post for Hottest Spots for the Whole Family.  

Carrie Underwood with a goat at Lucky Ladd Farms

  • Cheekwood Harvest: Relaxing Getaway

Cheekwood Farms is a year round attraction, but in the Fall the real harvest comes alive. The changing of the leaves are one of many garden highlights you’ll find at this walking garden and park attraction. Harvest Activities and experiences are designed for kids, adults and families alike including the Japanese Moon viewing party, jazz and latin music shows, and the Dia de los Muertos celebration. Check their website for specific event dates and tickets.   

  • Hermitage Ghost Adventure: Into-the-unknown Experience

If a part of you yearns for an out-of-body paranormal ghost experience while in Nashville, then we highly recommend the Hermitage Ghost Adventure.  Set out on a lantern-led mysterious journey to the tomb of former President Andrew Jackson and try your luck at spotting the several other spirits that have been seen wandering around the property in lush, Victorian clothing. Staff and guests report paranormal activity like Chairs being moved by unseen hands, doors opening and closing on their own, even wine bottles have been said to tip over. Andrew Jackson’s The Hermitage, not to be confused with the Hermitage hotel downtown, is even on the list of Nashville’s most Haunted Places, providing a truly spook-tacular experience. 

Tis The Season of Music In Nashville

There is no shortage of music this fall. If you want to experience the music fiesta that is Nashville, here are a few unmissable events.

  • Sundown in September

Throughout the month of September, Nashville celebrates with live music and local artists in this Musician’s Corner concert series that also runs in conjunction with the AmericanaFest. Located at Centennial Park, this event features live music, food trucks, local artisans, and the Musicians Corner Pub. Truly a gem of our Fall events and a “local experience” you should not miss out on. 

  • Music in The Vines

With free all-day-long music performances, local food, and spacious grass to settle down on, Music in the Vines is the perfect place to spend a fall afternoon in (though slightly outside of) Nashville. This event is a real treat  to the body and soul.  The music event at Arrington vineyards is a popular attraction for tourists as its light on pocket, offers gorgeous views and amazing bluegrass, folk, and country music. #Pro-tip: No reservations are required for this event and parking is always free! 

  • Americana Music Fest

From September 13th through the 17th, the annual Americana Music Fest brings together fans and music industry professionals alike for nights of networking, celebration, and intimate showcases. The streets will be alive with music at over 100 different venues across the city.  Thousands of artists and songwriters come together to form the melting pot of roots, folk, country, blues and soul-based music. Fall is the time where music comes alive in Nashville, do not be surprised if you see your favorite artist or songwriter pop up for an impromptu show during this time of year! 

Conclusion

Nashville is best enjoyed when you have an understanding of the city’s local scene and culture. Want to know about the coolest and hottest spots in Nashville? You can book a walking tour with us, where Joe Nashville provides recommendations for best Nashville spots and real local experiences. So, this fall, relax, regrow, and relish in the crimson hues of the city of Nashville. 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *