10 Best Short Road Trips from Germantown, Tennessee for Weekend Getaways

on

10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips Near Germantown, Tennessee

If you live in or around Germantown, TN and you’re itching to get out of Shelby County for a day, you’re in a great spot. Within about an hour’s drive, you can cross into Arkansas, Mississippi, and other parts of Tennessee and find small towns, river views, outdoor adventures, and classic Southern food. This guide covers 10 short road trips from Germantown that all stay outside Shelby County. We’ll hop through:
  • Crittenden County, AR
  • Mississippi County, AR
  • DeSoto County, MS
  • Marshall County, MS
  • Fayette County, TN
  • Tipton County, TN
Each spot is close enough for a quick day trip, but fun enough that you’ll want to linger. So gas up the car, grab some snacks, and let’s hit the road.

1. West Memphis, Arkansas – Mississippi River Views & Casino Vibes

County: Crittenden County, AR Approx. drive from Germantown: ~35–45 minutes West Memphis is one of the easiest out-of-county trips from Germantown. Cross the river, and you’re in a totally different world.
  • Big River Crossing (Arkansas Landing) – Park on the Arkansas side and walk or bike the bridge over the Mississippi River. You’ll get long, wide-open views of the water and the Memphis skyline in the distance.
  • Southland Casino Hotel – If you’re into gaming or just people-watching, swing by for slots, table games, or a nice meal. Even if you’re not a gambler, the buzz inside is something to see once.
  • Levee drives – A simple drive along the levee can be surprisingly peaceful. Roll down the windows, feel the river breeze, and enjoy the open sky.
If you’ve been staring at screens all week in Germantown, that big stretch of river feels like a reset button.

2. Marion, Arkansas – Small-Town Stops & Delta Fields

County: Crittenden County, AR Approx. drive from Germantown: ~40–50 minutes Just a bit north of West Memphis, Marion has that classic small-town Delta feel.
  • Historic downtown Marion – Stroll past old storefronts, grab a coffee or ice cream, and poke around local shops. It’s low-key, but that’s the charm.
  • Delta drives – Head out on the backroads around town. The flat farm fields stretch out for miles. At sunset, the sky feels huge out here.
  • Local diners – This is where you’ll find plate lunches, fried catfish, and homemade pies. Ask locals where they eat; they usually don’t steer you wrong.
This is the kind of place where you slow down and remember that not every trip has to be packed with attractions to be good.

3. Dyess, Arkansas – Johnny Cash’s Boyhood Home

County: Mississippi County, AR Approx. drive from Germantown: ~1 hour 15–30 minutes For music lovers, Dyess is a must-do road trip from Germantown.
  • Historic Dyess Colony – This New Deal-era farming community was set up during the Great Depression. It’s like stepping back in time.
  • Johnny Cash Boyhood Home – The house where Cash grew up has been restored, and tours walk you through his early life, when he was just a farm kid in the Arkansas Delta.
  • Visitor center & exhibits – Learn how families came here with almost nothing and tried to build a new life from the ground up.
If you grew up hearing Johnny Cash on the radio, this trip hits a little deeper. Bring someone who loves country music or American history, and make a day of it.

4. Osceola, Arkansas – Blues, River, and Historic Court Square

County: Mississippi County, AR Approx. drive from Germantown: ~1 hour 10–25 minutes Osceola sits right on the Mississippi River and has a cool blend of small-town life and rich musical history.
  • Osceola Courthouse Square – The courthouse and surrounding buildings give off that classic Southern town vibe. Walk the square, snap a few photos, and explore local shops.
  • Blues & music heritage – Osceola has deep blues roots. Keep an eye out for historic markers that tell the stories of the musicians who passed through.
  • Riverfront views – Drive east toward the river. Even just a few quiet minutes watching barges roll down the Mississippi can be surprisingly calming.
If you like combining history, music, and a relaxed pace, Osceola pairs nicely with a stop in Dyess on the same day.

5. Southaven, Mississippi – Shopping, Family Fun, and Minor League Baseball

County: DeSoto County, MS Approx. drive from Germantown: ~35–45 minutes Southaven is one of the easiest short trips from Germantown, and it’s packed with things to do near Memphis without actually being in Shelby County.
  • Tanger Outlets Southaven – If you’re in the mood to shop, this outlet mall has a wide mix of brands. It’s a good place to knock out back-to-school or holiday shopping.
  • Minor league baseball (seasonal) – Depending on the time of year, catch a game at the local ballpark. Minor league games are usually cheaper and more laid-back than big-league ones. Kids can move around, and you can actually hear the crack of the bat.
  • Restaurants & chains – You’ll find plenty of familiar spots plus a handful of local joints. It’s easy to turn a quick shopping trip into a dinner date.
When you want something simple and convenient outside Shelby County, Southaven is an easy yes.

