The temperatures are starting (slowly) to drop, and we can feel autumn approaching. It’s a magical time of year – the hills of Nashville are exploding with color, the pumpkin patch is filling with families, and the breweries are booming.
- We’re very excited and wanted to share some of our favorite ways to celebrate this wonderful season the Nashville way.
1. Plan a day of fall fun at Gentry’s Farm
The Franklin Family Farm has plenty of pumpkin picking, as well as putt-putt, corn mazes, wagon rides, animals, a nature trail, swings, and other activities for the kids.
- Hours are 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday in October.
- Admission is $10 per person at the door.
2. Go look at the leaves
If you don’t feel like hiking, a short drive down the Natchez Trace is a wonderful way to soak up the beauty of the season, while screaming Taylor Swift (the Sad girl autumn version) from the comfort of your car.
Here are some of the best places to admire the fall foliage.
3. Spend a weekend in Franklin for the Musical and cultural festival of pilgrimage
Chris Stapleton and Brandi Carlile headline this year’s festival, which runs September 24-25 and features more than 50 artists.
- Other attractions include the Lil’ Pilgrims stage for kids, a village/marketplace to relax between sets, food and drink vendors like the Farm to Turntable food truck, and shops.
- Tickets starting at $159 for one-day passes, $219 for two-day passes, and $989 for an all-weekend VIP experience.
4. Go pumpkin picking
You can cross several items off your fall bucket list at Jackson’s Orchard and Nursery. In addition to pumpkin and apple picking, it offers wagon rides, a petting zoo, pony rides, and festive foods like caramel apples.
5. Promote your favorite authors on Southern Book Festival
The 34th annual festival is back in person after two years of virtual celebrations. The free event runs from October 14-16. and features live performances, food trucks, and over 60 publishers and booksellers.
6. Lean into the spooky season at Gaylord Opryland Resort
This Year’s Goblins & Giggles programming includes scavenger hunts with Spookley the Square Pumpkin, treat games, pumpkin exhibits, a haunted escape room, a spooky riverboat ride, a seasonal speakeasy (ages 21 and up), and a Monster Mash Bash.
7. See the pumpkin houses at Cheekwood
Expect a pumpkin village with three pumpkin houses and other fall decor throughout the garden from today until October 30. (1200 Forrest Park Drive)
💭 Adam’s thought bubble: Cheekwood Subscriptions are one of my mom’s go-to gift ideas, and if you’re a frequent visitor, it quickly becomes a bargain. It’s a wonderful place to unwind with a new book or your favorite album on repeat.
8. Take a road trip to Chattanooga
Chattanooga is about two hours from Nashville, nestled in the Appalachian foothills. You can:
9. Cheer on the Titans
Go ahead and block on Sunday, Nov. 27, when the Titans host the Bengals for a rematch.
