10 Easy Road Trips Near La Vergne, Tennessee (All Outside Rutherford County)
If you live in
La Vergne, Tennessee and you’re itching to explore a little beyond home, you’re in luck. Within about an hour’s drive, you’ll find waterfalls, small-town squares, live music, caves, and countryside views that feel a world away from your daily routine.
The best part? Every spot on this list is
outside Rutherford County, in nearby counties like Davidson, Williamson, Wilson, Bedford, Coffee, Cannon, and Marshall. So if you’re trying to branch out and find new things to do near La Vergne, these short road trips are a perfect start.
1. Nashville Honky-Tonks & Broadway (Davidson County)
It’s hard to talk about
day trips from La Vergne without starting with Nashville. Just about 20–30 minutes northwest, downtown
Nashville is where you go when you want energy, music, and lights all at once.
Walk along
Broadway and you’ll hear live music pouring out of almost every door. You don’t even have to step inside a honky-tonk to enjoy it—you can just stroll, people-watch, and soak up the vibe.
- Check out rooftop bars for skyline views.
- Pop into boot shops even if you’re just browsing.
- Walk across the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge for river and city views.
If you’ve never spent a late afternoon watching the sun reflect off the downtown buildings while a country band plays in the background, you’re missing a classic Tennessee experience.
2. The Parthenon & Centennial Park (Davidson County)
For a more relaxed Nashville visit, head to
Centennial Park, just west of downtown. The star of the show here is the full-scale replica of the
Parthenon, which gives Nashville its nickname, the “Athens of the South.”
You can:
- Walk around the Parthenon and take photos on the steps.
- Have a picnic in the grassy areas or by the lake.
- Walk or jog the paved paths with downtown peeking over the trees.
If you have kids, there’s plenty of open space to run around. If you’re on a date, it’s a great place for a laid-back stroll before or after dinner in the city.
3. Historic Franklin’s Main Street Charm (Williamson County)
About 40–45 minutes west of La Vergne,
Franklin, Tennessee feels like a movie set in the best way. Its
historic downtown is known for tidy brick buildings, American flags waving on light posts, and cozy little shops that make you want to wander for hours.
Things to do in Franklin:
- Walk Main Street and window-shop boutiques and antique stores.
- Grab coffee at a local café and sit outside if the weather’s nice.
- Visit nearby Civil War sites to learn about the area’s history.
It’s an easy afternoon trip from La Vergne when you want something charming and walkable, with plenty of places to eat and relax.
4. The Factory at Franklin (Williamson County)
A few minutes from downtown Franklin sits
The Factory at Franklin, a former industrial complex turned into a creative hub. If you like browsing, snacking, and exploring under one roof, this is your spot.
Inside you’ll find:
- Local shops and artisan goods.
- Bakeries and restaurants.
- Occasional markets, art shows, or small events.
It’s perfect for a rainy-day road trip from La Vergne—park once, wander around, and see where the day takes you.
5. Lebanon’s Historic Square (Wilson County)
Drive about 35–40 minutes northeast, and you’ll land in
Lebanon, Tennessee, in Wilson County. It’s a quieter, more local feeling day trip, but still has plenty of charm.
Around the
Lebanon town square you’ll find:
- Locally owned restaurants with classic Southern dishes.
- Antique and thrift shops packed with hidden gems.
- Seasonal festivals and events (especially around holidays).
If you’re the type who loves finding that one old book or unique home decor item at a small shop, Lebanon’s square makes a fun and relaxed half-day trip from La Vergne.
6. Cedars of Lebanon State Park (Wilson County)
A short hop past Lebanon brings you to
Cedars of Lebanon State Park, a great escape when you want tall trees and quiet trails instead of traffic and screens.
At this Tennessee state park you can:
- Hike short, family-friendly trails through cedar forests.
- Look for sinkholes and rock formations along the paths.
- Pack a picnic and use the park’s tables and open spaces.
If your idea of a perfect drive from La Vergne includes rolling windows down, turning up some music, and ending up in nature, this is a solid pick.
