This Unsung Tennessee River City With Vintage Mansions, Caverns, And Garden Trails Feels Like A Fairytale

Just under 80 miles from Nashville, you'll find an underrated Tennessee city that makes for an exciting vacation destination all its own. The southeastern city of McMinnville, located just an hour and a half from Nashville International Airport, sits at the edge of three scenic rivers in the foothills of the Cumberland Plateau. Its vibe shifts from Nashville's bustling energy to an outdoorsy paradise filled with hiking trails, waterfalls, caverns, gardens, and historic homes.

Step into a fairytale with a visit to the vintage Falcon Rest Mansion, built in 1896 and surrounded by five acres of gardens. Guests can tour the historic mansion, browse the gift shop for souvenirs, and have lunch in the tea room. Afterward, stroll through the surrounding trails to see trees planted more than a century ago, along with newer specimens from local nurseries — a reflection of why McMinnville has earned the nickname "Nursery Capital of the World." The area's ideal soil and climate have helped more than 400 nurseries flourish.

The historical and unique trees don't end there, though. One in particular comes with its own legend. The Birthing Tree, a massive 81-foot-tall white oak with a 130-foot canopy, was once a meeting place for travelers from other cities and is now a beloved local landmark. It earned its name from stories of people giving birth at the tree. Around the city, you'll find even more fascinating landmarks, outdoor attractions, and scenic river views — all part of why this region is a recommended stop on nature-filled road trips through Tennessee's majestic mountains.

Many places in Tennessee offer hidden waterfall havens with majestic views, and just outside McMinnville, Rock Island State Park is no exception — this 883-acre escape features trails of varying difficulty and stunning waterfalls tucked within the Caney Fork River Gorge. One of the best-known is the 30-foot Great Falls. Another, Twin Falls, is the park's tallest — more than twice the height of Great Falls — with water spilling from the gorge 80 feet down into the Caney Fork River. It's easily accessible by one of the trails. If you prefer biking to hiking, the 28-mile Rock Island Loop offers a scenic and active way to explore the park and its surroundings.

Aside from the waterfalls, another easy way to enjoy a water view is by visiting Riverfront Park, which sits along the shores of the Barren Fork River. Here, you can eat at one of the picnic areas, fish from one of the piers, or play volleyball. There's also a trail that runs along the river. To get even closer to the water, head out onto one of the local rivers with an easy kayak or tubing tour from Smooth Rapids. The company also offers a large campground for those looking to pitch tents instead of opting for indoor accommodations.

Tennessee is home to 10,000 caves and caverns, and the state's largest show cave, Cumberland Caverns, is just under a 25-minute drive from Rock Island State Park. This U.S. National Natural Landmark was discovered in the 1800s and features more than 27 miles of awe-inspiring caverns, which guests of varying experience levels can explore through a variety of tours, including an overnight adventure.

Head to Main Street near Riverfront Park to find delicious eats and unique shops. For breakfast, dig into a southern meal at the rustic Cumberland Biscuit Company. Come lunchtime, continue the southern goodness with a visit to Collins River BBQ & Cafe, where the baby back ribs, fried green tomatoes, and fruit cobblers will have your mouth watering. Another great lunch option is just a few blocks away at the Depot Bottom Country Store, a hidden gem known for its homemade sandwiches. For an upscale dinner, grab craft food and drinks at The Local on Morford, where the ambiance matches the upscale quality of the meal. To cook your own tasty dishes, pick up fresh produce at the nearby McMinnville Farmers Market Pavilion.

The downtown area also offers a range of afternoon activities, including a tour of the Black History Museum and a visit to McMinnville's oldest residence, The Black House. In addition to educational experiences, you can enjoy an afternoon of shopping at stores like the Evelyn Taylor Avenue boutique and the antique shop The Vintage Market.

When it comes to staying in town, if camping at the Smooth Rapids campground isn't your style, there are more traditional places to stay. A few chain hotels are available, including a Hampton Inn. Many homeowners also rent out their properties on Airbnb, giving visitors a chance to feel right at home in McMinnville. Another unique option is staying at Falcon Rest, which features the Falcon Manor Bed & Breakfast on its grounds. Four guest suites are available, each decorated to match the historic style of the mansion.