Road Trips: Roads Less Traveled

1.  HACHLAND HILL
Sitting just 25 minutes from Nashville is Hachland Hill, 80 acres of rustic beauty with a charming historic inn and restaurant. BYOB for a drink on the porch and a great farm-to-table meal from chef/owner Carter Hach, grandson of illustrious cookbook author and food writer Phila Hach. Don't want to leave? Stay the night and head out with a complimentary breakfast the next morning. hachlandhill.com

2.  THE RED BYRD
Take a drive to or through Leipers Fork and stop for a Lavender Latte at The Red Byrd, an adorable "tiny house" manned by musicians turned baristas Sadie and Kyle. Browse at The Copper Fox, get a fantastic sandwich at the Leipers Fork Market next to The Red Byrd, and stay at the Pot N' Kettle Cottages for a staycation. theredbyrd.com  

3.  MORNING GLORY ORCHARD
Few things say fall like fresh apples. Head out to Morning Glory Orchards, a second-generation farm in Nolensville, for a picnic amongst the trees every Friday and Saturday from 5:30 - 7:30, complete with charcuterie boards from The Grazing Table Nashville. Reservations required. morninggloryorchard.com

4.  COTTON JUNCTION TRAIL
Teapots to sweet spots, get ready for a rural journey through West Tennessee, named for the hypnotic beauty of the region's signature cotton fields in early fall. It's dotted with amazing stories, historic landmarks, and unique sights. tnvacation.com

5.  BEAMAN PARK NATURE CENTER, ASHLAND CITY
With a location off the beaten path in Ashland City, this pristine 1700+ acre park stays quiet and less traveled. Hike the red trail at the top or wind up the yellow trail from the Nature center at the bottom. Stop at Old School Farm for some local produce on the way home. nashville.gov

6.  PERCY WARNER PARK
Trails abound at this double park that bridges Belle Meade, Bellevue, and Brentwood. Walk the paved loop in the Edwin Warner side and amaze at the moss-covered old stone wall built in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) which employed millions of job-seekers to carry out public works projects. warnerparks.org

7.  GRINDER'S SWITCH WINERY
Surrounded by 110 acres of trees and beautiful vistas, this family-run historic winery is located in the heart of middle Tennessee, in the rolling countryside of Hickman County. The tasting room is located in a log cabin built by owners Joey and Gail Chessor. Pack a lunch and grab some wine for a picnic on the grounds of the cabin, then check out the 7 acres of vineyards down the road. gswinery.com

8.  FOSTER FALLS
Nestled in South Cumberland State Park between Nashville and Chattanooga is one of Tennessee's many stunning waterfalls, Foster Falls. View it from the famed 13-mile-long Fiery Gizzard Trail. nashville.gov