Will You Go The
DISTANCE?
An epic adventure awaits you and your friends on the Tennessee Whiskey Trail.
With over thirty possible stops, and criss crossing over 800 miles of beautiful Tennessee landscape, let’s just say that this is an adventure of a lifetime! Taking your sweet time could stretch this trip out to two or even three weeks, so plan accordingly. The following itinerary starts in Nashville, heads east to the Knoxville and Smoky Mountain area, then south through Chattanooga and due west through Middle Tennessee, and finally on to Memphis. For an alphabetical list of all the distilleries on this journey, visit the distilleries directory.
Days 1-3 | Nashville Area
Nashville is a lively hub for everything music. The city is home to the Grand Ole Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, and Johnny Cash Museum, as well as dozens of rollicking live music venues on Honky Tonk Row sounding everything from country to jazz. After arriving and checking into your hotel, you’ll no doubt have a hankering for some good Nashville grub. In the mood for some local fast-casual? Try Nashville’s world-famous hot chicken at Party Fowl or Hattie B’s or some “Nashville-style” BBQ at Edley’s or Martin’s. And what better to wash that down with than some good old fashioned Tennessee Whiskey from Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery, Tennessee Legend or Corsair Distillery’s in Marathon Village? Just a bit farther south in Berry Hill is Big Machine Distillery & Tavern Nashville location, where you can sample their moonshines and whiskeys in a variety of flavors.
Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery is the revival of a pre-prohibition era family distillery that dates back to the mid-1800s. Tours at Nelson’s Green Brier includes fascinating insights about the family’s storied past and resurrection of the age-old family distillery. Corsair Distillery, now with two locations, was founded by two childhood friends turned innovative distillers with pioneering flavor profiles like quinoa, tarragon and hibiscus. No trip to Nashville would be complete without a stroll down Honky Tonk Row. Soak in the lively sights and sounds emanating from the live music venues along Broadway before turning in for the night.
After a night on the town, you might be on the hunt for a hearty Southern breakfast. Try one of Nashville’s favorite hot-spots for some scratch made biscuits ‘n’ gravy and down-home country cookie’. After breakfast, you can spend the day checking out some of Nashville’s many famous music venues, such as the Ryman Auditorium or Grand Ole Opry or explore even more of what the Nashville music scene has to offer with trips to the Country Music Hall of Fame, Musicians Hall of Fame, or Johnny Cash Museum.
To soak in every distillery greater Nashville has to offer, head northwest to Clarksville, just over a 30 minute drive from downtown Nashville, to check out Old Glory Distilling Co., a small batch artisan distillery right off of Interstate 24. Before dinner, stop by one of Nashville’s newest distilleries, Nashville Barrell Co. or Nashville Craft Distillery. Another newcomer to Nashville is Ole Smoky Distillery, who has opened up a small distillery and tasting room in the SoBro area of downtown.
Days 4-5 | Knoxville Area
Ready to explore even more of the state? Leaving the Williamson County region, drive east along Tennessee’s back-road highways for a pit stop at another small batch distillery, Short Mountain Distillery. Short Mountain is a great place to get a taste of organic Tennessee Whiskey or authentic Tennessee Moonshine along with lunch at their All-American style café serving up organic mash-fed beef burgers, fried chicken and waffles, and a one-of-a-kind moonshine brownie to top it all off.
Continue heading east toward Knoxville, the state’s third largest city behind Nashville and Memphis. But just before Knoxville, you’ll want to do a quick jog north near the tiny town of Petros, TN and home to Brushy Mountain Distillery, located on the grounds of one of America’s most infamous maximum security prisons. But no worries, the felons are long gone and in their place you’ll find some whiskey distillers making authentic Tennessee white whiskey, among many other craft spirits.
Settle in for the night near Market Square or Gay Street for a lively evening filled with music, scrumptious cuisine and a good dose of Southern hospitality. Make time to stop by the tasting room at Knox Whiskey Works near the heart of all the action in downtown Knoxville. You can sample four of their locally produced spirits, or kick back with some of their award-winning Old City Heirloom Corn Whiskey.
Just down the street, be sure to check out PostModern Distilling, an innovative, locally owned new distillery located in the historic Jackson Terminal. Specializing in spirits for the modern consumer. Crafting authentic yet edgy spirits for both experienced drinkers as well as those new to the spirits market. PostModern Distilling features an innovative tasting room and manufacturing facility on site, as yet another destination for locals and visitors to experience something new, from tastings and tours offered along with special events and activities at the nearly 4,000 square foot facility.