6. Olive Branch, Mississippi – Parks, Antiques, and Small-Town Charm

County: DeSoto County, MS Approx. drive from Germantown: ~25–35 minutes Olive Branch is one of those places that feels close enough for a quick coffee run yet different enough to feel like you’ve gone somewhere.
  • Old Towne Olive Branch – Stroll through the older part of town. You’ll find antique shops, boutiques, and a slower pace that’s perfect for a Saturday morning.
  • Local parks – Pack a picnic and enjoy an easy walk or a game of catch. Many parks have walking paths and playgrounds.
  • Seasonal festivals – From craft fairs to holiday events, Olive Branch often hosts community gatherings that feel very “small town America.”
If you’re looking for a low-stress date idea or a family-friendly afternoon, Olive Branch is a great choice.

7. Byhalia, Mississippi – Country Roads and Quiet Escapes

County: Marshall County, MS Approx. drive from Germantown: ~40–50 minutes Byhalia is the kind of place you go when you’re tired of traffic and noise.
  • Scenic drives – The country roads around Byhalia are made for windows-down drives. Rolling fields, patches of woods, and old barns give you that classic rural Mississippi feel.
  • Local eateries – Look for small BBQ or soul food spots. These are the places where the tea is sweet and the portions are huge.
  • Historic buildings – The town has a few older structures that hint at its past. Even just parking and walking a couple of blocks gives you a sense of the place.
This is a good road trip when you don’t need attractions; you just need peace and some open road to clear your head.

8. Holly Springs, Mississippi – Historic Homes and a Touch of Old South

County: Marshall County, MS Approx. drive from Germantown: ~1 hour Holly Springs is rich with history and Southern architecture. It makes a nice, slightly longer day trip from Germantown.
  • Historic downtown – Walk the square, browse antique shops, and grab lunch at a local café.
  • Old homes & churches – Holly Springs is known for its historic houses and church buildings. If you enjoy old architecture, you’ll love wandering the streets here.
  • Nearby nature spots – Just outside town you’ll find country roads, fields, and small lakes that are perfect for a quick scenic drive.
If you enjoy places like Franklin or Natchez, Holly Springs gives you a smaller, quieter version of that experience.

9. Somerville, Tennessee – Fayette County Courthouse Square & Country Feel

County: Fayette County, TN Approx. drive from Germantown: ~45–55 minutes Head east from Germantown and you’ll reach Somerville, a laid-back county seat with a classic courthouse square.
  • Fayette County Courthouse Square – Park the car and walk the square. Old buildings, local shops, and the courthouse itself create a picture-perfect small-town center.
  • Local diners & meat-and-threes – Dig into fried chicken, mashed potatoes, and banana pudding. This is comfort food country.
  • Backroads & farms – Drive a few miles in any direction and you’re in pure rural Tennessee. It’s a nice change from suburban traffic patterns.
If you’ve ever said, “I just want to go somewhere simple today,” Somerville is that place.

10. Covington, Tennessee – Historic Downtown and Tipton County Heritage

County: Tipton County, TN Approx. drive from Germantown: ~1 hour Covington is a friendly small town north of Shelby County with a proud local history.
  • Historic downtown Covington – Browse local shops, admire the old storefronts, and maybe grab a coffee or milkshake while you walk.
  • Tipton County Museum & park area – Learn about local history, including military heritage and regional stories, then stretch your legs on the grounds outside.
  • Seasonal events – From small festivals to parades, Covington loves a community gathering. If you time it right, you might catch live music or a local fair.
Covington is far enough from Germantown to feel like a true outing, but close enough that you can be back home by dinner.

Tips for Planning Your Germantown Road Trips

To make the most of these short road trips near Germantown, keep a few simple tips in mind:
  • Check hours before you go – Small-town museums, shops, and diners sometimes close early or aren’t open every day.
  • Travel off-peak – Leaving after rush hour or going on a Saturday morning can save you a lot of time and stress.
  • Pack a simple “car kit” – Water, a light jacket, phone charger, and maybe a small cooler for drinks and leftovers.
  • Mix and match stops – Pair Dyess with Osceola, or Olive Branch with Southaven, to build your own custom day trip.
You don’t need a full vacation to feel like you’ve been away. Sometimes a 40-minute drive is all it takes.

Share Your Favorite Spots Near Germantown

Now it’s your turn.
  • Have you taken any of these out-of-county day trips from Germantown?
  • Do you have a favorite small-town café, park, or scenic drive in these counties?
Drop your recommendations, stories, or questions in the comments so other readers can discover new places too. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with friends and family who are looking for easy road trip ideas near Germantown, Tennessee. The next great little adventure might be just down the road.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

Comments

Post a Comment