7. Tims Ford Lake & Tullahoma Area (Coffee County)
Head about an hour southeast into
Coffee County, and you’ll reach the
Tullahoma area and
Tims Ford Lake. This is one of those places where you can do as much—or as little—as you want.
Popular options include:
- Renting a boat or kayak and exploring the lake.
- Fishing from the shore or by boat if you’re into angling.
- Relaxing by the water and enjoying the view.
On a hot Tennessee summer day, getting out on the water feels like taking a mini-vacation without hopping on a plane.
8. Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg (Moore County, via Coffee/Bedford)
While Lynchburg is in Moore County (not one of the counties listed, but easily reached through Bedford or Coffee County), it’s such a classic
Middle Tennessee road trip that it’s worth the extra few miles.
The
Jack Daniel’s Distillery offers guided tours where you’ll:
- Learn how Tennessee whiskey is made.
- Walk through historic buildings and aging barrels.
- Spend time in the tiny but charming Lynchburg town square.
If you like history, stories, and a relaxed pace, this is a great all-day outing from La Vergne. Just be sure to plan a safe ride if you join any tasting experiences.
9. Small-Town Escape in Shelbyville (Bedford County)
About an hour south of La Vergne,
Shelbyville in Bedford County offers a slower pace that can feel refreshing after a busy week. It’s known for the
Walking Horse tradition, but even outside of the big events, there’s plenty to see.
Things to enjoy:
- Drive quiet country roads with pretty farmland views.
- Explore the town square and local diners.
- Check the calendar for horse-related events and local festivals.
If you grew up visiting small towns and miss that feeling, Shelbyville brings back that sense of community and simplicity.
10. Monteagle Mountain & Sewanee Views (Grundy/Franklin Counties via Coffee)
If you don’t mind stretching your “short drive” to about an hour and 15 minutes, heading southeast toward
Monteagle and
Sewanee is one of the most rewarding drives from La Vergne.
You’ll climb up the Cumberland Plateau, with sweeping views and cooler temperatures on top. Nearby highlights include:
- Scenic overlooks along the Monteagle area.
- Sewanee’s bluff views and stone campus buildings.
- Light hiking and photography spots that are great year-round.
If you’ve ever wanted a quick mountain feel without heading all the way to the Smokies, this is a nice taste of higher ground.
Bonus: Marshall & Cannon County Country Drives
While Marshall and Cannon counties are more rural, that’s part of their beauty. If you enjoy simply driving and seeing where roads lead, plan a loose route through towns like:
- Lewisburg (Marshall County) – quiet streets, local eateries, and fields stretching to the horizon.
- Woodbury (Cannon County) – small-town charm, rolling hills, and local shops around the square.
Sometimes the best short road trip from La Vergne is just you, your favorite playlist, and a back road that winds between farms, barns, and old churches.
Tips for Planning Your La Vergne Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from La Vergne smoother, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check driving times: Most of these spots are 20–75 minutes away, depending on traffic.
- Look up hours: Some attractions, shops, and tours have limited days or seasonal schedules.
- Pack a small bag: Water, snacks, phone charger, and a light jacket go a long way.
- Plan your meals: Decide if you want to pack a picnic or try local restaurants.
You don’t need a big budget or a week off to explore. A single afternoon can feel surprisingly refreshing when you point the car in a new direction.
What’s Your Favorite Road Trip from La Vergne?
Living in or near
La Vergne, TN means you’re surrounded by great places: Nashville’s music, Franklin’s history, Wilson County’s parks, Coffee County’s lakes, and quiet back roads in Bedford, Cannon, Marshall, and beyond.
Now I’m curious:
Where do you like to go when you want to escape for a few hours?
- Did I miss a hidden gem outside Rutherford County?
- Do you have a favorite restaurant in one of these towns?
- Which of these 10 road trips will you try first?
Share your thoughts in the comments—your tip might become someone else’s new favorite weekend drive.
And if you found this list helpful, please
share this post with friends and family in La Vergne and the surrounding area. You never know who’s looking for a simple, close-to-home getaway idea for next weekend.
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