Day 6 | Sevierville
Keep heading east toward Sevierville by way of “Thunder Road”, a historic route that got its nickname as part of an undercover operation to nab moonshiners illegally producing that “good old mountain dew” during prohibition. Stop by Old Tennessee Distilling Co., a distillery that pays homage to the legendary route and the whiskey runners’ spirit that inspired its namesake.
In Sevierville, you’ll find another distillery that is producing some amazing spirits. Tennessee Legend Distillery offers smooth, flavorful Tennessee whiskies and classic white lightning moonshine, which capture the legendary recipes of the mountains with their distinct flavors.
Enjoy the Great Smoky Mountains in Sevierville. Located in the foothills of America’s visited national park, Sevierville is within a day’s drive of over half the nation’s population. You’ll soon discover why Smithsonian Magazine named Sevierville one of its “20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2015. Your next stop can be Hartford, TN for a taste of Bootleggers Distillery’s whiskey, which may just be the smallest batch distillery in the nation with its small-batch products brewed in 25-gallon stills. Or, you can always catch this distillery on your way out of Gatlinburg, TN by way of the Foothills Parkway.
Day 7 | Pigeon Forge
Once you get to Pigeon Forge, be sure to check out the Old Forge Distillery in The Old Mill area of town. These connoisseurs of great whiskey grind their own grains and use old-fashioned methods of distilling to craft some truly remarkable spirits. Since you’re on the cusp of the Smoky Mountains, trying some of the locally crafted moonshine is a must. If you’re brave enough, try some of their 1830 Original Unaged Corn varietal. It’s distilled with pure, local Smoky Mountain spring water which yields a slightly sweeter, smooth and well-balanced finish. After a few samples, hit the historic Old Mill Restaurant and shops next door, an 1830s-era gristmill on the banks of the Little Pigeon River transformed into a unique dining and shopping destination.
Still thirsty? Head over to the The Island in Pigeon Forge, a popular destination with many choices for entertainment, dining, shopping and lodging. Right along the entrance of the Island is the 6,000-square foot Ole Smoky Barn Distillery, that includes an onsite still and a tasting bar, with live bluegrass music performing on the outdoor stage daily. Want to stretch your legs and get some fresh air? Head to Dollywood, named for the iconic country crooner, Dolly Parton. It’s a lot like Disneyland but with a lot more twang and Southern charm. The theme park boasts gasp-worthy roller-coasters, endless shows and entertainment opportunities plus a water park to boot.
Day 8 | Gatlinburg
If you’re ready for a little more adventure, take the short 7.5-mile trip to Gatlinburg. It’s home to some of the most unique eateries, attractions, and distilleries around, as well as stunning mountain scenery any time of year. Take a stroll along the main parkway to soak in the eccentric sights and sounds of downtown Gatlinburg. Right along the main drag are stops at Ole Smoky Distillery’s “The Holler” famous for its crisp Apple Pie Moonshine and Ole Smoky Mountain Java Moonshine, or stop by the Ole Smoky Distillery Barrel House, with plenty of spirits to taste like its Ole Smoky Salty Caramel Whiskey; and Sugarlands Distilling Company, specializing in one-of-a-kind flavors like Tickle’s Dynamite Cinnamon, Maple Bacon and Dark Chocolate Coffee Cream.
Day 9 | Chattanooga
Now, put the car in drive and head southwest to Chattanooga, a beautiful city that is set along the Tennessee River in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Chattanooga is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream locale with rock climbing, hiking and white water rafting action abound. Check out some of the area’s popular attractions. While you’re downtown, plan to spend some time at neighboring Trail distilleries Chattanooga Whiskey Co. (formerly Tennessee Stillhouse) and Gate Eleven, a micro-distillery and tasting room. Spend the afternoon shopping downtown or head to North Shore, a hip, yet historical district just north of the river. For those with a slight sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out the MoonPie General Store – a perfect stop for souvenirs for friends and family members back home!
Day 10-11 | Lynchburg & Tullahoma
Leaving Chattanooga and heading west, you’ll find more hidden countryside gems around Tullahoma, TN. Start your day at the George Dickel Distillery hidden away in Cascade Hollow surrounded by 600 protected acres of forest and crystal-fresh springs. Since 1870, the distillery has been faithful to the recipe George A. Dickel created and perfected and they continue to craft George Dickel Whisky just as it was made then — Handmade the Hard Way. You’ll see grains being mashed, watch the spirit come off the stills, and the chill-charcoal mellowing process that gives Dickel that extra bit of smoothness. While you’re in the area, stop by the world-famous Jack Daniel Distillery in Lynchburg. Be sure to make time for their 1.5-hour Angel’s Share Distillery Tour. You’ll hear stories about their history and sample some of their limited-edition single barrel whiskeys.
Heading south from Lynchburg, you’ll soon find Prichard’s Distillery in Kelso, TN, where they’re bottling many fine rum and whiskey varieties. Just an hour’s drive northwest (and headed in the direction of Memphis) is Tenn South Distillery, a perfect spot to try some of Tennessee’s best hand-crafted, small-batch artisan spirits, which are entirely produced and finished on-site.
Just an hour’s drive northwest (and headed in the direction of Memphis) is Tenn South Distillery, a perfect spot to try some of Tennessee’s best hand-crafted, small-batch artisan spirits, which are entirely produced and finished on-site.
Day 12 | Williamson County
Heading North from Lynnville, TN, you’ll definitely want to make a stop in the historic towns of Franklin and Leiper’s Fork — home to some of the Civil War’s most dramatic battles that offer a rare glimpse into America’s storied past. Start the morning with a fresh hot coffee at one of Franklin’s charming coffee shops, then take a stroll around Franklin’s main square — a picturesque, 16-block area filled with boutique shops, bistros, and the historic Franklin Theatre. Spend the early afternoon sightseeing at historic venues, including Carnton Plantation and The Carter House, both of which were home to dramatic battle scenes during the Civil War and open daily for guided tours.
If you’re in the mood for some hand-crafted whiskey in a quiet, yet vibrant, town, head over to Leiper’s Fork Distillery – a destination that focuses on bringing back the lost art of small-batch distillation using premium, local ingredients. Just a mile west is downtown Leiper’s Fork, a charming stop where you can find farmers, tourists, songwriters, and country music stars alike roaming the streets. In the heart of downtown Leiper’s Fork is a 1950s restaurant and store called Puckett’s, which offers lively music and Southern staples from its kitchen and country store that is worth a visit.
Another gem amid the rolling hills and pastoral countryside is H Clark Distillery in Thompson’s Station, where their aim isn’t to make a lot of spirits, but to make a few really good ones. Be sure to try one of their small-batch creations that pays homage to the state of Tennessee, including its Tennessee Bourbon, Tennessee Dry Gin, Tennessee Rye Whiskey, Tennessee Black & Tan, New Whiskey and other seasonal spirits. For dinner, you have plenty of restaurants to choose from throughout Williamson County. From upscale eateries in downtown Franklin to a historic farm-to-table dining experience in Thompson’s Station, there’s no shortage of quality food around town.
Day 13 | Memphis
For the last leg of your journey, make time to spend a couple of days amid the blues-filled streets of Memphis. With so many attractions, museums, restaurants and breweries, there is no shortage of activities to pair with some good Tennessee whiskey. Start your day with a guided tour of Graceland, a 13.8-acre estate that Elvis used to call home or check out the Memphis Rock & Soul Museum to learn about the evolution of rock, soul and the musical pioneers who made it all possible. While you’re in the neighborhood, stop by the Gibson Guitar Factory where you can watch these incredible instruments being made by hand.
Once you’ve experienced Memphis’ musical roots, grab some lunch for some mouthwatering fare. To truly experience the Memphis vibe, head over to the Arcade Restaurant, the oldest diner in Memphis for some home cooking. Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken is also a popular spot. Be sure to have some sweet tea handy. They serve it hot and spicy. To wet your whistle, head over to Old Dominick Distillery near the banks of the Mississippi River for some new artisanal spirits. This family run distillery focuses on Tennessee-style whiskey and is housed in a 1920s-era warehouse that has been beautifully renovated to include two tasting rooms, 10,000 square feet of event space, and a 5,000-square-foot restaurant in the enormous 54,297-square-foot facility.
No Memphis experience would be complete without strolling down Beale Street where the party is always humming. Live music spills out of bars and restaurants all day and it’s a great way to experience the city’s vibrant personality. Another interesting area to explore is Overton Square. It’s a hub for some of the best restaurants in town and is home to Lafayette’s Music Room. To wind down after a busy day, stop by Central BBQ for some Memphis-style dry rub ribs and hot chicken wings. Or, if you’re in the mood for something different, Hog N’ Hominy might be more your style. They offer Southern-influenced Italian dishes and cocktails. Other notable options include Sweetgrass for farm to table Southern fare and Next Door which offers craft beers and eclectic comfort food. For something a little more sophisticated, Acre Restaurant is a local favorite for foodies. They offer modern American cuisine and hand-crafted cocktails.
Day 14 | Departure
We hope you enjoyed your experience on the TN Whiskey Trail! Throughout your adventure, we hope you have gathered a few bits of whiskey wisdom, a taste of Tennessee’s rich culture and storied history, and built a lifetime of memorable experiences along the way. Y’all come back now, ya hear!
Complete Tennessee Whiskey Trail Map »
Complete Tennessee Whiskey Distillery Directory »
More Trips & Trail Routes
